Spring is finally here! The days are getting longer, the flowers are in full bloom, and there’s a fresh energy in the air.
But this season might not feel so magical if you’re among the many people in suffering from hay fever. Instead of enjoying the sunshine, you might be battling itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and endless sneezing fits.
The good news? With a few clever tweaks to your routine, you can keep those pesky allergens at bay and breathe a little easier this Spring. Let’s dive into some practical hacks to help you survive hay fever season!
What is hay fever?
Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is usually triggered by rising pollen levels. However, allergens don’t just stay outside. Pollen, dust, and even pet dander can sneak into your home and worsen your symptoms.
How to prevent hay fever in the Spring
While you can’t control the environment beyond your home, you can make a few lifestyle changes and home improvements to reduce exposure to allergens.
Stop allergens at the door
One of the easiest ways to reduce pollen, dust, and allergen exposure is by stopping it at the door. Removing shoes before entering prevents these from spreading throughout your home, and having sturdy doormats inside and out will help trap even more allergens.
Keeping outdoor clothing separate, perhaps in a designated storage space near the entrance or a coat hanger, further reduces the risk of pollen spreading indoors.
Reduce indoor pollen exposure
Pollen, dust, and other allergens often enter homes through open windows, clinging to clothes and settling on surfaces.
Make vacuuming a habit—especially on carpets and rugs, where pollen loves to hide. Curtains and blinds are also major dust magnets, so regular cleaning can stop allergens from building up and floating around your home.
Improve indoor air quality
A clean home isn’t just about dusting and vacuuming—it’s also about improving the air you breathe. Using a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture and prevent mould growth, which can worsen allergy symptoms.
Your bed is also a hotspot for allergens, so wash your bedding regularly at high temperatures to help get rid of pollen and dust mites. Don’t forget about your mattresses and upholstery! A deep clean every six months can remove unseen allergens and dust that trigger hay fever.
Decluttering also plays a role in allergy control, as fewer surfaces mean fewer places for dust and pollen to hide.
Keep outdoor allergens under control
If you own a garden, it might be a hidden source of hay fever symptoms. Choosing low-pollen plants, such as ferns and hydrangeas, can reduce the amount of airborne allergens floating around your property.
Trimming bushes and removing weeds like nettles, which release large amounts of pollen, can also help minimise exposure.
You can even hire a local gardener to give you a few gardening tips to manage pollen levels. Plus, there’s no harm in keeping a checklist to help you tend to your garden better.
Also, remember to take care when spending time outside. Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes, and taking a quick shower after any outdoor activities can wash away any pollen that may have settled on your skin and hair.
Prepare an anti-hay fever kit
Even with all the precautions, it’s almost impossible to completely avoid pollen, dust, and other allergens. That’s where an anti-hay fever kit comes in handy!
Stock up on essentials like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and saline rinses to keep symptoms in check. A little Vaseline around your nostrils can even help trap pollen before you breathe it in.
For extra protection indoors, consider using an air purifier, switching to hypoallergenic bedding, and tackling dust with anti-dust sprays.
Hay fever-proof your home today!
Spring doesn’t have to be a nonstop battle with sneezing and discomfort. With a few simple hacks, you can take control of hay fever instead of letting it control you.
And if the thought of deep cleaning, yard work, or running errands feels too much, there’s an easy fix! Post a task on Airtasker and have someone do the job for you!
