How to soothe the symptoms of hay fever in your home

High pollen levels bring with them the symptoms of hay fever to around one in five people across Britain. The common allergy causes itchy eyes, irritation to the nose and throat, sneezing and drowsiness in some cases, along with the possibility of a ‘fever’ itself. One recent study found that internet searches for hay fever symptoms are up by 600 per cent, with a 4,800 per cent increase in searches for ‘99p hay fever wipes’. But there are simple ways to reduce the severity of allergies, as follows. Use an air purifier Using an air purifier in your home, which is specially designed to remove airborne particles, will reduce the amount of dust produced. Vacuum often If your home is mostly carpeted, dust can gather between fabrics. Vacuuming regularly can dislodge dust and avoid build-up. Hard flooring is easiest to clean. Mop floors If you have laminate, tile or wooden flooring, regular mops are a must. Warm water with a splash of vinegar will help to mop efficiently! Choose non-toxic cleaning products Toxic cleaning products create airborne particles that encourage dust. Check labels of products before you buy. Clean out clutter Clutter is a hot spot for dust accumulation and getting rid of it fosters a dust-free environment. If you don’t need it, get rid of it! Donate items to charity or take a trip to the skip. Seal the gaps Seal windows and doors correctly to help prevent dust from appearing. Any cracks in walls and ceilings must be filled. Keep out the dirt Keeping outside debris from entering your home is near impossible - but you can reduce it. Place quality doormats at entrances and take off shoes when entering your home to limit the amount of dirt brought in. Clean bed sheets regularly Bed linen is a prime nesting place for dust and dust mites. Ensure to clean your sheets at least once a week to get rid of any unwanted critters and dust. Dust your home correctly Dust often with a damp sponge or cloth. A vacuum attachment helps with hard to reach areas. Lisa Evans from MyJobQuote, who carried out the research, said: “Pollen isn’t the only allergen that can set off hay fever. "Indoor allergens such as dust mites, dead skin and animal fur can cause allergic response too.”