As the UK prepares for a five-day heatwave, hay fever sufferers might want to avoid hanging their washing outside as it can trigger or worsen symptoms, according to experts
Households across the UK are being urged to avoid hanging their washing outdoors during this weekend’s scorching heatwave. Mercury levels are expected to climb once more throughout the nation, with peaks of over 30C predicted for the weekend. While many will embrace the balmy conditions, hay fever sufferers may face considerable discomfort.
Pollen counts are anticipated to reach elevated levels again across much of the UK this week as temperatures rise, the Met Office has confirmed. Regions including the north west will experience ‘very high’ pollen levels from Friday (July 11) through to Sunday (July 13).
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Although countless individuals will resort to treatments like antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops to combat sneezing, watery eyes, and blocked sinuses, there’s one frequently ignored method to prevent symptoms from deteriorating.
Rebecca Samuels, lifestyle buyer at Suit Direct, reveals how your garments can become a primary hay fever catalyst, reports the Manchester Evening News. “Pollen is naturally small and rough and can easily land on and stick to clothing as it is carried through the air,” she explains.
“Once it’s on your clothes, pollen can cling to fibres for hours or even days, depending on the fabric type – natural materials such as wool, cotton, and linen tend to trap pollen more than synthetic fabrics as they tend to have a rougher texture which can catch and hold onto pollen grains more easily.
“Without the right laundry routine, pollen can remain trapped in clothing fibres and continue to trigger hay fever symptoms each time you come into contact with that garment.”
Rebecca’s top tips to reduce pollen on clothing
Avoid drying your clothing outdoors or near an open window
“Whilst the spring and summer months offer up the perfect opportunity for line-dried washing, if you have hay fever, it’s best to avoid drying your clothing outdoors as pollen can easily settle on your garments,” Rebecca says.
“During high pollen season, hanging your clothing outside can increase the risk of them becoming a magnet for allergens, which can trigger or worsen hay fever symptoms.
“Additionally, if you’re drying your clothes indoors on a clothes horse, it’s important to keep the windows closed to prevent pollen from being swept inside by the wind.
“Instead, consider using a dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process without allowing allergens to enter your home. By doing so, you create a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of bringing pollen indoors, helping you keep your clothes-and your home-pollen-free.”
Rebecca says if you do need to hang your washing outside, it’s important to be mindful of certain times of day when pollen levels are typically at their highest.
The early morning, between 6am and 10am, is when pollen counts are usually at their peak, so it’s best to avoid hanging clothes during this period. Pollen levels can also surge in the late afternoon, typically between 4pm and 7pm.
This is especially significant on blustery days when the wind can transport copious amounts of pollen into the air and onto your washing. Similarly, on dry, sunny days, pollen remains airborne, increasing the chances of it landing on your garments.
Always change out of clothes when returning home
“If you’re a hay fever sufferer or share a home with someone who is susceptible to hay fever, it’s advisable to change out of your outdoor attire as soon as you get home to avoid bringing pollen particles indoors,” advises Rebecca.
“This straightforward step will lessen the risk of transferring allergens to other parts of your home, such as furniture or textiles where they can adhere and continue to provoke irritation.
“Before changing, utilise a sticky lint roller on your clothes to eliminate as much pollen as possible. Not only does this help to curb the spread of pollen, but it also facilitates easier laundering of your clothes later, as it will have already been dislodged from the fibres.
“Moreover, you’ll likely have pollen on your hair and skin, so ensure to shower before changing into your indoor clothing to prevent particle transfer.”
How to wash pollen out of clothes and prevent pollen
Prior to washing, it’s crucial to have removed as much pollen as possible to reduce the amount that becomes embedded in the fabric during the wash.
“To do this, either gently shake your clothing outside, or use a sticky lint roller to remove as much pollen as possible,” advises Rebecca. Before popping your laundry into the washing machine, give your clothes a quick rinse with cold water – this will help to further remove pollen stuck in the fabric fibres.
“It’s important to note, you should avoid using hot water when treating clothes throughout high-pollen months, as it can lead to the pollen settling into the fabric, making it harder to remove.
“Furthermore, set your washing machine to a cold-water cycle to avoid setting the pollen, the water is gentle on fabrics and will help to lift the pollen.”
Rebecca continues: “It’s also a good idea to ditch the fabric softener throughout hay fever months as the fragrances in the product can potentially worsen symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes.
“Instead, opt for hypoallergenic laundry products that are free from fragrances, as they’ll help – alternatively, white vinegar can also be used as a natural fabric softener and is also great for lifting stains out of heavily soiled fabrics.”