It might be cold where you are right now but spring will get here in time and with that change of season there will come the seasonal allergies. For those who suffer from these allergies, that will mean a lot of sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion. You can take medications to minimize the effects of seasonal allergies but there isn’t a cure. You can also be proactive when it comes to keeping the dander away from your sinuses. Here’s how to get your home ready for allergy season:
Stay Inside During High Pollen Count Days
Pollen gets around. Those tiny particles can travel up to 50 miles which means living in the big city won’t protect you. Fortunately, there are many apps that provide pollen counts. On those days with higher than normal counts, you should try to stay indoors. That might not be practical but you can certainly limit your exposure by keeping the windows closed.
Shower Often
You might not be able to see the pollen but it will attach itself to your skin whenever you step outside. That’s what it is a good idea to shower when you get home. As for your clothes, those should be washed in hot water. Try to change when you get home, too.
Wash Your Sheets Once a Week
Aside from your office or work space, your bedroom is the one area where you spend the most uninterrupted time on a daily basis. This means you’ll want to wash your sheets at least once a week to prevent a build up of those floating pollen particles. You know things are bad if you’re sneezing in bed!
Vacuum More
All your rugs, furniture, pillows, drapes and anything else with a fabric can become a pollen magnate. And it’s not just pollen that can trigger your allergies but also the dust mites. This is why you want to increase your vacuuming frequency.
Crank Up the AC
When the pollen count is high, it is time to crank up the AC and keep the windows shut. While you’re at it, you should check if there are any air leaks in your home like cracks in the window or under doors. These should be plugged up.
Plug in a Dehumidifier
A humidifier can help with nighttime congestion because it “moisturizes the air.” Unfortunately, that is the exact same environment that dust mites flourish in. Instead, you’ll want to take the moisture out with a dehumidifier. If you live in a dryer county, then you could skip this step. You can also opt for a straight up air purifier.
