As spring arrives, I love to throw all the windows open and let the fresh air flow in, shaking off those stuffy winter months. But, well, it doesn’t take long for that bliss to dissipate. Almost immediately, my oldest and I start feeling the effects—sneezing, congestion, and those relentless itchy, watery eyes that come hand-in-hand with the season. So, yes, while I crave that fresh air, there’s definitely a price to pay.
Fortunately, our pollen allergies are just bothersome, leading to some irritation but nothing too severe. If it were any worse, our strategy would have to change dramatically.
For those of us juggling seasonal allergies, it’s not just about popping a few pills and hoping for the best. It’s like orchestrating a whole routine of cleaning, laundry, washing hands, and more—a necessary overhaul in our lives every spring to stay healthy. This is especially true for my six-year-old, who is, let’s face it, never going to stay indoors when the sun is shining.
Here’s how we tackle the tree pollen months (March to May in my area) while trying to keep the sneezing and puffy eyes to a minimum:
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Shower nightly to rinse off pollen from hair and skin
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Change clothes after outdoor play
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Wash hands and face thoroughly after being outside
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Keep pets clean if they’ve been outdoors
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Check the daily pollen count to plan our activities
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Wear hats and sunglasses outside for added eye protection
Medication is another piece of our strategy, though it came after having several conversations with our allergist about our specific symptoms and lifestyle. Always best to consult a doctor about medications rather than relying on online advice. So, moving on to the cleaning aspect—our home and ourselves need a thorough sprucing up. This really redefines spring cleaning for us, and here are the essentials we find indispensable.
Sure, I still crack open my windows now and then, but I always check the pollen count and look outside to see how windy it is, just to be ready for any cleanup that might follow. Pollen can settle on virtually anything—floors, carpets, bedding—you name it. Here are some tools we use that help us enjoy fresh air from time to time:
This vacuum is a household essential, particularly during allergy season. Its HEPA filtration keeps dust, pollen, and other allergens trapped instead of kicking them back into the air.
Cleaning the car often gets overlooked during allergy season. A handy dustbuster works wonders for quick clean-ups, particularly in all those tight spots where allergens hide.
Air purifiers are a must for allergy sufferers. This one we use in each bedroom captures a whopping 99.97% of airborne particles, making a significant difference.
The spring season means lots of washing, and with sensitive skin in the mix, we needed something gentle. This soothing duo really helps with eczema-prone skin and dry hands.
We choose a simple, plant-based detergent to avoid skin sensitivities, especially vital during allergy season. Tons of extra laundry happen here—there’s no shortage of outfit changes or sheet swaps—and this refreshing Citrus Grove scent has become a favorite.
Dryness and itchiness often lead to bloody noses in our home. This humidifier has truly helped curb my son’s frequent nosebleeds.
Vaseline is our go-to during allergy season, serving as a multi-purpose remedy for dry lips and irritated skin from all the nose wiping.
Sunglasses? A simple but effective way to shield my eyes from airborne pollen. They help block irritating particles.
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is our top choice for hardwood surfaces, and it gets high ratings from experts for being gentle yet effective. Plus, it’s Safer Choice-certified, so it meets EPA standards.
If you, like me, can’t resist the urge to let some outdoor air in, this spin mop and bucket combo is the best for tackling the clean-up efficiently.
Back to the car—a cleaning putty is perfect for those nooks and crannies the dustbuster can’t reach. It works wonders in cup holders, which my kids always seem to use as miniature treasure chests.
We go through so many tissues; no matter how prepared we are, nose wiping is a constant. The irritated skin under our noses, both for kids and adults, can be a real hassle, and having soft tissues makes a significant difference.
