Enjoy the great outdoors this
summer with our hints and tipsThe summer months should be a time to make more of the great
outdoors, but for many it can mean weeks of runny noses, itchy eyes
and sneezes. There are a few steps you can take to reduce the amount
of pollen in your home, making life a little more comfortableIt seems obvious, but the simple step of keeping windows closed can make a
world of difference, especially in the bedroom which should help you to sleep
more easily. A fan and an air purifier will make bedtime more comfortable, and for
those who really suffer, consider investing in a two-in-one purifying fan such as
Dyson Pure Cool, £399.99, which cools and removes pollutants at the same time.
To keep on top of pollen, vacuum floors and curtains every few days, and
wash bedding and children’s soft toys as often as possible. When dusting, use
a damp cloth instead of a dry one which can disperse dust and pollen into the air.
Online pet store http://www.mypetneedsthat.com recommends keeping a dog
brush outside to groom your pet before they come in from the outdoors, and
to additionally wash your pet’s paws in shallow warm water to prevent them from
walking pollens into carpets and flooring.
If you are returning from outside, especially if you have been to a place where
the pollen count is high, remember to shower as soon as you get home and
change your clothes straight away.
Try using an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm such as HayMax. Sweep
under your nose and around the sockets of your eyes, and it will trap over a
third of the pollen grains before they enter the body. HayMax is priced £6.99 and
is available from Holland & Barrett, Morrisons, Boots and chemists nationwide.HOW TO... reduce pollen inside your home
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How can I clean baby
toys without using
harsh chemicals?Nimble’s range of
plant-based cleaning
products is designed
specifically with babies
in mind. Wipe away mess
and kill germs without the
worry of exposing little
ones to potentially harmful
chemicals. The Sticky
Stopper, now available to
buy in Boots, is proven to
kill 99.9 per cent of germs and is great for
cleaning sticky and greasy dirt from toys
and play mats, as well as high chairs,
floors, bibs and potties.Nimble Sticky Stopper, £2.99 for 250ml, from Boots
and http://www.nimblebabies.comQ&A
Laura’s choice
‘Take the worry out of keeping your
food cool on a camping trip with
Halfords’ 24 litre electric coolbox.
Running off a 12V power supply, it
will keep the contents up to 18 ̊C cooler than the
outside – while if it’s warmth you require, it will
ensure food is kept up to 65 ̊C.’
Feature
Laura Higgins
Main image
Laura Ashley
24 Litre 12V electric coolbox, £65, Halfords✓
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