Spring is now in full swing and so is the pollen! Since it’s the peak of allergy season, many of us struggle with the constant battle of keeping pollen out of our homes; the sniffling, sneezing, and itchiness whether we’re indoors or out. Despite our best efforts, pollen can sneak inside the house in numerous ways. In this post we’ll go over some of the most common reasons pollen enters your home and what you can do to stop it going forward.
Opening Windows and Doors
Spring comes with comfortable weather that’s crisp and breezy without the winter chill, so it’s understandable that so many love to let the season in during this time. However, leaving doors and windows open can allow pollen to enter and pollute inside air. Here are a few ways to let in the Spring freshness while minimizing pollen.
- Use pollen-specific screens: Some companies offer specialized pollen filters or screens that you can attach to your windows or doors. These are designed to trap the smallest allergen particles, unlike regular screens.
- Open windows during low pollen times: Pollen levels are usually lower during early mornings or after rain. You can check your local pollen count (through weather apps or websites) to determine the best times to keep windows open without letting too much pollen inside.
- Place a Damp Cloth on Windowsills: Placing a damp cloth along the edge of the window or door can help capture pollen as it tries to enter, preventing it from circulating inside.
Clothing & Shoes
Every time you go out, pollen follows. Pollen sticks to your clothing and shoes quickly when you’re outside, and when you enter your home, it can transfer onto furniture, carpets, and bedding. Although there’s no way to prevent this, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce the significant amount of pollen that attaches itself to you.
- Change outside or change inside ASAP: If possible, change into indoor clothes outside in a private area such as the backyard or in a designated area like the garage or entryway to avoid bringing pollen inside your living space. Once you’ve changed, put your outside clothes into the washer or have a designated closable basket ready when you walk in to dump clothes into to prevent pollen spread.
- Use a pollen-catching mat: Place a doormat or a special pollen-catching mat right inside your door to catch pollen from your clothes or shoes before it spreads into the home and make sure to clean it every few days during Spring.
- Wipe shoes before entering: If you must wear shoes inside, take a moment to wipe the soles of your shoes with a damp cloth or cleaning wipes (if it’s safe to do so for your shoe material) before stepping inside. This helps remove any pollen stuck to the bottoms.
Air Conditioning or Ventilation Systems
Air conditioning units, fans, or ventilation systems can bring pollen into your home if they aren’t properly filtered or cleaned. Luckily, this is an easy one to fix.
- Change filters often: Even high-quality filters need to be replaced regularly (typically every 1–3 months depending on your system and pollen levels). If you have a lot of pollen in your local area or you run your air conditioning frequently, you may need to consider replacing filters more often.
- Clean the ducts: Over time, dust and pollen can build up in the air ducts. If it’s a hassle to do so yourself, hire a professional to clean your air ducts regularly, ensuring that there is no buildup of allergens in the system.
- Use portable air purifiers: Use air purifiers in key rooms (such as bedrooms and living rooms) that are equipped with HEPA filters. These purifiers can help remove pollen from the air that might be circulating through your air conditioning system.
Pets Outdoor Time
Your fur babies, without a doubt, trap heavy amounts of pollen in their fur when they go outside, bringing it in when they come back. During the Spring, regular pet cleaning is crucial to stopping pollen invasion.
- Use pet wipes or a damp cloth: After your pet has been outside, especially during high pollen levels, use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes to gently wipe down their fur, paws, and belly. This helps remove pollen before they can bring it into the house.
- Vacuum pet areas regularly: Pollen can accumulate in places your pet spends time, like their bed or favorite spots on the couch. Vacuum these areas frequently or even daily to reduce allergy irritation.
- Frequent baths: During pollen season, bathe your pet more regularly to remove any pollen buildup from their fur. Be sure to consult your vet if you have any concerns about over-bathing.
With these strategies, you’ll be able to enjoy the season outside where it belongs, while keeping your home clean, healthy, and (almost) pollen-free.
