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9 ways to pollen proof your home
If you suffer from hay fever, these simple steps will help you keep pollen out of your home
Spring and summer bring with them the promise of warmer days spent outdoors, but for the 26% of UK adults¹ suffering from hay fever, the reality is often far less idyllic.
Coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, a stuffy nose and even sleepless nights can really spoil the warmer weather, but there are things you can do to pollen proof your home. Read on for tips to help you breathe a little easier.
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When is allergy season?
According to Gov.uk, allergy season in the UK has three distinct but overlapping phases:
- March until May – tree pollen
- May until July – grass pollen
- June to Autumn – weed pollen
The majority of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen, so their symptoms will likely be more prominent in the summer months.
However, research suggests that with increasing temperatures, some phases of pollen seasons may start even earlier, so some people with allergies could begin to experience hay fever symptoms as early as January/February.
Allergy season also varies depending on where you live. There’s a later start and shorter season in the north of the UK, where generally there is less pollen. Plus, according to the Met Office, urban areas have lower pollen counts than the countryside, and inland areas have higher counts than on the coast.
How to pollen proof your home
1. Declutter frequently
Don't let clutter build up, as this is where dust and pollen can settle. Aim to declutter your spaces every two weeks.
This is especially important when it comes to your bedroom, as allergy triggers can disturb your sleep. It may sound counterintuitive for a room that's supposed to be cosy, but allergy sufferers should keep upholstery, curtains and clutter to a minimum in this room.
If you have kids, wash their soft toys in fragrance-free washing powder suitable for sensitive skin at over 60°C to help keep dust and pollen at bay. Dust mites thrive in warmer conditions, so you could also try putting teddies in the freezer overnight.
2. Vacuum at least twice a week
Pollen settles on carpets and rugs, so vacuuming can make a big difference in relieving symptoms of pollen or dust-related allergies. It's generally advised to vacuum your floors and soft furnishings once or twice a week.
Allergy UK recommends using a high-filtration vacuum cleaner, especially one with a HEPA filter. But not all vacuum cleaners are equally effective at keeping the allergens locked inside the filters – that's why we assess the allergen retention of all the vacuum cleaners we test.
We've also found that bagged vacuum cleaners are usually less messy to empty than bagless vacs, since you're not directly exposed to dust during the process.
If your allergies are severe or usually triggered by vacuuming, consider wearing an N95 filter mask while cleaning. You could also consider swapping your carpets for wooden floors.
Compare prices for popular vacuums we've tested:
Which? members can use our filtered reviews to discover which of the vacuum cleaners and cordless vacuum cleaners we've tested scored at least four out of five stars for allergen retention
3. Change clothes when you get home
To avoid spreading pollen deposits all over your home, wipe your shoes on the door mat as you enter and then take them off before you go inside.
Pollen can also cling to your hair and clothing, especially when the pollen count is high, so it's a good idea to shower and change your clothes as soon as you get home.
Put the clothes in a plastic bag till they're ready to be washed to stop any bits of pollen escaping into the air.
4. Use an air purifier
Air purifiers can help improve air quality by trapping any floating particles and then circulating the clean air back out.
A good air purifier will be able to filter out both dust and pollen particles, and so may help alleviate symptoms of hay fever and other allergies while you're indoors.
Compare prices for popular air purifier models we've tested:
Top-scoring air purifiers will do a great job, while the worst are noisy, difficult to use and terrible at removing pollen. Which? members can read all our air purifier reviews to see which performed best in our tests
5. Keep pets out of the bedroom
They may be our best friends, but if you're suffering from allergies, your pets can make them worse.
Pollen can cling to their fur when they're outside, so it's a good idea to give them regular baths to wash it off, especially during high pollen spells.
To help contain the spread of airborne allergens in pet hair, try to keep them off your sofas or chairs, and keep them out of your bedroom – or at least off the bed – at night.
Pet vacuums are often more expensive and not always better at sucking up fur and fluff than non-pet models. Our independent lab tests reveal the best vacuums for pet hair. Not yet a member? Join Which? to unlock all our test results.
6. Wash bedding weekly
Pollen can stick to bedding, triggering your allergies when you're trying to sleep, so you should wash it weekly.
It's also a good idea to vacuum the mattress once a month, and you could try a pillow designed to help ease allergies. Find out how to buy the best anti-allergy or hypoallergenic pillow.
Washing your bedding at 60°C or above will not only deal with any pollen particles, it will also kill off any dust mites, which can trigger similar symptoms to hay fever. Many modern machines also offer allergy care cycles.
Compare prices on popular washing machine models we've tested:
A good washing machine will offer a brilliant cleaning performance. Which? members can discover the best washing machines from our rigorous lab tests
7. Dry washing indoors
Spring and summer months are ideal for drying our washing outside, but you should probably steer clear if you're an allergy sufferer.
When the pollen count is high, tiny pollen particles can settle on your laundry, triggering hay fever symptoms when you bring the dry laundry inside, wear the clothes or sleep in the bed sheets.
Luckily, there are plenty of alternative options for drying your clothes indoors:
- Air dry them on a drying rack
- Use a tumble dryer
- Use a heated clothes airer
To compare these and more options, including drying pods and dehumidifiers, read our guide to the best and cheapest way to dry clothes indoors.
Bear in mind that drying your clothes indoors without adequate ventilation can cause issues with condensation and mould. One of our best dehumidifiers can help with this though.
Considering getting a tumble dryer? Compare the prices of popular models we've tested below:
A good tumble dryer will dry quickly and evenly, without costing a fortune to run. Which? members can compare our Best Buy, Great Value and Eco Buy models in our tumble dryer reviews
8. Consider using a steam cleaner
A steam cleaner will help to deep clean your carpets, upholstery and even your mattress. The high temperature of the steam kills harmful bacteria and can eliminate dust mites, which can trigger similar symptoms to hay fever, as well as pollen particles.
A steam cleaner is also a good way to clean curtains that won't go in the washing machine.
Compare prices for popular steam cleaners we've tested:
Versatile steam cleaners can be used on both hard surfaces and carpets. Which? members can read all our steam cleaner reviews to compare features and discover the Best Buys
9. Keep the windows closed
Prevention is better than cure, so you'd be wise to keep windows and door closed during the day to help keep pollen out in the first place.
This obviously isn't ideal when it's hot outside, but you could consider getting a portable air conditioner to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
Compare prices for popular air conditioner models we've tested:
A good air conditioner can cool a room quickly, without making a racket or using lots of energy. Which? members can discover our best air conditioners
¹ Hay fever is the most common form of non-infectious rhinitis, affecting between 10-15% of children and 26% of adults in the UK. Source: business.itn.co.uk
