UK households are being urged to ditch household cleaning sprays this month at the height of hay fever season.
Hay fever season kicks off in late March and lasts until September, with tree pollen being released first, followed by grass pollen and weed pollen. While it’s possible to be allergic to all three types, the majority of hay fever sufferers have an allergy to grass pollen. The Met Office says grass pollen season spans from mid-May until July and features two distinct peaks: one in early June and a smaller one in early July.
Now that the month of June has kicked off, sufferers may notice their symptoms worse over the coming weeks thanks to a peak in the release of grass pollen, resulting in blocked or runny noses, headaches, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and fatigue.
Unfortunately there is no cure for hay fever and while it can be managed by taking an antihistamine, experts say the best way to minimise symptoms is simply through prevention.
There are many steps you can take to reduce pollen accumulating in your home, including closing windows and doors, washing your clothes and hair, and avoiding hanging your washing outside, but there is one factor in your home that could unknowingly be making your symptoms worse.
Household cleaning sprays – particularly those with harsh chemicals and strong fragrances – can exacerbate symptoms as they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can irritate the respiratory tract and trigger an allergic reaction, making hay fever symptoms worse.
Asthma + Lung UK explains: “Many everyday cleaning and cosmetic products release pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM).
“These pollutants can cause allergic reactions or headaches. They can also make your lung condition symptoms worse. This includes household cleaning products, for example disinfectant sprays, air freshener and laundry products. It could also be cosmetic products such as soaps, perfumes and deodorants.”
To avoid triggering an allergic reaction, households are advised to ditch cleaning sprays containing harsh chemicals for natural alternatives like white vinegar or baking soda – especially during peak grass pollen season.
Experts at MattressOnline say: “Consider mixing the following ingredients to create a homemade dusting spray that will keep your surfaces cleaner for longer:
- ½ cup of water (125ml)
- ¼ cup of vinegar (60ml)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- A few drops of essential oil of your choosing to give your spray the perfect scent (remember to check if it’s safe for pets!)
“Once sprayed, wipe the surface with a clean cloth. This dust-repellant spray will help keep dust and pollen away from your bedroom’s surfaces for longer!”
Additionally, introducing more wool into your home, like rugs or upholstery, can also help minimise allergy symptoms.
Haldi Kranich-Wood, Wool Interiors Specialist at British Wool, adds: “Avoid chemical-filled cleaning products. Many household cleaning sprays and air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system and aggravate hay fever symptoms.
“Luckily, wool is nature’s air purifier. Its unique fibre structure actively absorbs and locks away VOCs, unlike synthetic materials that tend to re-emit them into your living space.
“Even if you’re not ready to swap to natural cleaning products, introducing wool-rich items like carpets, rugs, or upholstery can help reduce VOC levels and create a cleaner, allergy-friendly home.”
