How to Get Rid of Pollen in Your Apartment

During the month of April, pollen season goes into full effect. While everyone wants to enjoy open windows and fresh air this time of year, it’s best to keep the pollen out. If you suffer from allergies, you need to do something to your house as allergen-free as possible. Whether you are allergic to pets, mold, dust, pollen or all of the above, you’ll find it hard to know where to begin. Here are some simple ways to keep your apartment a pollen-free zone.

1. Always keep your car in the garage. If you don’t have a garage, rinse your car whenever you can. Every time you clean the car, don’t leave the door open for long, you’ll be spreading that pollen around in the car. Keep the windows shut. Stash sanitary tissue in your car so that after you touch a pollen-covered handle or window, wipe your hands with it so that it won’t spread to your face.

2. Decontaminate the space. If you do yard work or you pass on one of those incredibly annoying leaf blowers that make clouds of pollen and dirt while blowing from one part of the yard to the other, you need to avoid the dust.   Otherwise, when you enter your apartment, you’ll spread pollen in your living space. Do not attempt to sit down, you need to remove and bring your clothes to the laundry room and place the clothes in the washer.

3. Wash that green out of your hair. As the hair is a pollen magnet, if you don’t wash it out before going to bed, your pillows can catch pollen. Every time you come home, always wash your hair before going to bed. 

4. Prevent your pets from bringing in the pollen.  Brushing them or utilizing a wet towel before bringing them in and wiping their paws off before will help minimize the allergens’. Immediately wash the brush and vacuum the area right away if you do it inside.

5. It’s important to perform a regular cleaning schedule of your apartment. Make it a daily chore by removing dust and pet dander . This will help you stay on top of cleaning when allergies are a concern. Make sure you wipe surfaces with a damp cloth rather than dry dusting, which can makes the dust fly into the air. More often, household members without allergies would do the dustiest jobs, but if you have allergies and must clean, it’s essential to wear a dust mask.

6. Store only dry items in closets. Avoid putting away linens that are still slightly damp as they can create the perfect place for mildew and mold to grow, while dirty clothes attract fabric-eating moths. Always keep your closets fresh and bug-free by placing only dry items.

7. Always keep the windows and doors closed. Everyone knows that spring is the time of year when you become excited to let the fresh air in, but unfortunately, you will let the pollen in. Close the windows and turn on the A/C if need be. Be sure to change your HVAC filters; HEPA filters can trap the pollen. Take note that HEPA filters need to be changed monthly. You will find the extra expense well worth it.

8. Be patient about dusting. You need some patience when dusting. You should dust everything twice as often as you do and don’t ignore those hard-to-reach places like the ceiling fan blades. Buying an extender for your duster can be a great help.

9. Clean the porches regularly. Some people use dusters during the spring to fully get rid of the pollen on the porches. You’ll find it comfortable when you use old bedsheet over your outdoor cushions and take it off when you have guests. Once the pollen is gone for the season, you can take the cushions and clean thoroughly.

10. Don’t let the pollen bring you down during the most beautiful time of the year. Avoid using carpets and rugs in your apartment as they can trap pollens and they can be a nuisance to allergy sufferers. If your apartment has hardwood floors, count yourself lucky.