Hay fever season has already started and will last until September, so it’s a long period if you’ve got a pollen allergy – and experts are advising people to avoid drying their clothes outside
UK households are being encouraged to stop using their washing lines to dry clothes and instead hang them up indoors. With the arrival of warmer weather, conditions may seem perfect for drying clothes outside – but this isn’t recommended if you suffer from hay fever.
Hay fever season aligns with the onset of spring in late March and continues until September, making it a lengthy period for those with pollen allergies. The Met Office has reported that tree pollen is already being released, meaning some people may be experiencing symptoms already, and grass pollen – which most people are allergic to – will follow from around mid-May until July.
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The season then concludes with the release of weed pollen until September. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, and headaches, and these tend to worsen if the weather is warm, humid and windy.
While there’s no cure for hay fever, it can be managed by taking an antihistamine or using a nasal spray. However, often the best way to manage symptoms is through preventative measures – including avoiding drying clothes on an outdoor washing line.
Pollen is sticky and can adhere to your clothes, hair and skin when outdoors. Therefore, if you leave your laundry to dry outside for several hours, you can end up bringing pollen back into your home and exacerbating your symptoms, reports the Express.
Instead, it’s suggested that you should dry clothes indoors when pollen levels are high to help minimise your symptoms.
Experts at MattressOnline have advised: “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 indicated that outdoor drying of laundry should be skipped during high pollen counts or when mowing the lawn, as it increases the risk of bringing pollen into the house.
Fenham Hall Medical Group also suggests: “Pollen is fine and sticky. Blocking it out when you are outside is the best way to minimise its effect.”
They recommend: “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.”
