Tips for Preventing Spring Allergies In Your Home

Every spring, the sun starts to reappear, the flowers begin to bloom again and allergies return to run rampant. In many areas of the United States, spring allergies begin in February and last until the early summer.

The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen. Pollen grains are small fragments released into the air from trees, grasses and weeds to fertilize other plants. When they find their way into the nose of someone who's allergic, they ignite the body's defense mechanisms. Naturally, indoor and outdoor allergens alike can cause a variety of different issues for families. Try preventing these spring allergies in your home by implementing these following tips.

Help & Protect Your Children

For children with mild symptoms, spring allergies can become a repetitive annoyance. In some circumstances, severe pollen allergies can affect kids' education while also limiting their time spent outdoors. When doing indoor activities, turning on your air conditioner to filter pollen from the air within your house is critical. Ultimately, the best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergen altogether. However, as seasons change, this can become increasingly difficult.

On days that are both dry and windy, it’s best to keep your children indoors. During spring allergy peak season, refrain from asking your child to do yard work or other outdoor chores. Be sure to remove and wash any clothing that your child has worn outside. When coming in from outside, have your child shower or bathe. Seeing an allergist to be properly diagnosed and discuss allergic triggers is also very helpful. These preventative tips can help reduce seasonal allergies year-round while creating the perfect home for your children.

Dust & Clean Different Surfaces

It’s also important to create a dusting routine to fight spring allergies. Routinely dusting throughout your home can help combat hidden dust mites and built up dirt. Like pollen, dust and mold particles are among the most common allergy culprits. When dusting, clean from top to bottom to avoid spreading dust on areas you just cleaned. Also, try to avoid just brushing the dust away with a feather duster or cloth. Try using damp microfiber cloths, as these will help trap the dust instead of just moving it around. Don’t forget to hit the isolated particles on your ceiling fans, blinds and even curtains.

Consistently cleaning all of your surfaces is also another great way to prevent hidden dust and bacteria. Staying neat and organized is a continuous process but can protect your home from the spread of allergens. Spend a few minutes every day tidying up the spots in your home where messes happen often. It’s also important to clean areas where there is less activity. In these areas, you can find even larger dust build up. Consistently cleaning your countertops, tables, kitchen surfaces and bathroom spaces will also be effective when preventing spring allergies.

Change Your HVAC Filters

Tiny pollen grains from landscaping, lawn care and grass cutting can find their way into your home and into your sinuses. Your HVAC system can sift out any dust or pet dander lurking in your home’s air ducts through its filter. When choosing and replacing a filter for your HVAC, use a high-efficiency furnace filter to reduce the number of allergens in your home. Switching your home's air filter every 90 days is ideal, and an easy way to remember this cadence is by following the pattern of seasonal changes.

If you find yourself noticing any issues with your HVAC, consider a full repair or replacement. This system is essential for regulating temperature, indoor air quality and overall comfort inside your home. In order to protect your most essential appliances, consider investing in a home warranty. More specifically, this plan can safeguard your HVAC unit from any natural wear and tear that can occur overtime. Take control of your indoor air quality by ensuring your home systems are not only functioning but performing to the best of their ability.

Vacuum Throughout Your Home

Another proactive way to protect yourself from spring allergies is to consistently vacuum certain spots in your home. Spring cleaning can feel like a hassle, but with the correct plan in place, it can be easy. Create a plan in which you decide exactly which spots to hit and when is the right time to hit them. Usually, morning is the best, but whenever you have free time will work as well. Review your current cleaning supplies and gather any new equipment that is necessary to complete the job. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will reduce the amount of dust that escapes back into the air while vacuuming.

Begin by vacuuming the ceiling fixtures including the ceiling lights, fans and vents, as well as the ceiling itself. Consistently vacuum your carpets– this flooring choice can build large amounts of dust and allergens over time. Do not forget to vacuum your furniture, underneath your furniture and especially cushions and pillows.

Keep Windows Closed & Regulate Humidity

When it starts to get warm outside, you may be tempted to open your windows to let in the refreshing air. However, to prevent potential allergies, it’s best to keep them closed to restrict pollen from seeping inside. As mentioned previously, spring lawn care like landscaping or grass cutting exposure can create indoor allergy issues for homeowners. When lawn care is implemented around your home, make sure to restrain the outdoor air flow.

If you have air conditioning, keep the windows closed to avoid pollen being blown inside. Keeping the interior temperatures cooler can also help prevent humidity. Naturally, humidity can create the most ideal environment for mold and dust mites to reside. Winter can make the air in your home dry, so use a humidifier to add moisture back to the air. Monitoring the humidity level in your home and keeping the levels below 50% will discourage mold growth and help reduce dust mites. You can use a hygrometer or simple humidity meter to monitor levels and use a dehumidifier if needed. Also, use a vent fan to remove any moisture that may be built up in your bathrooms and kitchen.

Conclusion

Living healthy at home is essential, but allergies will inevitably pose some challenges for homeowners. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your home and limit experiences with seasonal allergies. In order to find prosperity in your home this spring, consider these tips to keep your home safe from pollen, mold and other airborne allergens.