Is your car making your hay fever worse? The 4 cleaning mistakes that will put you on the road to hellish symptoms

As the weather heats up this week, there's no surer sign that hay fever season is well and truly upon us.

It is expected that around 10 million Britons will fall prey to pollen this summer, with sufferers forced to fend off taxing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.

However one expert has warned that the fight against hay fever is not only one waged outdoors - but you are also at risk inside the comfort of your car. 

Car cleaning expert Wesley Walker, and founder of mobile car wash Cleanme.co.uk, has revealed that some irritants hiding away in your vehicle could be making your symptoms worse.

Wesley explained: 'Hay fever is caused by environmental allergens that affect the nose and/or eyes. Your symptoms may get worse when they get into your car.

Expert Wesley Walker has revealed four little-known car cleaning mistakes that could be exacerbating your hay fever symptoms (stock image)

'You can significantly reduce the exposure to allergens during the challenging hay fever season by understanding and addressing these common car cleaning mistakes.

'Simple changes in car maintenance routines can significantly improve daily comfort and health for those suffering from seasonal allergies'.  

Here, we reveal four little-known car cleaning mistakes that could be exacerbating your hay fever symptoms, as told by the expert. 

1. Overlooking the cabin air filter

Most modern vehicles have been installed with a cabin air filter, a white square-shaped component normally found behind your car's glove box.

The cabin air filter is essential for capturing dust, pollen, and other airborne allergens and a functioning one is crucial for those with allergy or respiratory symptoms.

Wesley explained: 'Failure to replace this filter regularly can result in a buildup of allergens, as it recycles air packed with irritants every time the air conditioning or heater is used'.

According to cars.com, some manufacturers recommend the cabin air filter be changed every 12,000 or 15,000 miles.

However for those regularly exposed to pollution and allergens such as heavy traffic and greenery, you may need to replace the filter more often.

It is expected that around 10 million Britons will fall prey to the allergen this summer, with sufferers forced to fend off taxing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose (stock image)

'To ensure a cleaner, fresher environment inside the car, you should replace the cabin air filter at least once a year or more frequently in areas with high pollen counts' he added.

2. Scented cleaning products

With spring in the air, it's perhaps only natural to want your car also smelling like nature's best.

But Wesley warned that most mainstream cleaning products could be exposing your car - and in turn yourself - to harmful irritants.

He said: 'It’s common to use scented cleaning products to achieve a pleasant, clean scent in the car. However, these products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fragrances that can irritate the airway, potentially making hay fever symptoms worse'.

To alleviate symptoms he suggested using 'fragrance-free' or 'hypoallergenic cleaning products' as they can help to avoid triggering allergic reactions.

3. Forgetting upholstery and carpet cleaning

Often sizzling weather means the return of a bustling social calendar as we meet up with friends to frolic over wine and good times.

During the summer months we may become too invested with our packed schedule, therefore paying less attention to our car's hygiene.

Wesley emphasised the importance of thoroughly and regularly cleaning your car's cabin air filter, upholstery and carpet (stock image)

Wesley explained that your vehicle's seats and mats can act as 'ideal traps for pollen and dust allergens' and therefore must be cleaned regularly.

He continued: 'These allergens can easily transfer from your clothes to the car interior, where they embed themselves in the fabric'.

To remedy this, he added: 'You can use a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter, which can significantly reduce allergen levels, providing relief from hay fever symptoms'.

4. Leaving you car windows open

With the sun blaring and temperatures soaring, what better escape from the relentless heat than cool wind gushing in through your moving vehicle?

According to the expert, this habit is best ditched in order to relieve the severity of your hay fever symptoms.

Wesley explained that leaving windows open - especially during peak pollen times such as early mornings and late afternoons - can allow an influx of allergens into your car. 

'These allergens can accumulate on car surfaces and continue to expose you to more irritants upon entering the vehicle' he added.

'Therefore, you should keep windows closed during high pollen periods and use the air conditioning's recirculate function to maintain a cleaner air environment inside the car'.