The Sneezin’ Season

WASH IT AWAY To keep pollen out of your house (and especially your bedroom), ditch your shoes and change into clean duds at the door. Put dirty clothes in a laundry bag or hamper with a lid, then wash them in hot water and toss in the dryer (never hang them to dry outdoors!). Rinse your hair nightly before bed so your pillowcase doesn’t get covered with pollen, Bassett advises.

PROTECT YOUR PEEPERS Sunglasses (particularly wrap-arounds) can help keep pollen out of your eyes.

KEEP WINDOWS AND DOORS CLOSED Use air conditioning in your home and car to keep cool, no matter how much you crave fresh air. And, Bassett says, “Don’t forget to change or clean your home A/C filters on a regular basis to assist you indoors.”

CLEAN LIKE MAD Wash your bed linens in hot water at least once a week and vacuum carpets and drapes even more often. (A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is best.) This will help to remove pollen and indoor allergens that could ratchet up your suffering, says Bassett.

VET YOUR PETS “Outdoor allergens can be carried inside by furry pets,” Nish says. Trimming their fur could help reduce the amount that ends up indoors. Or, wash off your pet before letting him in and restrict him to one area of the house, Nish suggests.