How to Protect Your Home from Allergy Triggers During Pollen Season

Over 100 million people in the United States live with allergies or asthma, and pollen is one of the leading culprits. 

With pollen seasons growing increasingly intense due to climate change, making sure your home is as allergy-safe as possible when outdoor levels run high can make a substantial difference.

At her offices in Valencia, Burbank, and Lancaster, California, Dr. Maricar Cutillar-Garcia offers effective seasonal allergy care for people of all ages.

If you’re allergic to pollen, consider the following ways to protect your home all season.

Use a quality air purifier

An air purifier can improve your home environment by continually drawing the air through a filter that catches microscopic pollen. This lowers the concentration of airborne pollen, keeping the grains from entering your respiratory system.

Look for an air purifier with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which captures over 99% of airborne particles. Change or clean the filter routinely, especially during allergy season.

Vacuum regularly

Vacuuming helps remove particles, like pollen, that have gathered on the ground. The ideal vacuum cleaner has a sealed system and a HEPA filter.

Vacuum your home at least once or twice per week during pollen season. In particular, vacuum after anyone in your home has spent time outdoors and likely tracked pollen in.

Keep doors and windows closed

Even if the temperatures are comfortable and the air is breezy, keep doors and windows closed when pollen levels rise. 

An open window allows significant amounts of outdoor pollen into your home. Once in your home, pollen easily floats through the air and clings to surfaces, like bedding, which can place the allergen close to your mouth and nose.

Minimize pet dander

If you have a pet, such as a dog with long fur, they can collect outdoor pollen and bring it into your home. This makes routine vacuuming and an air purifier even more important.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends keeping the animal out of your bedroom during the spring and fall. Bathing your dog or wiping them down with a no-rise mitt after walks or yard time can help, too.

Get personalized allergy support

Dr. Cutillar-Garcia can create a personalized seasonal allergy plan to ensure your comfort through high-pollen months. In addition to any allergy testing or medical treatment you need, she can suggest specific lifestyle steps based on your triggers, daily habits, and symptoms.

To get started or learn more about protecting your home through pollen season, call our office or request an appointment through our website today.