If you're suffering with the effects of high pollen at the moment unfortunately things aren't about to get better anytime soon. The Met Office has warned that July will see “very high” levels of pollen, triggering symptoms for the 3.5 million hayfever sufferers currently living in the UK. It comes as a so-called 'pollen bomb' is set to sweep across the East Midlands.
Of course it isn't all bad news. Not all hayfever sufferers react to the same types of pollen and there are ways to reduce the pollen we are exposed to.
The NHS recommend various Do's and Do Nots. Do's include putting Vaseline around your nostrils to 'trap pollen', wearing wraparound sunglasses and showering and changing your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off.
READ MORE: Work begins to create 120 new council homes in Nottingham
All good advice as the Met Office has forecast high pollen for the rest of the week and warns Sunday will see very high pollen across Nottinghamshire. So, when it comes to pollen-proof our homes, what can we do? According to the NHS website we should, vacuum regularly, dust with a damp cloth and keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
Allan Reid, CEO of Art Windows and Doors agreed and offered further advice on how to pollen-proof your home. He said the advice would help sufferers prevent triggering symptoms while staying cool amid impending heatwaves.
How to pollen-proof your doors
Doorways, especially those from the outside are one of the “prime culprits" for bringing pollen into the home, and triggering symptoms, according to Allan. He said: “When people come in and out of a house, they bring in pollen on their shoes, clothes, and body.
“A great way to help minimise how much pollen you bring into your house is by placing door mats on either side of the door, and making sure you and your guests wipe their feet.”
“You want to avoid tracking particles further into the home than the doorway, so avoid sitting on the sofa with your coat on or throwing your bag down on your bed. Place a coat rack or assign a designated area for jackets and bags that’s near the door to help with this, and make sure you take your shoes off at the door!”
How to pollen-proof your windows
Of course, as the sun comes out and the temperatures rise, one of the first things we do at home is throw open the windows. Mr Reid says we can still do this - at certain times - but close the blinds.
He said: “Closing your blinds whenever windows are open - such as during the night-time - is the best way to pollen-proof your home’s windows Another great tactic is using a fibre-glass screen to catch pollen before it even makes it in.”
“For a quicker option, place down slightly damp pieces of cotton - such as tea towels or pieces of an old sheet - on window ledges. This is more likely to catch and hold pollen than a painted window sill, where it is more likely to be blown straight into your home. Just don’t forget to wash it daily.”
Let the air flow
So, let's get back to that question of opening the windows. The key is to pick your times according to the doors and windows boss. While he advocates "keeping a natural, clean air flow through your home,” and also says that you should keep your windows shut during peak pollen times, adding "keep internal doors open to let air circulate".
He said: “Pollen counts usually rise in the early morning and then reach their peak by midday or the early afternoon. This is the time of day that you’ll find allergy symptoms are at their worst because there is a high concentration of pollen in the air. During this time, it is especially important to keep windows closed.
“While you may want to open windows during hot temperatures, it is actually much more beneficial to keep them closed during the day and open at night time when the air outside has cooled down. Keeping windows open during the night-time will bring less pollen in while bringing fresh, cool air into the house.
"One tip is to keep blinds and curtains drawn, as they will act as a barrier for any pollen particles that could blow in, while still letting cool air into your home. Once you’ve closed your windows in the morning, prop open all your internal doors, to allow the fresh air to circulate through the house.”
READ NEXT:
