Spring Cleaning & Allergen Control
Spring is the natural season for Ontario's most intensive home cleaning — but it also coincides with peak pollen season, creating a tension between wanting fresh air and needing to keep allergens out. Managing this balance is important for Ontario households with allergy sufferers.
Opening Windows: Timing Matters
Ontario tree pollen season typically runs from late March through May, grass pollen through June and July. Pollen counts peak in the early morning (6am–10am) and on dry, windy days. Opening windows in the afternoon on calm days, or after rain (rain scrubs pollen from the air), allows ventilation with lower pollen exposure. Keep windows closed on high-wind days and during the early morning peak.
HVAC Filter Replacement
Replace your furnace/air handler filter at the start of spring before shifting from heating to cooling mode. A MERV-11 or higher filter captures pollen particles and significantly reduces indoor pollen concentration. If you run air conditioning through pollen season, a clean, high-efficiency filter is more effective than open windows for most allergy sufferers.
Spring Cleaning Practices for Allergen Reduction
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and throw blankets on a hot cycle to kill dust mites and remove accumulated winter allergens
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery with a HEPA-equipped vacuum — spring is the natural time for the post-winter deep vacuum
- Clean all air vents and cold air returns — spring is when the annual duct cleaning discussion usually happens