As I was getting into my yellow personal vehicle, I was thinking to myself that my car is black. It is the ServiceMaster company vehicles are supposed to be the yellow cars and trucks. It is already starting to be that time of year, and due to the deep freeze we had over the winter, predictions are that we will see the highest pollen counts in a long time during the spring months. So how do you protect yourself and your home or business?
Start by being proactive in keeping at least some of the pollen outside. During the pollen season (so starting today!), keep your doors, windows, pet doors and any other openings tightly shut. If you know how, turn your air system setting to recirculate instead of pulling in outdoor air. Replace your air filters at the start of pollen season and then once per month. Ideally use HEPA filters to catch even the smaller pollen particles.
Now that we took steps to reduce how much can get inside, we still have to deal with that pollen that came in on our personal items, ourselves and just got through vents and openings that can't be completely sealed off from the outdoors.
People are most sensitive to any sort of allergens including pollen when they are sleeping. Clean your bedding often and use allergen resistant mattress and pillow covers to prevent pollen from becoming embedded in them. Bed sheets are easy to wash. Mattresses are not. If you have been outside, be sure to shower and thoroughly wash your hair before going to bed if not shortly after you came inside.
Set yourself up to be able to remove shoes and the outer layer of clothing at the door so you are not carrying pollen throughout the house. Put the shoes and clothes in air tight containers until they can be properly cleaned to avoid your air system from blowing pollen from them around the house. Ideally, you can leave your shoes outside, but use a door mat to help get as much off your shoes as possible before entering the home.
Keep your pets that go outside regularly bathed frequently since they can bring in a lot of pollen on their fur.
Dust weekly from high to low so you are not stirring pollen onto surfaces already cleaned. Do NOT use a traditional duster since that will only stir up the pollen to settle elsewhere. Use a damp microfiber cloth or duster designed to trap particles instead of simply wiping them off the surface you are cleaning. Don't forget dust magnets that are often over looked such as fans, vent covers, blinds or drapes, door and window frames, etc.
Vacuum frequently (at least once per week) and use a HEPA filter if possible. Remove vacuum bags or empty bagless vacuums outside so pollen is not reintroduced into the home, and remember to wipe down the vacuum with a damp microfiber cloth before taking it back inside.
ServiceMaster 5 Points Athens can deep clean floors and furniture to help remove pollen from your home.
ServiceMaster 5 Points Athens can be reached at (706) 873-8701.
