A cleaning expert has issued a warning to Brits to clean their windowsills for 30 seconds every day this week after leaving them open. There are an estimated 10 million hayfever sufferers in the UK
Brits are being urged to spare a mere 30 seconds to wipe down their windowsills after keeping them open, following advice from a cleaning authority as the UK braces for a particularly severe hayfever season. With an estimated 10 million hayfever sufferers in the UK experiencing symptoms like sneezing, coughs, nasal issues, itchy eyes and ears, pain in the head and forehead, headaches and fatigue, it’s more crucial than ever to be mindful of indoor allergens.
While antihistamines and avoiding outdoor activities are common remedies for combatting high pollen counts, individuals often overlook the impact of the pollen that settles inside their homes.
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Home cleaning specialist and Daily Poppins founder Nigel Bearman said: “It’s unrealistic to say ‘don’t open your windows’ in the summer, but not wiping the sills afterwards is basically inviting pollen to settle and linger in your home.”
This cleaning tip comes at a critical time as the Met Office predicts very high and high pollen levels throughout parts of the UK in the next five days.
The upcoming forecast indicates that London and southeastern England will face the brunt of this week’s hayfever onslaught, with very high grass pollen and high weed pollen set to aggravate the regions until Friday, June 20, reports the Express.
The Midlands and East of England are currently grappling with very high pollen levels today, with forecasts indicating a fluctuation between very high and high counts throughout the week.
On Friday, June 20, almost the entire UK, barring the Highlands, Eilean Siar, and the Orkney and Shetland isles, is set to face very high or high pollen counts.
Pollen tends to settle swiftly on smooth surfaces like window sills, frames, and blinds, particularly when windows remain open during peak pollen times. Once inside, these particles can be stirred back into the air by everyday actions such as opening or closing windows, drawing curtains, or simply walking past.
Regularly wiping these areas before pollen has the opportunity to disperse can prevent it from settling on more challenging-to-clean items like bedding, sofas, and carpets.
Nigel advises: “Just use a damp microfibre cloth once a day. It takes 30 seconds, costs nothing, and can genuinely reduce your hayfever flare-ups indoors.”