Prepping the Porch for Pollen Season

Here comes the pollen!

Spring is one of my favorite times of the year—everything is blooming, the weather is perfect, and I love spending time on my porch. But let’s be real, pollen season can be brutal! If you’re like me and want to keep your outdoor space fresh and inviting without constantly battling that yellow dust, here’s what I do to stay ahead of it.

1. Deep Clean Before the Season Hits Before pollen levels peak, I give my porch a good scrub-down. Sweeping away debris, wiping down surfaces, and hosing off furniture helps start the season with a clean slate. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

2. Invest in Outdoor Covers I’ve learned the hard way that outdoor cushions are like pollen magnets. Now, I keep washable covers on my furniture or bring cushions inside when I’m not using them. It makes cleaning up so much easier.

3. Keep Up with Regular Wipe Downs A quick daily or weekly wipe-down keeps the pollen from piling up. I use a damp cloth or a mild soap solution to clean tabletops, railings, and chairs. It takes just a few minutes and makes a huge impact.

4. Use a Pressure Washer A pressure washer is my secret weapon! Every few weeks, I give my porch, siding, and deck a good rinse to blast away stubborn pollen and dirt. If you don’t have one, even a regular garden hose with a good nozzle works wonders.

5. Add Outdoor-Friendly Plants I love having greenery on my porch, but I’m picky about what I plant. Low-pollen plants like ferns, petunias, and hydrangeas add beauty without adding to my allergy issues. I avoid high-pollen trees and grasses that make things worse.

6. Consider Screens or Curtains I recently added outdoor curtains, and I love how they help block some of the pollen while also making my porch feel cozy. Screens are another great option if you want to create a more enclosed space.

7. Keep the Air Moving I always have my ceiling fan or a standing fan running to keep air circulating. It helps prevent pollen from settling too much, but I do have to remember to wipe down the fan blades regularly so I’m not just spreading it around.

8. Have a Pollen-Free Entry System One thing that has helped a ton is keeping a doormat at every entrance and making sure everyone wipes their feet before coming inside. I also try to keep shoes off the porch to prevent tracking pollen everywhere.

A little effort goes a long way in keeping my porch a place I actually want to enjoy all season long!