Help for Fall Allergies

Heather Marvin
Feb 11, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Feb 2, 2022

Refreshing mornings, warm days, and cool evenings are some of the classic trademarks of the fall season. For many seasonal allergies are another trademark for fall. This article will discuss the source of fall allergens and effective ways to reduce them in your most used spaces.

Allergens

Ragweed Pollen. There are 17 different species of Ragweed in the United States. During an autumn season over 1 billion grains of Ragweed pollen get released into the air. These grains can travel for hundreds of miles. It is estimated that 10-30% of Americans suffer an allergic reaction to Ragweed pollen or "Hayfever". (WebMD) The constant changes in the atmosphere has recently caused the Ragweed pollination season to be prolonged.

Mold. Mold spores love wet spots indoors and outdoors. The temperature differences between night and day result in increased moisture, especially in the morning hours. Damp leaves that gather on the ground in the autumn also provide the ideal breeding ground for mold. When they are raked up, mold spores get released into the air.

Dust Mites. Dust mites that may have gathered over the summer months or even during the autumn can get stirred up when the heater is turned on for the first time.

Strategies to Reduce Seasonal Allergies

Many of the same strategies used to reduce Spring time allergies can be used in reducing Fall time allergies:

Change Air Filters. The HVAC filtration system in your home can be your ally or enemy. What determines which it will be is how often the filters get changed. Every time you use your air conditioner or heater the air you breathe has gone through filters. If these filters are clean and new, then they will block most pollen, dust, and pet dander that is found floating in the air.

The opposite is also true. If the filters haven't been changed in the past 3 months then not only will it not block these allergens but it could contribute to additional allergens being re-circulated into your indoor air.

Another benefit to changing the filters regularly - every 3 months is the recommendation - is that your heating and cooling systems will run more efficiently with less - burden helping them last longer - saving you a ton of money.

While you have clean filters on your mind, don't forget about the filter for your ventilation systems in your car or truck. We spend a lot of time in these spaces. It is vital that the air is clean.

Vents. The vents in our homes and cars are often overlooked for cleaning. Getting these professionally cleaned on a regular basis is very important. It would be pointless to have properly filtered air coming through dirty vents.

Clean Carpets. This should be done at a minimum of 2 times per year. Professional cleaning removes dirt, dust, pollen and other trapped debris while sanitizing. The Mayo Clinic recommends washing throw rugs and floor mats weekly - especially in high traffic areas.

Hardwood floor cleaning. As mentioned in our previous "Reduce Allergies" article, dust and debris that land on hardwood floors really have no where to go, unlike carpets that trap these in its fibers. On hard surfaces they just sit there until they are either removed properly or are blown around. Hard surface flooring needs frequent dust and debris removal. Vacuuming with a Hepa filtered vacuum is a great option. Also using a microfiber floor mopper or sweeper is an easy and very effective way to remove dust, pet dander, and other debris.

Other surfaces that can collect allergens are any soft textiles like curtains, upholstered furniture, sheets, pillowcases and blankets. Now is a great time to schedule a professional cleaning company to come in and remove summer time dirt, dust, and pollen from your furniture.

'Now is a great time to schedule a professional cleaning company to come in and remove summer time dirt, dust, and pollen from your furniture.'

Misc. Some other great ways to reduce your allergies is to remove your shoes as soon as you come in the home. If you've been enjoying outdoor activities, it is recommended that you change your cloths before relaxing on your favorite piece of furniture. Taking a shower and washing your hair may also be necessary. Practicing Clean Habits always helps in reducing contaminants and allergens.

Staying healthy is vital for acheiving the goals of enjoying life and being productive. The tips and strategies outlined here are effective and safe ways to improve health, help you reach your goals, and to Keep Naturally Clean.

Resources: MayoClinic; WebMD, American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology