Yellow Cloud Brings House Cleaning Nemesis!
You’ve probably noticed something different about your outdoor air recently. It has turned yellow! At least it bears a green-yellow tinge and that same color appears on every outdoor surface (and way too many indoor surfaces as well). Even our fresh strawberries brought home this morning from the Carrboro Farmers’ Market had to have their layer of yellow dust washed off before we could see their natural and luscious red color. You may have noticed, as I have personally, that there has been a hike in allergy symptoms, too.
Cleaning…and Re-Cleaning!
For newcomers to this area, spring’s introduction can come as quite a shock. A table on the deck that was cleaned up for breakfast will be coated again well before lunch. This time of year, we frequently oblige clients asking us to clean their porches in addition to their regular clean, only to find that by the time they return home from work, it looks much the same as it did that morning. If you keep your windows open to enjoy the wonderful spring weather, the pollen settles on everything indoors as well!
So, what are you to do? If you suffer from allergies, by all means keep your windows closed and make sure your furnace filters are rated to be effective against pollens and other less visible allergens and that they have been changed recently. While this season is “raining” pollen and other tree parts, you can cover outdoor tables and chairs or just plan to wipe them down before each use. There is no point in trying to deep clean an outdoor area while this is happening.
Post-Pollen Clean-up for the Outside
Once the pollen subsides, usually after about two to three weeks, you will be more than ready to get the outdoor living areas ready for summer. Now it’s time to deep clean the porch; you may want to arrange for power-washing the porch, deck walkway, perhaps even the entire exterior of your home. It’s definitely time to wash the furniture and clean your outdoor upholstery as needed.
You Need Post-Pollen House Cleaning too
The dust load in your home is likely to be higher, requiring more time and attention to clean up than for other times of year. You may find the pollen has left tracks on your carpets. Cleaning those carpets can help rid your house of winter odors, soils as well as that intrusive pollen, allowing you and your family to breathe better, cleaner air. This is also a good time to clean windows and you’ll be glad you waited a bit. North Carolina springs are gorgeous—it just takes a little patience to get through our pollen season!
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