There’s nothing quite like the first signs of Spring to pull you out of a Winter slump. But almost as soon as you sense a change in the air, something else arrives as well: Spring allergies.
If you think it’s too early to worry about spring allergies, think again, because seasonal allergens can start impacting your health as early as February.
Even worse, new research reveals that allergy season is getting worse and lasting longer. Compared to conditions in 1990, pollen season now starts 20 days earlier, lasts 10 additional days, and has a 21% higher pollen count.
Looking for easy ways to reduce your exposure to allergens? Luckily, a few simple tweaks to your laundry routine can lower the intensity of your spring allergies!
Spring Allergies: How to Reduce Allergens in Clothes
Stop Spring Allergies Before They Start
Soaking up spring sunshine is a must, but outside activities are the quickest way to trigger allergic episodes. To lower this risk without forgoing outdoor fun, do your best to have family members shed their outer clothing layers at the door.
To make this easier, try designating specific jackets, pants, and shoes as outdoor garments. You’ll keep allergens off the rest of your wardrobe and prevent them from spreading in the home.
Alternatively, doing laundry more often lowers the number of allergens trapped in your day-to-day clothing. If you buy any new clothes this time of year, it’s especially important to wash them before use.
Deep Clean Your Washer and Dryer
When was the last time you cleaned your washer and dryer? If your machines are contaminated with their own set of allergens, cleaning your clothing won’t solve your spring allergy problem.
To spring clean your washing machine:
Use a damp cloth to clean your detergent drawer;
Check the filter for residue build-up;
Clean the inside of the machine with bleach.
To freshen up your dryer:
Check the filter and interior for lingering lint;
Use a soapy washcloth to rinse the inside and surface of the machine;
Double check for soap residue before use.
For a step-by-step guide on cleaning your washing machine, check out this blog! Or, consider using professionally maintained washers and dryers at your local laundromat.
Be Picky With Products
The chemicals you put on your clothes are influential if you’re suffering from spring allergies.
Are your detergents, fabric softeners, and stain fighters hypoallergenic? Even if you’ve never used products for sensitive skin before, making this switch could improve the irritations you experience this time of year.
Finally, consider using dryer sheets. As well as freshening up your loads, they do a good job of absorbing rogue allergens.
Head to our FAQ blog if you need more help improving your laundry routine.
Laundry is always important, but doing it well matters even more throughout the Spring season. If you’re stressed about how to reduce allergens in clothing, we’d be happy to help!
If you live in Westminster, Thornton, or Broomfield, our laundromat is filled with clean and convenient self-serve amenities perfect for battling spring allergies.
If you’re short on time, we can also do your laundry and dry cleaning for you, complete with pick-up and drop-off delivery. Click here for more details.
