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Spring has sprung, the sun is shining and that means that pollen is in the air. This week, the UK has been slammed by a 'pollen bomb' that has battered England and Wales.

It comes after warmer temperatures accelerated the production of pollen which meanshay fever sufferers have been plagued by sneezing fits, red itchy eyes and running noses. If you have found yourself at the mercy of pollen, it's important to do what you can to minimise the effects. Experts from Shark Clean have shared some of the ways you can minimise your hay fever symptoms this spring.

They say one of the most important things to do before you start cleaning is protect yourself against pollen. When you disturb dust and allergens it can aggravate hay fever symptoms. By wearing gloves and a face mask, you can protect your skin from harmful pollen particles.

Once you've covered up, it's important to keep on top of the cleaning. When pollen is high, hoovering every day can help keep the levels in your home lower.

Make sure you empty the vacuum regularly to prevent allergens from lingering, or choose a completely sealed vacuum cleaner unit.

Cleaning top down can also help to minimise the pollen exposure. Begin cleaning items such as light fittings, high shelves, curtains and blinds, as dust and allergens will drift down as you clean, so finish by vacuuming and mopping floors.

A damp microfibre cloth will also help by allowing pollen and dust to stick to the cloth rather than drifting into the air.

The final tip is to keep on top of your laundry. In the warmer months, it's important to wash your bedding weekly on a hot wash to remove allergens from the fibres. If possible, avoid drying your laundry outside as pollen can collect on the fabric while it dries and cause further irritation. Showering before you go to bed can also help, as it removes excess pollen from your hair and skin.