Summer brings beautiful days and warm evenings, but for many, it also means battling hay fever.

It's not just a personal struggle; around 25% of the US population deals with seasonal allergies. As summer kicks into gear, I've discovered an easy yet powerful method to boost comfort at home throughout the season.

I never imagined that a cleaning tip could be so effective. While it won't cure allergies, it's certainly a game changer. Experts explain why a top-to-bottom cleaning approach is vital for those with hay fever during the summer months.

Why Cleaning from Top to Bottom Reduces Hay Fever Symptoms

"One rule I always emphasize, especially during hay fever season, is to clean from top to bottom," says Scott Schrader, a cleaning expert. "This isn't just a habit; it's a key strategy for minimizing exposure to common allergens like pollen and dust in your home."

So, what makes this method so effective? Kristin DiNicolantonio from the American Cleaning Institute clarifies, "This technique minimizes pollen and dust by stopping particles from resettling on surfaces that have already been cleaned.

As you tackle higher areas, dust and allergens will naturally fall to lower surfaces. This allows for easier vacuuming or mopping.

"Targeting each area as dust falls is crucial for completely eliminating allergens, especially for hay fever sufferers."

Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner, agrees this approach is one of the best solutions for allergy relief at home. She refers to it as a "non-negotiable."

"It benefits hay fever, but it's also just smarter cleaning overall," she states. "This isn't merely advice; it's a proven method that significantly reduces allergens in your home and saves time by preventing unnecessary re-cleaning."

Whether you need to make a bedroom allergy-proof or tackle another space, it turns out that experts widely support this cleaning tip for allergy relief.

Steps to Clean from Top to Bottom

A blue living room with bookshelves, a blue upholstered chair, wooden floor lamp, and small wooden circular table. Behind is a large window with a red and white patterned blind.

Cleaning bookshelves from top to bottom is particularly beneficial.

When deep cleaning your home, following a top-to-bottom approach is straightforward.

As Kristin notes, "Each room might need specific attention, but this method works universally."

Start with high surfaces like ceiling fans, crown molding, light fixtures, and the tops of tall shelves. These areas are often overlooked when dusting.

Using an extendable duster, like the bestselling Swiffer Dusters with Extension Pole available at Walmart, can be very effective.

For this step, experts like Alicia Sokolowski suggest using a damp microfiber cloth, such as the Great Value Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart. A Scrub Daddy Damp Duster, available at Amazon, is also perfect for this dry/damp cleaning method.

Next, focus on mid-level areas like kitchen countertops and dining tables. "Be sure to wipe down any decorations on these surfaces too," Kristin adds.

Don't overlook sanitizing walls, windowsills, and curtains. According to Rhonda, "Wash curtains as needed and replace them once clean."

It's common to neglect washing curtains, so check care labels on your curtains and drapes, and only re-hang them when they're completely dry.

To daily reduce pollen, give curtains a quick pass with your handheld vacuum.

"And don't forget to dust the undersides of your shelves," Rhonda continues. "Those areas are often missed but need attention too."

A white entryway with white stairs with a green stair runner, wooden flooring and white walls.

Finish by ensuring your flooring is spotless.

Finally, clean the lowest areas, including baseboards, floors, and low furniture.

"Dust and allergens gather on the floor, too," Scott advises. "Use a high-quality HEPA vacuum for allergies, such as the Miele Complete C3 available at Amazon or Shark Navigator Lift-Away, also available at Amazon. After that, mop using a damp mop.

"Keep your vacuum running while mopping to prevent dust from rising. I recommend mopping last to avoid adding moisture to surfaces prematurely."

Finally, Alicia suggests briefly opening windows to cool your home this summer.

"If pollen counts are low, open windows briefly to let fresh air in, then close them again to stop allergens from entering," she advises.

"During peak pollen season, repeat this cleaning routine once or twice a week."

My Takeaway

A bright kitchen with tiled floors, an ochre kitchen island, white countertops, wooden bar stools and skylights above.

This cleaning technique will be my go-to every summer.

This straightforward cleaning method has made my home much less allergenic, especially combined with my top air purifier, which effectively eliminates any lingering pollen and dust in the air.

I plan to stick with this high-low cleaning strategy each summer, whether handling daily tasks or addressing the most dreaded summer cleaning tasks.

Recommended Products

Prices were accurate at publication.

A red microfiber duster on a silver extendable handleExtendable

OXO Microfiber Duster

"I truly love this tool," Rhonda shares. "You don't have to move furniture or climb to reach high places. It's long enough for ceiling fans and high shelves, and the microfiber head traps dust and pollen efficiently, rather than just moving it around."

An O-Cedar mop with a white head and gray handle, next to a black and red mop bucket, with its packaging box behind itMachine-washable mop head

EasyWring™ Spin Mop & Bucket System

This microfiber mop head removes 99% of bacteria with just water and features a telescopic handle that adjusts easily.

A green and white wet and dry vacuumMulti-surface cleaning

BISSELL Crosswave Turbo Vacuum Mop

"This is a huge time-saver," Rhonda asserts. "It vacuums and mops simultaneously, which is fantastic for homes with both hard floors and rugs. It captures pollen effectively, preventing it from becoming airborne again. It's definitely a must-have for allergy sufferers."