If you have hay fever it can be frustrating when your allergies are triggered in your own home but there’s one cleaning mistake you could be making that’s not helping. Hay fever is a common problem which can unfortunately make the spring and summer months feel a little miserable for sufferers and have a huge effect on everyday life.
Your cleaning habits could be making your allergies worse but don’t worry as there’s an easy fix. When we clean, we can sometimes end up further dispersing pollen, dust mites, and pet dander into the air, but knowing what to avoid can help to make a cleaner and healthier environment. Matthew Harrison at PriceYourJob.co.uk has provided some tips to help you ease your hay fever symptoms this season.
He says one common mistake people make is neglecting to regularly clean your bedding and upholstery.
Dust mites and pollen love to attach themselves and cling to mattresses, pillows, curtains, and sofas.
These allergens will then cause persistent symptoms, especially at night, leading to an uncomfortable and restless night’s sleep if not properly eliminated.
Washing your bedding is particularly important during hay fever season and should be done once a week in hot water.
It is also a good idea to use allergen-proof covers for mattresses and pillows. Vacuum and steam-clean upholstery regularly to remove dust and pollen and keep curtains clean and dust-free.
But this isn’t the only tip the expert shared. He also said you should make sure not to use any harsh or inappropriate cleaning products.
Many cleaning products contain chemicals that can irritate your breathing. This, of course, can worsen hay fever symptoms such as dry throat, coughing, and nasal congestion.
Vapours from harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can irritate sensitive airways and trigger allergic reactions, exacerbating symptoms rather than relieving them.
Keeping your home clean and dust-free is extra important during pollen season, but the key is in selecting the right products.
Instead, you should opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleaners – products that are labelled as hypoallergenic or made for sensitive skin are ideal.
Natural options such as vinegar and baking soda also work very well as they clean effectively without adding chemical irritants to the air.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your home space will be allergy-friendly.