The warm weather, blooming flowers and budding trees can mean only one thing—allergy season has arrived. Here are a few spring and summer-related tips for minimizing the allergens in your home.

1. Do a thorough spring cleaning. Windows, bookshelves and other surfaces often collect dust throughout the winter. Use a dusting product specially made to remove dust and allergens, such as Pledge® Dust & Allergen. Pledge® Dust & Allergen has anti-static agents that remove more dust and allergens than dry dusting.



2. Outdoor pollen counts can be high this time of year. Keeping your windows shut helps keep those airborne allergens out of your home. Run the air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dehumidifies the air. Lowering humidity reduces the number of dust mites and dust mite allergens in your home.



3. As part of your spring and summer cleaning routine, use the extensions on your vacuum cleaner to vacuum your upholstered furniture. This can help remove the dust, pet dander, and pollen that can settle on these surfaces. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or special double filter bags if possible.



4. Before you go to bed, take a shower. Pollen can easily collect on your skin and hair during the day.



5. To avoid exposure to pet dander and pollen, keep your pets off your furniture and out of your bedroom. Pollen can cling to pets after they've been outside.