Here’s how to make your home a hay fever-free space

Pollen counts across the country are set to surge this week, leading to warnings for hay fever sufferers.

A new Met Office forecast map shows four regions in England have a “very high” warning level for pollen on Thursday.

Many people could experience sneezing, itchy eyes, mouth and throat and blocked noses.

More than 10 million people in Britain suffer from hay fever, according to the Met Office.

The weather in the past couple of weeks has been ideal for tree pollen being released, the forecaster said. Low rainfall has meant pollen has not been washed out of the atmosphere.

And the discomfort doesn’t stop when you get inside. Pollen can easily make its way indoors, while other allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores can also make life miserable.

Thankfully, simple cleaning strategies can significantly reduce these allergens and create a healthier home environment.

Lynsey Crombie, This Morning’s ‘Queen of Clean’, offers expert advice on effectively allergy-proofing your home.

Above all, it’s important to regularly dust, she says.

“Damp dusting is far more effective at capturing dust – rather than just dispersing it into the air.”

She recommends using a slightly damp, good quality microfibre cloth to trap particles and prevent them from resettling.

This simple change in dusting technique can make a noticeable difference in allergen levels, she says.

Don’t forget the hard-to-reach areas

Dust can settle on bookshelves, skirting boards, and light fixtures. Ms Crombie suggests using a vacuum nozzle for these hard-to-reach areas, as well as on furniture.

Lint rollers work “surprisingly well” on lampshades, she says.

Meanwhile, an old make-up brush can be used to dust delicate items, like light bulbs, ornaments and house plants.

Vacuuming the right way

Investing in a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is one of the best things you can do for an allergy-proof home, Ms Crombie says.

“HEPA filters trap fine particles, including dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, rather than releasing them back into the air.

“Regular vacuuming (at least three to four times a week) is crucial for maintaining an allergen-free space, especially those high-traffic areas such as home entrances where shoes, handbags and coats can bring pollen allergies in with them.”

And don’t forget to vacuum in all directions when vacuuming floors and carpets, says the cleaning expert.

“Go north to south and east to west, this way you’re getting into the carpet pile and picking up all allergies.”

She also says to pull out large pieces of furniture such as sofas and beds. “Dust and debris tend to settle in these hidden areas and can aggravate allergies when disturbed.

“Soft furnishings, such as curtains and upholstery, should also be vacuumed regularly to remove embedded allergens – you can use your vacuum nozzle for this.”

Wash soft furnishings

Wash cushion covers, throws, and curtains regularly on a hot cycle to remove dust mites and pet dander, advises Ms Crombie.

Declutter regularly

“Piles of books, clothes, and decorative items collect dust, trap pet dander, and make cleaning much harder,” Ms Crombie says.

“The more clutter you have, the more places allergens can settle, leading to sneezing, congestion, and irritation.

“Keep surfaces as clear as possible – the less clutter, the easier it is to clean!”

Clean your mattress and bedding

Your mattress and bedding can harbour dust mites and allergens, so regular cleaning is essential, Ms Crombie says.

You should vacuum your mattress every few weeks to remove dust, skin flakes and other debris that can trigger allergies.

She also says to use good-quality hypoallergenic mattress and pillow protectors, which create a barrier against dust mites and other irritants.

“Wash your bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvets, at least once a week in hot water (60°C or higher) to kill dust mites effectively.”

The Independent