As summer wraps up, many of us focus on swapping wardrobes or decorating for the new season, but one hidden culprit of seasonal discomfort often gets overlooked.
Allergens like pollen, dust, and dander don’t just disappear with the warm weather – they settle into the soft surfaces all around your home.
That’s why experts recommend doing laundry and focusing on your home textiles as summer ends to help your space feel cleaner, healthier, and ready for the cooler months ahead.
The one thing to launder before fall
From curtains to throw blankets (things you likely aren't washing enough), cozy textiles can hold onto irritants that trigger sneezing and stuffy noses well into fall.
Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare, warns, 'Pollen settles deep into fabrics, especially if you had the windows open, and it does not just disappear unless washed out.
'Laundering textiles and cleaning upholstery at the end of summer can significantly diminish the buildup of allergens such as pollen to carry over into the fall.'
The problem is simple to solve.
For those things you can put in a washing machine, Scott says, 'it is best to launder these in the hottest water they allow,' checking the laundry symbols for more detailed instructions.
'Hot water is the best temperature for dissolving the proteins in the pollen. I recommend an unscented laundry detergent with a built-in enzyme booster.' The ECOS Plus Laundry Liquid, from Walmart, fits the bill perfectly.
'It is also recommended for an extra rinse cycle to capture any lingering pollen or laundry detergent residue.'
Scott continues, 'For upholstery that does not allow for laundering, the start is to vacuum thoroughly using an upholstery attachment and a vacuum that has a HEPA filter to capture fine particulates of dust and pollen.'
Dan Fauzi, Solved's home tech editor and resident expert vacuum tester, recommends the Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster AdvanceClean+, available at Amazon.
Dan has tested countless vacuums and praises this nifty device for cleaning up dirt, crumbs, and hair in seconds, ranking it our number one handheld to consider when choosing the best vacuum for your home.
After a once-over, Scott then suggests using a fabric-safe cleaning solution for spot cleaning. You can opt for a commercial solution, such as Bissell Woolite carpet & upholstery cleaner, from Walmart, which can also help to remove odors from upholstery.
Alternatively, make your own DIY cleaning solution by mixing a little warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, says Scott. Dawn dish soap, from Walmart, is a safe bet.
'Spray this onto the corner of a microfiber cloth [also from Walmart] and gently rub the upholstery to create a mild soapy foam that lifts pollen from the upholstery fibers, while avoiding oversaturation of fabric.'
Depending on the material, you can sometimes steam clean a couch using one of the best steam cleaners, such as the Bissell Little Greene Mini, from Amazon. It is best to check the care tag and test on an inconspicuous spot first to be safe it won't be damaged.
What to shop
ECOS Plus Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is made for sensitive skin and hypoallergenic, with an enzyme blend that lifts the most stubborn stains. It's also EPA Safer Choice certified.
With a motorized attachment for deep cleaning floors and upholstery, surprisingly high suction, and a power boost mode for stubborn messes, this handheld vacuum is the ideal helper for keeping your home consistently clean.
This small but mighty upholstery cleaner tackles spills and pet stains while removing dander, dust, and pollen allergens from your home. It even eliminates everyday household odors at the same time.
Distilled white vinegar is a fantastic, non-toxic cleaning tool for any home. When added to laundry, it can help to kill mold and bacteria, as well as tackle odors and lighten stains, all without harsh chemicals.
Don't forget to clean dust and pollen from hard surfaces, too. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has certified Attitude products as non-toxic, meaning they contain no harsh chemicals or artificial compounds and are certified safe for humans.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and is perfect for removing odors from textiles and upholstery that you cannot launder. Simply vacuum, sprinkle a layer of the surface, leave to sit for a few hours, and vacuum again.
Meet the expert
Pollen is not the only suspect when it comes to symptom flares. There are several common allergens that plague our homes that you'll need to stay on top of, too.
