Households across the UK are being urged to ditch using their washing lines to dry clothes and instead hang them up indoors. Now that the warm weather has finally arrived, conditions may be ideal for drying clothes outdoors – but it’s not advisable if you’re a hay fever sufferer.
Hay fever season coincides with the start of spring in late March and lasts until September, so it’s a long period if you’ve got a pollen allergy. The Met Office has said tree pollen is already being released so some people may already be experiencing symptoms and grass pollen – which is what most people have an allergy too – will follow from around mid-May until July. The season then ends 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 be worse if the weather is warm, humid and windy.
There is no cure for hay fever but it can be managed by taking an antihistamine or using a nasal spray, but often the best way to manage symptoms is through preventative measures – including not drying clothes on a washing line outdoors.
Pollen is sticky and can cling to your clothes, hair and skin when outdoors, so if you leave your washing to dry outside for several hours you can end up bringing pollen back into your home and make your symptoms worse. Instead, it’s advised that you should dry clothes indoors when pollen levels are high as this will help to minimise your symptoms.
Experts at MattressOnline said: “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 says drying washing outdoors should be avoided when the pollen count is high, or when cutting the grass, as this can bring pollen back into your home.
Fenham Hall Medical Group adds: “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.”