AFTER a dodging coughs and colds all winter, getting a runny nose due to hay fever can feel pretty frustrating.
Rather than just reaching for the over-the-counter tablets, one expert has revealed that cleaning can also combat hay fever.
Whether you get a runny nose, headaches or itchy, red eyes, hay fever can seriously ruin your summer.
As the pollen index peaks, you might be tempted to hide indoors.
Ironically, this could actually be making your symptoms worse – especially if you’ve skipped vacuuming recently.
According to expert Kester Rudd, Product Insights Manager at Gtech, allergens will often accumulate in your home and can make you just as bad as you would outside.
With up to 49 per cent of Brits suffering from hay fever, Kester and the household gadget firm are determined to make summer less miserable.
In fact, they’ve even revealed the seven spots in your home that can make your hay fever worse.
Carpets
If your eyes are streaming even when you are indoors, your carpet might be to blame.
Even if you don’t have a deep pile carpet, they are notorious for trapping dirt and debris as your family moves through the home.
This includes pollen and other allergens that can trigger hay fever, so Kester says it is best to vacuum every day for a few minutes – especially during peak summer.
Rugs and Upholstered Furniture
While your Ikea rug might look lovely in your bedroom, it is likely that pollen is trapped between the fibres.
Despite keeping the windows closed, pollen often transfers from our clothes and hair – triggering a snotty nose from mid-June onwards.
If you don’t want to be grabbing for the tissue box all summer, it is best to regularly vacuum rugs and any upholstered furniture to avoid hay fever.
Dusty Shelves
We are all guilty of having piles of knick-knacks or unread books on the shelf, but these may be bad for your health as well as your bank balance.
To make matters even worse, these areas often get overlooked when we are cleaning which allows allergens like dust and pollen to collect on them.
For anyone struggling with hay fever this year, just make sure to give your shelves, tabletops and any flat surfaces a dust with a microfiber cloth.
Windows
You might not be throwing open the windows during allergy season, but they can still trigger your hay fever.
While you might think the air would scatter pollen throughout your home, it can often settle on the glass panes and windowsills instead.
Thankfully, the Gtech expert says wiping them down regularly with a microfiber cloth or duster should help to reduce your hay fever symptoms.
Your bed
If you think your hay fever is worse at night, you might not be imagining things.
As allergens stick to your clothes and hair, these can often transfer on to your bedding and cause symptoms late at night.
Thankfully, there is an easy fix.
Kester advises homeowners and hay fever suffers to wash their bedding once a week on a high temperature to remove any lingering pollen.
You should also avoid airing your washing outside and sitting on your bed clothed – especially if you’ve spent the entire day outdoors.
Your dog
While you might love your pooch, they may also be triggering your hay fever too.
Though they might be man (and woman’s) best friend, they often have allergens and pollen trapped in their fur after a walk.
If you can’t keep them off your sofa or bed, giving them a quick brush before they come in can reduce symptoms.
Also, regularly washing their bed, blanket and soft toys will help.
Cleaning hacks to beat hay fever
Expert Kester Rudd has shared his top tips for reducing hay fever symptoms, simply by cleaning these areas in the home.
Windowsil – these can be cleaned quickly with a microfiber cloth and anti-bac spray to reduce allergens. You can also clean your windows if you are struggling with hay fever
Dog bed and toys – you can often add fabric toys and dog beds to your washing machine, just remember to check the manufacturer’s label
Bedding – wash at least ONCE a week to reduce allergens and try to air it indoors when possible.
Rugs and carpets– hoover once a day for a few minutes, especially during peak summer
Upholstered furniture – hoover regularly and avoid letting your pets sit on them
Shelves – clean with anti-bacterial spray and a microfiber cloth once a day to put an end to pollen in your home