With springtime right around the corner, many people are counting down the days until the season of blooming flowers and warmer weather; however, many others are dreading the upcoming season.

While spring brings warmth and growth, it also brings a slew of allergens. These allergens trigger a handful of uncomfortable symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, making this time of year pretty unbearable for allergy sufferers. 

Even though airborne allergens can cause some discomfort during this season, there are still ways to enjoy yourself (without the sneezing episodes). Today we will discuss nine tips to combat springtime allergies to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable season for everyone.

1. Keep Your Home Clean

Keeping your home clean is one of the best ways to reduce the number of airborne allergens in your home. Some of the most common allergens found in the home include dust, pet dander, and pollen. Regularly vacuuming, dusting, and wiping off surfaces can help remove these allergens and keep you and your family healthy. 

Tip: Be sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, as it can capture small particles that a regular vacuum may miss.

2. Use an Air Purifier + a High-Efficiency AC Filter

Air purifiers can be an excellent addition to your home to keep airborne allergens at bay. These devices filter out various allergens from the air, making this a great solution for breathing cleaner air at home. Look for air purifiers with HEPA filters, which can capture small particles such as pollen, dust, pet dander, and more.

Using a high-efficiency air filter in your home is also crucial in keeping those allergens away. When choosing your air filter, be sure to consider the quality of the filter, the MERV rating, the filter material, and the maintenance requirements. These factors all play a role in the effectiveness of your filter and its ability to protect you and your family.

3. Monitor Pollen Counts & Keep Windows Closed

As the weather gets warmer, opening your windows for fresh air can be tempting. However, if pollen counts are high, keeping your windows and doors closed will help prevent allergens from entering your home. Check the pollen counts in your area regularly to determine when it's safe to open your windows.

4. Use Hypoallergenic Bedding

Hypoallergenic bedding can help reduce the amount of allergens in your bedroom. Dust mites are a common allergen found in bedding, and using hypoallergenic bedding can help you to avoid them altogether. Look for bedding made from materials such as silk or cotton, as they are less likely to trap allergens.

5. Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands regularly can help reduce the number of allergens you come into contact with. Allergens can stick to your skin and clothes, and washing your hands can help remove them. Changing your clothes after spending time outdoors is also a good idea, as allergens can cling to your clothes.

6. Avoid Outdoor Activities During High Pollen Counts

During high pollen counts, it's best to avoid outdoor activities altogether or limit your exposure to them. You can also wear a mask to reduce your exposure as well.

7. Schedule Outdoor Activities in the Afternoon

If you don't want to avoid outdoor activities, try to schedule them for later in the day. Pollen counts are highest in the morning (when flowering plants react to sunlight), so it's best to avoid outdoor activities during this time. Scheduling outdoor activities in the afternoon can significantly reduce your exposure to allergy-triggering pollen.

8. Clean Up After Outdoor Exposure

If you spend time outdoors, be sure to clean up as soon as possible to remove any pollen from your skin and clothes. Take your shoes off outside if possible, or leave them right by the door to prevent tracking the allergens throughout your home. Take a shower and wash your clothes as soon as possible to prevent allergens from lingering.

9. Consider Professional Allergy Testing

If over-the-counter allergy medication and other strategies don't provide relief, it may be time to consider professional allergy testing. Allergy tests can identify the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms, allowing for more effective treatment.

At FilterFactory.com, we are committed to protecting your health by providing high-efficiency filtration products that do what they promise. To learn more about improving your indoor air quality, click here.