UK households are being told not to dry clothes on washing lines from Tuesday as another bout of hot weather sweeps the country.
While the warm summer months may provide ideal conditions for drying clothes outdoors, it can actually do you more harm than good if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer from hay fever. Hay fever season kicks off at the start of spring in late March and lasts until September, although different types of pollen are released over this period. Tree pollen comes first, followed by grass pollen from mid-May to July and then weed pollen from the end of June until September.
The UK is currently in the midst of grass pollen season, which is what most sufferers have an allergy to, and there is usually a peak in the first two weeks of July, so if your symptoms have felt worse recently this is probably why. Hay fever symptoms can be made worse when the weather is warm, humid and windy, and unfortunately that’s just what’s on the cards this coming week.
The Met Office is forecasting dry and sunny conditions in the UK next week, with temperatures expected to rise from Tuesday, July 8, onwards as hot weather arrives in the country once again, reaching highs of 30C in some parts.
The rising temperatures coincide with an increase in pollen levels across the country, with the Met Office pollen forecast showing “high” levels for almost the entire UK on Tuesday and Wednesday, while “very high” alerts have been issued for Yorkshire and Humber, West Midlands, South West England and Wales on Thursday.
As there is no cure for hay fever experts say the best way to manage symptoms is through preventative measures, which includes not drying your clothes on a washing line outdoors.
Pollen is sticky and can cling to your clothes, hair and skin when you’re outside, so by leaving your washing to dry outdoors for several hours, you’re essentially inviting pollen into your home as you’ll bring it back inside once your washing is dry and this can make symptoms worse. Instead, it’s advised that you dry clothes indoors when pollen levels are high as this will help to keep pollen at bay and minimise your symptoms.
Experts at MattressOnline say: “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 warned that both UV and pollen levels will be high this week – even with some showers being forecast over the weekend – so it’s recommended that you avoid drying washing outdoors to help ease symptoms and prevent bringing bring pollen back into your home.
The forecaster said: “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 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.”