Cleaning Hacks for Hay Fever Sufferers

As we enjoy the longer, brighter days, a large proportion of the nation are suffering from a surge in seasonal allergies.

With the Met Office reporting high pollen levels across the UK*, Google searches for ‘hay fever relief’ have surged by 534% in the past week alone.**

Five cleaning hacks for minimising hay fever symptoms this spring

We reveal our top tips for reducing hay fever symptoms this spring.***

Cover up before cleaning

Before you begin cleaning this spring, it is essential to wear protective layers, especially if you suffer from seasonal allergies and hay fever.

Cleaning can disturb dust and allergens, redistributing pollen into the air, aggravating hay fever symptoms.

Wearing protective layers such as rubber gloves, a face covering and even goggles can prevent allergens from landing on your hands, arms and face when cleaning.
Clean top to bottom

When cleaning a room, always start by cleaning the top of the room and working your way down.

Begin cleaning items such as light fittings, high shelves, curtains and blinds, as dust and allergens will drift down as you clean, so finish by vacuuming and mopping floors.
Always clean with a damp microfibre cloth

When cleaning in spring, always use a damp microfibre cloth to avoid disturbing settled dust and allergens.

Unlike traditional dusters and dry cloths, pollen, dust and allergens stick to the fibres of a damp microfibre cloth.
Wash bed linens weekly at 60°C

Bed linen is in close contact with your face throughout the night. If pollen has transferred onto your bedding, you may find your symptoms interrupting your sleep.

During allergy season, wash your bedding weekly on a hot wash cycle (55-60°C) to thoroughly remove allergens from the fibres.

Where possible, avoid drying any bedding or linens outside this spring, as pollen can collect on the fibres whilst drying, which can cause further irritation for hay fever sufferers.

Showering before bed is also a good idea when allergies flare up, as it removes excess pollen from your hair and body.
Vacuum daily

Regular vacuuming removes dust and allergens embedded in your carpets and upholstery, so hay fever sufferers will benefit from daily vacuuming.

Ensure you empty the vacuum regularly to prevent allergens from lingering, or choose a completely sealed vacuum cleaner unit, such as Shark Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, which captures and traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, not releasing them back into the air you breathe.***