Brits urged to follow this 30-second rule as pollen levels soar

Daily Record

5 hours ago

Brits urged to follow this 30-second rule as pollen levels soar
Parts of the UK are set to see "very high" pollen levels this week, spelling misery for millions
Many Brits have been suffering with hay fever symptoms in recent weeks due to high pollen counts
(Image: getty )
An expert has shared a simple 30-second rule to help alleviate frustrating symptoms of hay fever. This quick and easy trick could help remove pollen from your home.
It is thought that around 13 million Brits suffer from hay fever, which is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens such as pollen. Also known as allergic rhinitis it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and headaches.
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This year the Met Office has frequently warned of high pollen counts across the UK, including later this week when the south west and east of England, the west midlands, and Wales have a 'very high' pollen alert in place.
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While there are treatments and remedies for hay fever available from pharmacies such as antihistamines, there are also some simple hacks you can try at home to minimise your exposure to pollen. With this in mind, Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert and founder of Daily Poppins, shared an easy way to do just this.
'Forgetting to wipe your windowsills after leaving the windows open all day is one of the biggest mistakes I see,' he said. 'It's unrealistic to say, 'Don't open your windows' in summer, but not wiping the sills afterwards is basically inviting pollen to settle and linger in your home.'
Luckily, the fix is surprisingly simple. He advised: 'Just use a damp microfibre cloth once a day.
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'It takes 30 seconds, costs nothing, and can genuinely reduce your hay fever flare-ups indoors.' He warned that pollen particles can settle quickly on smooth surfaces like sills, frames, and blinds, especially when windows are left open during peak times.
Once indoors, they get wafted back into the air every time you open or close the window, draw the curtains, or even just walk by. Wiping them away before they have the chance to spread prevents them from drifting onto other surfaces like bedding, sofas and carpets, which are much harder to clean daily.
Taking 30 seconds to wipe down your windowsills with a damp cloth every day can help limit your exposure to pollen
(Image: Getty )
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Other ways to reduce pollen indoors
While this habit can make a big difference, pollen can still find its way inside, especially on warm, breezy days. Here are a few extra steps Nigel recommends to keep symptoms under control.
Wash bedding weekly at 60C. This removes pollen, dust mites, and other allergens that build up overnight.
Avoid drying laundry outside. As tempting as it is when the sun's shining, clothes left on the line can pick up pollen and carry it straight into your wardrobe.
Wipe down pets after walks. If your dog loves rolling in the grass, keep a damp cloth near the door to give their fur and paws a quick wipe before they come inside.
Symptoms
The NHS lists symptoms of hay fever as:
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Sneezing and coughing
A runny or blocked nose
Itchy, red or watery eyes
Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
Loss of smell
Pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
Headache
Feeling tired
The health body says: 'Symptoms are usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.'
If you are struggling with symptoms, the NHS advises speaking to a pharmacist. They might recommend antihistamine drops, tablets or steroid nasal sprays.