I absolutely love hot summer days and warm, breezy evenings, but there's one thing that can really curb my enjoyment and relaxation: Hay fever.
I'm not the only one, with a quarter of the US population suffering from seasonal allergies*. But, with summer's in full swing, I've found a super simple yet effective trick to ease comfort at home for the rest of the season.
I didn't think that a cleaning tip would be the key, and, while it's certainly not a cure, it definitely helps. Here, experts explain why cleaning from top to bottom is crucial for hay fever sufferers like me during summer.
Why does cleaning from top to bottom help to reduce hay fever?
*According to the National Center for Health Statistics.
'One golden rule I always stress – especially during hay fever season – is to clean from top to bottom,' says Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare. 'This is not just an industry habit, but an essential tactic for reducing your exposure to common allergens in your home, such as pollen and dust.'
But, why exactly does it work? Kristin DiNicolantonio from the American Cleaning Institute, explains, 'This method helps reduce pollen and dust by preventing particles from resettling on already cleaned surfaces.
'As you clean higher areas, dust and allergens naturally fall to lower surfaces, where they can be more easily vacuumed or mopped up.
'Being able to target each area as dust falls is essential for fully removing allergens, especially for those who suffer from hay fever.'
Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning agrees that this is one of the best hay fever remedies for the home. In fact, she calls it a 'non-negotiable.'
'It helps with hay fever, sure, but it's also just smarter in general,' she says. 'This isn't just advice, it's a proven method that will make your home significantly less allergenic. It saves time, too. No need to re-clean the same spots just because it got dirty again.'
So, whether you need to pollen-proof a bedroom or anywhere else, it's not just me who swears by this cleaning tip for allergy sufferers – the experts are in agreement that it really works.
How to clean from top to bottom
When deep cleaning your house, cleaning from top to bottom is as easy as it sounds.
As Kristin says, 'Each room may need different attention, but the top to bottom method works universally.'
So, start with the highest surfaces, like cleaning ceiling fans, crown molding, light fixtures and the tops of high shelves and books, all of which are likely overlooked spots you're forgetting to dust.
I recommend using an extendable duster for this, such as the bestselling Swiffer Dusters with Extension Pole available at Walmart.
You can also, as Alicia Sokolowski, cleaning expert at AspenClean, recommends, use a damp microfiber cloth, such as the Great Value Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart, for this step. A Scrub Daddy Damp Duster, available at Amazon, will work brilliantly for the dry/damp cleaning rule, too.
Then, move to mid-level areas, like removing common stains from kitchen countertops, and the table when cleaning a dining room. 'Make sure to wipe down any decorations on those surfaces as well,' adds Kristin.
Don't forget about santizing walls, windowsills and curtains, either. 'As for curtains, wash them as usual and replace them once clean,' says Rhonda.
Your curtains are probably things you aren't washing enough, so wash and care for your curtains and drapes by checking the laundry symbols on them and re-hanging them only once they're thoroughly dry.
To reduce pollen and hay fever daily, you can give them a quick run-over with your best handheld vacuum.
'Don't forget the underside of your shelves too,' continues Rhonda. 'Those spots tend to get skipped but need a clean as well.'
Finally, finish with the lowest areas, including cleaning baseboards, floors and low-level furniture.
'Dust and allergens are on the floor, too,' advises cleaning expert Scott. 'Vacuum using your best HEPA vacuum for allergies, I recommend the Miele Complete C3 available at Amazon or Shark Navigator Lift-Away, also available at Amazon, then mop using a damp mop.
'It is important to have your vacuum running as you mop to not allow dust to float as you mop. I recommend mopping last because you don’t want to add moisture to surfaces before cleaning them.'
Finally, says cleaning expert Alicia, briefly open your windows, which is also a good way to keep your home cool this summer.
'If pollen counts are low, open windows for a short time to let fresh air circulate, then close them again to prevent more allergens from entering,' she advises.
'During peak pollen season, we recommend repeating this cleaning routine once or twice a week.'
My verdict
This simple cleaning tip has really helped my home be less allergy-inducing, particularly when paired with my best air purifier, which helps to remove any residual pollen and dust floating in the air.
I'll be relying on this high-low trick every summer season from now on, whether I'm tackling daily chores, or ticking off my most skipped and hated summer cleaning jobs.
What to shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
'I honestly love this thing,' says Rhonda. 'You don’t need to drag a chair over or climb anything, it’s long enough to get ceiling fans, lights, high shelves, all that. The microfiber head grabs onto dust and pollen very well, so it’s not just pushing stuff around.'
This microfiber mop head effectively removes 99% of bacteria with just water, and features a conveniently adjustable telescopic handle.
'This is the ultimate time-saver,' says Rhonda, 'as it vacuums and mops at the same time, which is amazing when you’ve got both hard floors and rugs. It doesn’t just push pollen around, it picks it up and keeps it from floating back into the air. Definitely worth having if you’re serious about getting rid of allergens.'
Meet our experts
While my hay fever certainly hasn't gone away for good, it is nice to enjoy some comfort in the safety of my own home. It helps me to sleep better, too, which is a plus during the sweltering summer nights.
When doing laundry, should you dry your clothes outside when you have hayfever?
