Spring has sprung, and unfortunately, so has the pollen season. Itchy eyes, a runny nose, and other pesky hay fever symptoms are a result of what's happening outside, but it's equally important to pay attention to what's going on inside.
Our home design and air quality experts reveal the seven simple steps to take in your abode to avoid aggravating your springtime allergies. With a few adjustments to your routine and abode, it won't feel so draining to stop and smell the flowers.
From opting for the best cleaning supplies on shelves to investing in the proper aids, our pros reveal their go-to pollen-proofing ideas.
Pollen season: 7 ways to pollen-proof your home
If you'd rather not keep the Kleenex so close, take the proper steps in your cleaning routine, bedtime routine, and beyond to avoid pollen season buildup at home so you can crack on with your spring home decor ideas in comfort.
1. Use silk pillowcases
Even if you're sinking into your best bedding and snoozing on the most comfortable pillows, you'll never get a solid night's sleep breathing in pollen.
After a busy day out and about, pollen is most likely to be transferred to your pillow and wreak havoc on your sleep.
"Silk bedding is often recommended for allergy sufferers due to its hypoallergenic properties and the way it repels common allergens," according to interior experts at NEXT. "Real silk fibers are coated with a protein known as fibroin. Fibroin repels dust mites, which are a major source of allergic irritation. Sericin also makes silk resistant to mold, fungus, and bacteria."
A simple switch from your typical cotton selections to silk pillowcases (such as the J JIMOO Store's Mulberry silk pillowcases rated 4.5 stars on Amazon and purchased 2000 times last month), which has natural hypoallergenic properties, could make a difference and ease your pesky springtime allergies and hopefully usher in a good night's rest.
2. Create a proper entryway
Small entryway trends are not only eye-catching and welcoming, but they're a necessary buffer, particularly when pollen season is at its peak.
"Create a stylish entryway near any external doors where shoes and outerwear can be removed and stored," says Jen Nash, head of design at Magnet. "This will prevent pollen from being brought far into the home. Functional solutions like coat racks and shoe benches can keep the area organized."
Pro tips for decluttering a small entryway are a step in the right direction. Invest in pieces like SONGMICS Shoe Rack from Amazon, separate outwear with a clothing rack, and keep accessories you take outdoors, such as umbrellas, tucked away.
Jen Nash is the head of design at Magnet, a renowned kitchen brand. She has expertise in countertops and cabinetry and is an industry expert.
3. Seal your windows
"Make sure the windows and doors around your home are sealed properly. This will prevent pollen from entering," Jen adds.
XFasten Transparent Door and Window Weather Stripping Tape on Amazon will close up gaps, but believe it or not, your curtain panels will do plenty of work, too, according to Jen.
"Hanging curtains or blinds over your windows provides an additional barrier against pollen. Choose a tightly woven fabric such as linen to effectively block pollen particles from entering."
4. Keep your HVAC system well-maintaned
"Regular care and maintenance of your HVAC system is important to avoid build-up, keep critical components clean, and provide a healthy, pollen-free environment for your family," says Tony Abate, vice president and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions.
This means ensuring the filters for your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation are free of any debris that can affect your springtime allergies. Our guide delves into how often to change your air filters, in case you've been wondering.
A certified indoor environmentalist, Tony Abate is the vice president and chief technology officer at AtmosAir Solutions. He specializes in HVAC, air quality testing and environmental analysis. His prior experience icnludes testing and designing air purification solutions for the US Army, JP Morgan Chase, Norwegian Cruise Lines, school districts, professional sports teams, and Fortune 500 companies.
5. Invest in an air purifier
Invest in one of the best air purifiers (air-purifying plants help, too) to keep things fresh as possible in your abode.
Place the air purifier in the rooms where you spend the most time," says Peter Mann, CEO and founder of Oransi. "Often, this is a bedroom. Consider features such as whether the unit goes completely dark so it doesn't disturb your sleep."
Additionally, you'll want to opt for one with HEPA filters, particularly when pollen season is in full swing.
"HEPA filters capture the smallest of particles and pollen," Peter adds. "Ensure the air purifier has sufficient air flow for your room size. Look for the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) and associated room size coverage. CADR represents the volume of clean air that the air purifier can produce. To see certified room coverages by model go to the EnergyStar.gov website."
Peter Mann is the CEO & Founder of Virginia-based Oransi, a leading electric motor technology company with a clean energy mission known for its efficient, intuitive, and reliable products for consumers, schools, organizations, and businesses. He also is the Chair of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers’ Air Cleaner Council.
6. Vacuum effectively
Yes, this is a major vacuum hack to prevent hay fever, so make sure you're cleaning accordingly and using a machine with a HEPA filter. Our best vacuum cleaners to buy in 2024 includes robot, cordless, handheld, and more — all tried and tested by us.
7. Clean regularly
While it's hard to resist spring cleaning hacks, don't just dust and scrub seasonally. Make sure you are regularly sprucing up around the house, particularly if you have pets, since you're likely to bring home pollen at any point when you leave the house.
Now that you have the indoor situation squared away, get ready to spend more time outdoors. The Home Depot Spring Black Friday Sale 2024 is here, and you'll want to grab these awesome small backyard discounts before items go out of stock.