THE temperature will (hopefully) soon be rising - but for allergy and hayfever sufferers that can be a nightmare.

Paul Michaelwaite, of Pershore-based netweather.tv, warned that hayfever sufferers in particular may begin to see the return of symptoms in the next couple of weeks.

For those that suffer from hay fever, spring and summer can bring days of misery as pollen levels are high.

People are also more likely to go outside during the brighter weather causing problems for sufferers of other allergies caused by dust, pollen and pet dander.

Here are 10 tips from Vax to keep yourself sneeze-free this spring.

1: Nip build-up in the bud

The best way to combat allergens in the home is to clean regularly. For sufferers of respiratory allergies, cleaning itself can make you feel poorly, disturbing the dust in our homes. This can be off-putting but if ignored will only get worse. Clean often to make it easier on your allergies and grab a dust-mask if all else fails.

2: Keep windows closed at peak times for pollen

Opening windows is good for our homes but at the wrong times can expose us to pollen. As well as observing the pollen count each day of the year, be mindful of how it changes from morning to night. Keep windows and entrances closed as much as possible between the peak pollen times of 8 - 10am and 5 - 7 pm to shut out irritants.

3: Fight the mites

Dust mites love our home almost as much as we do, flourishing in warm, humid rooms like the bedroom and kitchen. Left undisturbed, this tiny mite will produce up to 2,000 particles of waste during its 10 week life cycle, causing havoc to sufferers of asthma and rhinitis. Wash fabrics on a high heat, replace old linens and vacuum regularly to reduce their numbers.

4: Deal with the damp

Excess moisture can occur in a home for many reasons including leaky pipes, badly sealed windows, poor ventilation, etc. As well as having a negative effect on the immune system overall, damp is bad for people suffering from asthma and allergies. Dust mites, however, thrive on humidity. Always fix these issues as quickly as possible.

5. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter

Vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap in allergens. They are also particularly good at picking up dust mite waste, pollen, pet dander and smoke. Use this liberally across floors and furniture - including pet beds, curtains etc., and use attachments like the mattress tool where possible. Imagine the dirt is playing hide and seek with you, where would no-one think to look?

6: Wash the carpets

Allergens and dirt live deep in the fibres of your carpet even after vacuuming. Powerful cleaners help to remove dirt hidden in your carpet and will also help reduce drying times too. It’s not just the carpets that hide allergens, your own hair is a magnet to pollen, so wash it before bed to avoid breathing it in your sleep.

7: Improve your air quality

The average adult takes in around 11,000 litres of air per day - that’s a lot of exposure to airborne allergens. Luckily there is a way to clean the air you are consuming. Air Purifiers have been approved by Allergy UK because they trap airborne dust, pet dander and pollen, improving the quality of the air around you significantly.

8: Go natural with products

Strong cleaning products can cause issues for people who suffer from skin sensitivity. Thankfully there are plenty of softer alternatives - many of which you can find in your cupboards at home. One quarter of a cup of white wine vinegar will function as an air freshener for example. Lemon juice can be mixed with water to wash windows, or mixed with salt for scrubbing grills. Steaming will kill 99.9% of bacteria in a natural way.

9: Pet problems

We love our pets but when it comes to allergies, they don’t make life any easier. Rolling in grass and running through fields brings dogs in contact with lots of pollen, so keep them on a lead more during pollen season. Clean up in areas where they leave hair and waste straightaway. Be sure to bathe them regularly and keep an eye on whether or not they show signs of suffering from hay fever too.

10. Garden with care

Spring is a good time to stop and smell the roses - and why not? They’re low in pollen! When tending to your garden, choose flowers that are insect-pollinated such as hydrangeas and peonies. Grass pollen is the most common trigger of hay fever, so consider installing artificial grass or ask someone without allergies to mow the lawn for you.

Being mindful of the common causes of allergies in your home will help you and your family to navigate this tricky time of year. Above all, clean often, use tools equipped for the job and enjoy a happy and healthy spring.