If you’re already sneezing, coughing, and wheezing, there are a few little-known precautions you can take to pollen-proof your house and relieve some of your symptoms
It’s estimated that more than 81 million people in the US live with hay fever, a reaction to pollen from weeds, grasses, and trees. The symptoms, such as itchy eyes and sneezing, are often treated with over-the-counter allergy medication and spending less time outdoors but sometimes your home can be just as hazardous.
If you’re already sneezing, coughing, and wheezing, there are a few little-known precautions you can take to pollen-proof your house and relieve some of your symptoms. The first solution is cleaning and dusting, which may sound obvious but you may need to change the way you do it – ditching your feather duster for something newer.
“Dust can be comprised of various particles, such as skin cells, hairs, fibers, pollen, and other environmental materials,” says Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid. “Using a microfiber cloth removes up to 99 percent of bacteria on surfaces and can be used without spraying furniture polish.”
Read more: Sign up to Mirror US’s SMS updates for the latest straight from the newsroom
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.
Using a slightly damp cloth instead of a feather duster will collect more dirt and pollen, rather than a duster moving it around. It’s also important to work from top to bottom, says Mock, as this will cause the particles to fall to the floor, so you can simply vacuum them up. When it comes to vacuuming, if pollen really is a problem for you it might be time to think about switching from carpets to hardwood floors.
Mock explains that often, outdoor elements like pollen, dirt, and pollution attach themselves to your clothes and shoes and hitch a ride into your home. If you don’t take shoes off when you enter a home it won’t take long before there’s a buildup in your carpets that’s much tougher to shift than hardwood floors or lino.
“High-traffic areas of the home, such as entryways, tend to see an accumulation of dust quickly because it’s an area frequently accessed by people and pets who track in outdoor particles like dirt and pollen, which contribute to the faster buildup,” she says. Mock also suggests using air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate-absorbing (HEPA) filters to capture outdoor dust particles, especially if you have allergies or respiratory problems.
In addition to stomping dust and pollen into your home, it’s always worth checking doors and windows for gaps. Mock says: “Check all the doors and windows in your home to make sure they are properly sealed,” Mock says. “Otherwise, dust is literally slipping in through the cracks.”
Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]
