Spring in the Ozarks is gorgeous—dogwoods bloom, redbuds pop, and fresh green leaves unfurl across the hills. Unfortunately, that beauty comes with a price: pollen. If you live in the Springfield area, you already know how quickly yellow dust coats cars, windowsills, and (yes) the inside of your home.
At RCH Cleaning, we spend every spring helping clients battle airborne allergens. Below are nine tried‑and‑true strategies to keep your indoor air clear and your sinuses happy.
1. Seal the Entry Points
Even tiny gaps let pollen hitch a ride indoors.
- Check window screens for rips and replace the mesh if needed.
- Add weatherstripping around doors and windows; it stops both drafts and pollen
- Use door sweeps on exterior doors to block particles that settle along thresholds.
2. Upgrade Your HVAC Filter
Standard fiberglass filters trap only the biggest dust bunnies. Step up to a pleated, high‑efficiency (MERV 11–13) filter, as these catch much finer particles, including most pollen grains. Change it every 60 days during peak season—or monthly if allergies are severe.
3. Keep Windows Closed at Peak Times
Pollen counts surge in the early morning (5 – 10 a.m.) and on breezy afternoons. Run the air‑conditioning instead of opening windows during those hours. If you crave fresh air, aim for a quick airing after a rain shower, when pollen is temporarily washed from the air.
4. Create a “De‑Pollen” Entry Zone
Set up a small station inside your front or garage door:
- Shoe rack or tray—leave shoes at the door to avoid tracking pollen onto carpets.
- Coat hooks—hang jackets that may have gathered pollen outside.
- Lint roller—give pant legs a quick swipe before heading farther inside.
5. Vacuum Smarter, Not Harder
Use a vacuum with a sealed HEPA system (not just a “HEPA‑type” filter). Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture twice a week during heavy pollen periods. Empty the canister outdoors so particles don’t escape back into your living room.
6. Wet‑Dust Surfaces
Dry dusting just pushes allergens around. Dampen a microfiber cloth with water or a mild, unscented cleaner and wipe:
- Blinds and windowsills
- Ceiling fan blades
- Baseboards and crown molding
- Shelves and picture frames
Follow up with a dry cloth to prevent water spots on wood or painted trim.
7. Wash Bedding in Hot Water
Pollen clings to hair and skin, then embeds in sheets and pillowcases. Launder bedding weekly in water at least 130 °F to neutralize allergens. Showering before bed keeps tomorrow night’s sheets cleaner, too.
8. Groom Pets More Frequently
Fur traps pollen faster than upholstery. Brush dogs or cats outdoors and wipe their paws and coat with a pet‑safe grooming wipe before they come inside. Consider a lightweight pet shirt for short walks on high‑pollen days.
9. Schedule a Seasonal Deep Clean
Even with diligent habits, pollen still sneaks into HVAC vents, light fixtures, and behind heavy furniture. A professional deep clean from RCH Cleaning:
- Vacuum‑cleans vents and registers to stop recirculation.
- Steam‑cleans carpets to flush embedded pollen grains.
- Washes windows inside and out, removing the sticky film that accumulates each spring.
- Tackles high or awkward spots (ceiling fans, above cabinets) safely and efficiently.
Breathe Easier This Spring
A few proactive steps—and maybe, if you don’t have the time to get all of this done before summer, one solid partnership with RCH Cleaning—can transform your home into a pollen‑free haven. Ready to trade sniffles for fresh indoor air? Contact us today to book your spring deep‑cleaning appointment. We’ll handle the pollen so you can enjoy every bloom the Ozarks has to offer—minus the sneeze.
