How to Spring Clean Your Spaces from Pollen and other Allergens

Doctors say keeping our spaces clean can help our sneezing and watery eyes.

It’s pollen season!  Runny noses combined with sinus congestions, sneezing, watery eyes have returned.  Doctors say keeping our homes clean of allergens can help.  Wash everything from rugs, curtains, throw pillows, bedding and blankets in hot water at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.  If it can’t be washed hot, dry at least 15 minutes above that temp.   Dry things indoors with a fan instead of outside where pollen can settle.   Wash with a fragrance-free detergent to cover your sensitivity basis.  Springtime weather brings more showers to the area and the temperatures are on the rise making a mold a potential problem.   Basements can be a target area for mold growth, monitor humidity levels and if above 50% consider getting a humidifier to dry out the area.   Your car is another place to watch for mold growth.   We spend an average of about 45 minutes in our vehicles, so change your air filter as recommended.  Dust everything!  From your shelves to your cable box, to the top of your books.  Ceiling and box fans often accumulate dust, cleaning these can prevent dust from circulating in your home.  Don’t forget about your car’s dashboard. It is another prime area for dust, wipe it down to cut down on allergens in your car.   Plan your outdoor time.  Peak pollen hours are between 10 am and 2 pm, staying inside can help, however, allergies should never limit your activities.  If your allergies are getting worse, schedule an appointment with our allergists and our doctors.