Most people adore fall, as autumn ushers in cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice, and crisp air. Unfortunately, for allergy sufferers, it also brings itchy eyes, endless sneezing, and the never-ending need to carry tissues everywhere. Ragweed, leaf mold, dust mites, and even pollen tracked indoors can turn autumn’s charms into sneeze-filled challenges. Thankfully, the right laundry routine can help cut down on allergens, keep your clothes fresh, and make this fall season a little easier to enjoy.
What’s Lurking in Fall Air?
When fall allergy season hits, a few culprits are usually to blame. Ragweed pollen is one of the biggest offenders; it peaks in the fall and spreads easily, clinging to clothing and hair. Leaf mold thrives in damp, fallen leaves, releasing spores that can trigger sneezing and congestion when disturbed. Smoke brought in from North American wildfires is another major cause of seasonal allergies in Colorado. And when we spend more time indoors, dust mites and pet dander become more noticeable, especially in fabrics that aren’t washed as often (such as comforters and blankets). These tiny irritants provoke your immune system, causing the itchy eyes, runny nose, and sinus pressure many people dread each autumn.
Wash Away Pollen and Outdoor Allergens
Pollen and other miniscule allergenic particles easily stick to clothing, especially after raking leaves, hiking, or even just running errands. To remove allergens from clothes, wash them in hot water (if the fabric allows — check the garment tag to be sure) and use a fragrance-free detergent to avoid extra irritation. For delicate items or dry-clean-only garments, a reliable professional cleaner can safely deep clean fabrics, eliminating trapped allergens without damaging your favorite pieces.
Dealing with camp or wildfire smoke? If the smell is lingering in your clothes, you may need more advanced DIY techniques.
Keep Dust Mites Under Control
Dust mites thrive in bedding, upholstery, and clothes that aren’t washed often enough. To help remove dust mites from fabrics, wash your sheets, pillowcases, and frequently worn garments in hot water weekly, and dry them on high heat when safe for the fabric. If your schedule doesn’t allow for this kind of consistency, Dependable Cleaners’ services like Wash & Fold or Shirt Laundry combined with Pickup & Delivery make it simple to stay on top of a healthy routine without lifting a finger.
Don’t Forget Jackets, Scarves & Seasonal Layers
Your outerwear and accessories can trap just as many (and often more) allergens as everyday outfits — especially scarves that sit close to your face. These often-overlooked items should be washed regularly during allergy season to help reduce flare-ups. For wool coats, tweed jackets, or dry-clean-only pieces, Dependable’s professional cleaning ensures allergens are removed while fabrics stay in top condition.
Read More: Fall Fabric Support
Manage Indoor Allergens with Smart Laundry Habits
When fall weather drives us indoors, mold spores and pet dander can make symptoms worse. Laundering throw blankets, slipcovers, and other household fabrics every couple of weeks keeps these allergens at bay. Consider adding an extra rinse cycle for certain items washed at home, as this helps remove detergent residue and leftover particles which can cause allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin. If you find that your freshly laundered clothes or sheets are causing you any physical irritation, you should try a switch to hypoallergenic detergent options.
After items are washed, make sure all laundry is dried completely before storing; even slightly damp clothes or linens can promote mold growth, which makes allergy symptoms worse. And if your home has pets, keeping a set of “pet-free linens” (such as a separate blanket or sheet) can cut down on dander exposure when it’s time to sleep.
Make Allergy Season More Bearable with Dependable
Don’t let allergies and laundry loads get in the way of a fantastic fall! With expert cleaning for everything from delicate scarves to bulky bedding, Dependable Cleaners is your go-to partner for keeping allergens under control. No matter what kind of specialized fabric care you’re looking for, our 7-point inspection process and eco-friendly cleaning methods will help your clothes stay fresh so you can breathe easier all season long.
Find a dry cleaner near you today, or give us a call at 303-777-2673
