Summer is here and with it comes the dreaded pollen, as the heatwave sweeps Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Hay fever can be a right pain for many, with dry and itchy eyes, runny nose and breathing issues being just few of the frustrating symptoms.
Pollen is a nuisance for hay fever sufferers, and requires constant attention during the warmer months.
But while summer season can be difficult to move through for hay fever sufferers, here are some tips from an expert that can help reduce the pollen's impact.
Clean the home thoroughly, and install an air purifier
Nick Small, AO.com’s small appliance expert, has urged households to clean their homes thoroughly, and purchase an air purifier to clear the air.
He said: "Pollen is a nuisance for anyone with hay fever, but simple steps can be taken to reduce its impact. Home comfort can be improved significantly simply by cleaning and ventilating your house to remove any unwanted particles.
"For the best results use an air purifier, and in particular look out for one with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Absorbing) filter.
"When the air is sucked in by this device, the pollutants are trapped before clean air flows back into the home. These HEPA filters offer the greatest filtration money can buy, removing in some cases up to 99.97 per cent of pollutants and allergens.
"As such air purifiers will help rid the air of any pollen. Typically speaking the pollen count will be highest early in the morning and late at night.
"We recommend that windows are kept shut during these times for the purifier to run at maximum efficiency and to make sure there is no further interference from the outside world."
Get a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can really clear up the air inside a home, and make it easier to breath for those with respiratory issues.
Nick added: "Special mention should be made for humidity. During humid days, the air can feel thicker and therefore bring on worse hay fever symptoms.
"Humidity also has the potential to form mould which also makes the allergy worse. Investing in a dehumidifier can reduce the moisture in the air, meaning that the air feels fresher inside your home."
Take showers often and wash your clothes
You can rid the air of pollen and your own clothes just by running a washing with clothes you wore outside.
Change into something clean after a cool shower and stick your old clothes in the machine - ridding yourself of any pollen still hanging around.
Nick explained: "Further advice on protecting yourself from pollen would be to wash your clothes and take regular showers during the upcoming summery months.
"Make sure the clothes are washed at a slightly high temperature (making sure to check the care labels for specific instructions) to eradicate any bits of pollen clinging onto them.
"Alike an air purifier, you can also obtain a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove any pollen stuck to your carpets and floors.
"With these simple steps pollen will be the least of your worries during the summer!"
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