Seasonal
Pollen season in Northern Virginia: a cleaning plan for spring
Every spring a yellow film covers cars, porches and windowsills from Arlington to Loudoun. Here is how to keep pollen out of your home, room by room.
By Northern Virginia Housekeeping · 5 min read · Updated
Tree pollen season in our area usually peaks in early spring, when oaks, maples and pines all bloom within a few weeks. Pollen comes in on shoes, clothes, pets and open windows, then settles on every flat surface. A little routine keeps it from building up.
Stop it at the door
- Put a washable mat outside and inside every door you use
- Take shoes off at the door during peak weeks
- Wipe pets' paws and coats after walks
- Leave jackets in a mudroom or by the door, not in the bedroom
Floors and surfaces
Pollen is fine and light, so a dry cloth just moves it around. Use a damp microfiber cloth on surfaces and a vacuum with a HEPA filter on floors and rugs. Mop hard floors after you vacuum.
Windows, sills and screens
Windowsills and tracks collect the most pollen. Wipe them weekly during the season. Rinse screens once the worst is over, and clean the inside of windows at the same time.
Bedrooms first
- Wash sheets and pillowcases every week in hot water
- Shower before bed to rinse pollen out of your hair
- Keep pets off the bed during the season
Air filters
Change your HVAC filter at the start of the season, and check it again after the peak. A dirty filter sends pollen right back into the house.
Plan a spring deep clean
Once the pollen settles, book a deep clean to reset the house: baseboards, window tracks, ceiling fans, vents and high shelves. It is the best time of year to do it.
