Hay fever season: How to allergy proof your home and stop pollen and dust build-up

As trees flourish and pollen fills the air, people allergic through the United Kingdom are preparing for sneezing and itching.

But discomfort does not stop outside. Interior allergens such as mites, pet scales and mold spores can also make life miserable.

Fortunately, simple cleaning strategies can considerably reduce these allergens and create a healthier family environment.

Lynsey Crombie, This morning‘S’ Queen of Clean ‘offers expert advice on the effective resistance of your home.

Above all, it is important to dust regularly, she said.

“Wet sprinkling is much more effective in capturing dust – rather than simply dispersing it in the air.”

It recommends using a slightly damp and good quality microfiber fabric to trap the particles and prevent them from reinstalling.

This simple change in the dust technique can make a notable difference in allergens, she says.

Do not forget difficult to access areas

Dust can be placed on the shelves, plinths and luminaires. Ms. Crombie suggests using an empty nozzle for these difficult to access areas, as well as on furniture.

The plush rolls work “surprisingly well” on the lampshade, she says.

Meanwhile, an old makeup brush can be used to dust off delicate items, such as bulbs, ornaments and house plants.

A good way

Investing in a vacuum with a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particle air) is one of the best things you can do for an anti-allergy home, says Ms. Crombie.

“HEPA filters trap the fine particles, including mites, animal scales and pollen, rather than release them in the air.

“The regular vacuum cleaner (at least three to four times a week) is crucial to maintain an allergens without allergens, in particular the areas with high traffic such as home entrances where shoes, handbags and coats can bring pollen allergies with them.

And do not forget a vacuum cleaner in all directions during the floor and carpet vacuum, explains the cleaning expert.

“Go north to the south and east to the west, this way, you get into the carpet stack and collect all the allergies.”

She also says to remove large furniture such as sofas and beds. “Dust and debris tend to settle in these hidden areas and can worsen allergies when they are disturbed.

“The appearance of furniture, such as curtains and padding, should also be sucking regularly to eliminate integrated allergens – you can use your aspiration nozzle.”

Wash soft furniture

Regularly wash the cushion cover, launches and curtains on a hot cycle to eliminate mites and pets for pets, advises Ms. Crombie.

Unlock

“Tas of books, clothing and decorative items collect dust, trap animal scales and make cleaning much more difficult,” explains Ms. Crombie.

“The more clutter you have, the more allergens can settle, leading to sneezing, congestion and irritation.

“Keep the surfaces as clear as possible – less the clutter, the easier it is to clean!”

Clean your mattress and bedding

Your mattress and bedding can host mites and allergens, so regular cleaning is essential, says Ms. Crombie.

You should suck your mattress every few weeks to remove dust, skin flakes and other debris that can trigger allergies.

She also says to use good quality hypoallergenic mattresses and pillow protectors, who create a barrier against mites and other irritants.

“Wash your bedding, including sheets, pillowcases and duvets, at least once a week in hot water (60 ° C or more) to effectively kill mites.”

Steam cleaning

“Steam cleaning is one in my favorite ways to clean and an excellent way to eliminate allergens without the need for rigorous chemicals,” explains Ms. Crombie.

“The high temperature of vapor effectively decomposes dirt, dust and smells, while keeping allergens such as mites, mold spores and bacteria at a distance.”

Steam cleaners can be used on a variety of surfaces, including carpets, furnishing fabrics, curtains and even mattresses, Ms. Crombie notes.

“As a bonus, steam cleaning also helps maintain a fresh house without using artificial scents that could trigger allergic reactions.”

Manage animal scales

If you have pets, keeping allergens under control can be a challenge.

The regular grooming and bathing of your animal can considerably reduce the amount of squams they lose, explains Ms. Crombie.

“Designate areas without pets in your home, especially in the bedrooms, to minimize exposure to allergens.”

“Frequently wash the pet bedding and the vacuum cleaner where your animals spend the most time,” she continues.

“The use of an air purifier with a HEPA filter can also help trap the hair and scenarios for pets, improving air quality. “”

Minimize pollen inside

During the allergies season, pollen can easily find its way in your home, warns Ms. Crombie.

To minimize the exhibition, she says to keep the windows and the doors closed at high number of pollen The days, especially in the morning and at the start of the evening, when the pollen levels are the highest.

If you were outside, she suggests changing your clothes and showering to remove pollen from your skin and hair before relaxing inside.

In addition, using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can also help capture airport pollen, reducing its impact inside your home, she said.

“Wash the curtains and regularly dust the blinds will prevent pollen from setting up on these surfaces.”