The UK’s warm summer months may be perfect for drying clothes outdoors, but it can actually do you more harm than good, particularly if you suffer from hay fever
UK households are being advised against using washing lines to dry clothes from Tuesday as another wave of hot weather hits the nation. Despite the warm summer months offering perfect conditions for outdoor drying, it can actually be detrimental for those unfortunate enough to suffer from hay fever.
Hay fever season commences at the start of spring in late March and continues until September, with different types of pollen being released throughout this period. Tree pollen is first, followed by grass pollen from mid-May to July, and then weed pollen from the end of June until September.
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Currently, the UK is experiencing grass pollen season, which most sufferers are allergic to, and there’s usually a peak in the first two weeks of July. So if your symptoms have worsened recently, this is likely the reason.
Hay fever symptoms can intensify when the weather is warm, humid, and windy, which is precisely what’s forecasted for the upcoming week, reports the Express.
The Met Office predicts dry and sunny conditions across the UK next week, with temperatures set to rise from Tuesday, July 8, as hot weather returns to the country, reaching highs of 30C in some areas.
The UK is set to swelter as temperatures rise, coinciding with a spike in pollen levels nationwide. The Met Office’s pollen forecast indicates “high” levels for nearly all regions on Tuesday and Wednesday, escalating to “very high” alerts for Yorkshire and Humber, West Midlands, South West England, and Wales come Thursday.
With no definitive cure for hay fever, experts recommend adopting preventative measures to alleviate symptoms, one of which is avoiding outdoor clothes drying. Pollen, which is sticky by nature, can adhere to garments, hair, and skin while outside.
Consequently, hanging laundry outdoors invites pollen into your home, exacerbating hay fever symptoms upon bringing the dry washing inside. To minimise exposure, it’s suggested to dry clothing indoors during periods of elevated pollen counts.
MattressOnline specialists advise: “Don’t dry clothes on an outside washing line. Some of your washing habits might need changing when dealing with hay fever symptoms.
“For example, avoid drying your clothes and bedsheets outside in the fresh air after doing your laundry, where pollen and dust can collect. Instead, dry them in a tumble dryer or hang them up inside.”
The Met Office has issued a warning that both UV and pollen counts are expected to soar this week, despite predictions of showers over the weekend. They advise against hanging laundry outside to alleviate allergy symptoms and avoid introducing pollen into your home.
The weather experts explained: “Rain can be bad news for hay fever sufferers. It helps the grass grow well and if it’s followed by dry weather there will be higher levels of pollen.”
Fenham Hall Medical Group offered additional advice: “Pollen is fine and sticky. Blocking it out when you are outside is the best way to minimise its effect.
“Sunglasses can help prevent pollen from reaching your eyes, and wearing a hat can stop it from sticking to your hair and getting into your face. When you get home, shower, wash your hair, and change all your clothes.”