Spring is officially here! Warmer temperatures, blue skies and more outdoor activities are now on everyone’s minds. But that also means allergy season is here, too. It’s important to maintain a healthy indoor environment during this time for the sake of your allergies. Plus, seasonal allergies can impact your well-being and productivity.

Since you can’t really have one without the other, we’re covering some steps you can take this spring to minimize allergens and, hopefully, your allergies.

Eight tips to minimize allergens in your home

1. Swap out and clean your bedding

We know laundry isn’t always on your mind, but don’t forget to wash your bedding! It’s usually best to wash or replace your bedding weekly to help control your contact with dust mites and pollen. You can even use zippered allergen-resistant or plastic covers over your pillows, mattresses and box springs. Also, if you usually line dry your bedding (or clothes), it’s probably best to use your dryer in the springtime to minimize their contact with pollen outside.

2. Maintain your HVAC systems

No matter the time of year, regular maintenance of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is important. Make sure you are changing out the filters, cleaning the coils and keeping an eye out for leaks. BUT, making sure you do so in the springtime can really help filter out allergens from your home. For example, having clean filters can help keep the bad stuff out of your indoor air.

3. Make sure to dust and vacuum

This may seem a little more obvious, but vacuuming and dusting can really help decrease the amount of pollen in your home. If your allergies are pretty strong, you may even want to consider looking for a certified asthma and allergy-friendly vacuum or a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum. This can help make sure your vacuum isn’t just putting dust right back into the air. Then, for dusting, using a microfiber or damp cloth can help effectively remove the dust around your home. Plus, don’t forget to dust your ceiling fans, blinds and baseboards (yes, those get dusty, too).
 

4. Let’s talk about pet allergens

We all love our furry friends, but they can actually trigger your allergies, too. This doesn’t mean you can’t have any pets (because what’s life without them), but there are some things you can do to help minimize those triggers. Regularly grooming your pets, washing their pet beds and using air purifiers can help keep you and your pet happier during springtime. You can also look into hypoallergenic pet breeds if you’re thinking of getting a new pet soon.

5. Keep your windows shut

Springtime can bring clear skies and nice weather, making it tempting to open all those windows in your home. But, to try and minimize the amount of pollen coming in, it’s probably best to keep those windows closed and use your AC instead. We know that AC isn’t the same as being outside, but this way, you aren’t holding the door open for all those allergens to come inside. You can also use high-efficiency window screens if you just can’t resist letting the spring air in.

6. Clean off when you come inside

Spending time outside is a great way to enjoy Spring, but you might be tracking extra pollen into your home. After being outside, it’s best to change your clothes and even shower before you start hanging out around the house. This can help avoid tracking pollen onto your furniture and from easily making its way to your eyes or nose.

7. Indoor plants can carry allergens too

Many people have plants inside their homes to help improve air quality, but not all plants actually do that. We recommend researching low-allergen plants before adding them to your living room because some may actually be pulling in more allergens than you thought. Try something like snake plants or peace lilies to start out. Also, be sure not to overwater your indoor plants too much to help prevent mold growth.

8. Time for spring cleaning

Springtime also usually means spring cleaning, which is good not only for decluttering but also for reducing allergens. As you’re cleaning and sorting through the items in your home that aren’t usually touched, take the chance to dust and vacuum those areas to prevent dust from building up. Also, be sure to store your winter items properly so they won’t accumulate as much dust since they will be sitting for a while. Plus, be on the lookout for any mold growth in the areas you’re cleaning.

Don’t let allergens take over your home

Keep your well-being and productivity top-notch this spring by taking a few extra steps to keep pollen and other allergens out of your home. These steps can also help keep you and your family healthier. Trust us, your nose will thank you.