A red hay fever alert has been issued for most of the UK, with the Met Office forecasting 'very high' pollen levels for the coming days. These elevated levels hit England and Wales on Monday and are expected to last until the weekend. Much of Scotland and Northern Ireland are also under alert, though pollen levels are due to decrease later in the week.
Common symptoms include frequent sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes, throat, mouth, or ears. Some people also experience a loss of smell, facial pain, sweating, and headaches. Birch and ash pollen levels are predicted to be very high in the south of England all week, as well as in Wales, northern England, and Scotland on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The discomfort does not stop indoors, as pollen can easily make its way inside along with other allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores. However, simple cleaning strategies can significantly reduce these allergens. Lynsey Crombie, This Morning’s 'Queen of Clean', advises that damp dusting with a slightly damp microfibre cloth is more effective than dry dusting at capturing particles rather than dispersing them.
Investing in a vacuum with a HEPA filter is one of the best steps, as it traps fine particles like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. Ms Crombie recommends vacuuming at least three to four times a week, especially in high-traffic areas, and pulling out furniture to clean hidden spots. Soft furnishings such as curtains and upholstery should also be vacuumed regularly.
Wash cushion covers, throws, and bedding in hot water (60°C or higher) weekly to kill dust mites. Reduce clutter to minimise places where allergens can settle, and consider steam cleaning to eliminate allergens without harsh chemicals. Using hypoallergenic mattress and pillow protectors also helps create a barrier against irritants.
