Shower and change clothes after being outdoors

What to Do

Shower and wash your hair as soon as you come indoors after extended outdoor time during allergy season. Change into clean indoor clothes immediately.

Why It Works

Pollen clings to hair, skin, and clothing throughout the day. Without showering, you carry a personal pollen cloud indoors and transfer it to furniture, pillows, and bedding. Hair is an especially effective pollen trap — going to bed without washing it deposits pollen directly onto your pillow for overnight exposure.

Tips

• At minimum, wash your face and hands and change your shirt when coming indoors
• Keep a laundry hamper near the entry so outdoor clothes do not spread pollen through the house
• Shower before bed is more important than morning shower during allergy season
• Wash outdoor exercise clothes after each use, not just when visibly dirty