Here’s How to Prep Your Christmas Tree to Avoid Asthma, Allergies, or Other Respiratory Problems

‘Tis the season to be allergic — if you put up a real tree in your home. Experts say homes with real trees have up to five times the concentration of pollutants, which can spell trouble for people who have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems.

Preparing your tree to avoid potential health issues doesn’t take a lot of work; however, it has to be done before the tree goes up. For starters, hose off your tree to remove pollen and mold, a rep for AdvantaClean says.

Then wipe down the trunk with a solution of one part bleach, 20 parts warm water to kill mold, bacteria, and insects. Make sure to let the tree dry completely before bringing it inside. Also, experts advise people always to wear gloves when handling trees.

Not only will they prevent sticky sap from getting on hands, but they’ll also help prevent the spread of allergens to family members and pets.