For many, spring is the most wonderful time of the year. Perfect temperatures, more sunlight, beautiful flowers, and for those looking to buy or sell a home, the busiest season for real estate. But for some of us, there is one tiny thing that ruins what should be the perfect time of year to get out and about: pollen.
Constant sneezing, incessant itching, puffy eyes, and many, many headaches, the spring can be a challenging time for those with allergies. Waking up in the morning and looking outside to see that your red car has turned yellow over night can be a heartbreaking feeling, but you don’t need to bring that heartbreak into your home. While the pollen we can see is a bother, it is the particles we can’t see that may cause more of a hassle. Even if you don’t suffer from pollen allergies, potential buyers may, and the last thing you want is for them to associate your property with sneezing and headaches. Follow the tips below to keep your home allergy-free during the busy spring season.
Most pollen can be found in the air so the easiest way to get rid of it is to invest in an air purifier. An air purifier uses a series of fans to draw in the air in your home and pull it through filters, removing dust, pollen, and other bacteria that you probably don’t want to be breathing in every day. The air is then circulated back into your property. Paired with an essential oil diffuser, which releases calming and pleasant scents into your home, an air purifier is a great first step to ridding your home of pollen and creating a fresh atmosphere for all guests.
The more furniture you have, the more hiding places for pollen and dust, so considering a minimalistic touch for the spring season may save some literal headaches. It can be hard to part with some items, especially if they have sentimental value, so consider having different decors for different seasons instead of throwing furniture out. In addition, the more often you move and change up your furniture, the more chances you will have to dust the hard-to-reach places.
PVC blinds and fabric curtains are an allergy sufferer’s worst nightmare because they are the ultimate dust and pollen collectors. Switching out your window treatments, whether year round or just for the high pollen seasons, is sure to stop your sneezing. Bamboo blinds and other wooden shades are the best option for allergy sufferers who still want as much privacy as possible.
Just like furniture and fabric blinds, carpeting has a habit of collecting dust and pollen. Cork flooring can be an eco-friendly alternative for those with allergies as it doesn’t trap bacteria like carpet does. It is also fire retardant and easy to clean. Many people however do prefer carpet in a home, especially in bedroom areas, and 100% wool carpet is found to be the least allergy-provoking material. If you have rugs in your hardwood floor areas, make sure to beat them regularly. Like carpet, rugs often attract the dust and pollen particles you are trying to get rid of. Ensuring that you have a good vacuum for your carpets and rugs will also help you keep the pollen at bay.
Although changing your bedding should be a regular occurrence, it definitely slips our mind from time to time and doesn’t get washed as much as it should. However, if there is one season where you are going to be extra diligent about this, the spring season is the one to do it. Comforters and pillows collect dust and pollen every single day so change them out on a weekly basis to limit your allergies. Anti-allergy bedding can also make a huge difference when fighting the sniffles.
With continued higher temperatures each year, both the airborne pollen counts and the length of pollen season are increasing. Make your home fresher and be a sufferer no more.
Find out how Champion Title & Settlements, Inc. can help you sell your pollen-free home at www.championtitle.com