Seasonal

Allergy Season Cleaning Guide for Central Texas Homes

Central Texas has one of the longest allergy seasons in the country. It starts with cedar pollen in December, rolls into oak and elm in spring, transitions to grass pollen through summer, and finishes with ragweed in fall. For many San Antonio and Austin residents, there is no true "off season."

Cedar Fever: December Through February

Mountain cedar (Ashe juniper) is the big one. A single tree can release millions of pollen grains per day during peak season. The pollen is so fine it gets through window seals, on clothing, and into HVAC systems. Despite the name, cedar fever isn't actually a fever — it's an intense allergic reaction that can feel like one.

What helps indoors:

  • Change HVAC filters every 30 days during cedar season (use MERV 11 or higher)
  • Wash bedding in hot water weekly — pollen transfers from hair and skin to pillowcases overnight
  • Vacuum with a HEPA-filter vacuum at least twice a week, focusing on upholstered furniture and rugs
  • Wipe hard surfaces with a damp cloth rather than dry dusting, which just redistributes pollen

Spring and Summer: Oak, Elm, and Grass

March through September brings a rotation of tree and grass pollen. The same cleaning principles apply, with an added emphasis on entryway management:

  • Place doormats at every exterior door and wash them monthly
  • Remove shoes at the door — pollen clings to soles
  • Keep windows closed on high-pollen days (check local counts at pollen.com)
  • Clean ceiling fan blades monthly — they collect and redistribute dust and pollen with every rotation

Fall: Ragweed and Mold

After summer rain, mold spore counts spike in Central Texas. Focus on moisture-prone areas: bathroom grout, under-sink cabinets, and laundry rooms. A dehumidifier in closed spaces keeps humidity below 50%, which slows mold growth significantly.

Year-Round Habits That Make a Difference

The single most effective thing you can do is maintain a regular cleaning schedule. Allergens accumulate gradually — a weekly wipe-down of surfaces, biweekly vacuuming of upholstery, and monthly HVAC filter changes keep indoor air quality manageable.

For a deeper reset — especially at the start of cedar season or spring — a professional deep clean targets the buildup that regular maintenance misses: baseboards, air vents, blinds, and behind furniture where dust and pollen settle undisturbed.