Pollen is sticky and can cling to your washing if left outside to dry (Image: Getty) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Households across the UK are being urged to ditch using washing lines to dry clothes to protect against hay fever.
Despite snow on the forecast this weekend, the spring season has actually arrived in the UK and while the weather may still be a little on the chilly side, that’s not to say that pollen isn’t a problem right now. The UK’s pollen season typically runs from late March until September and is split into three distinct, but overlapping, phases. Tree pollen is released in the first phase from March to May, followed by grass pollen from mid-May to July, and finally the third and final phase is the release of weed pollen from around July to September.
Pollen levels are very much dependent on weather conditions, with warmer temperatures causing more pollen to be produced, and with increasing temperatures, research suggests oak and grass pollen seasons may start even earlier. As such, hay fever sufferers may have already started experiencing symptoms including sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, and headaches.
Read More: Households urged to lock doors and windows on Saturday and Sunday
Read More: UK households urged to buy 6 food items before 13-hour snowstorm
The Met Office pollen forecast shows ‘high’ pollen levels almost all of England on Saturday, while Sunday will bring ‘high’ levels to the East and West Midlands, East of England and South West England, and ‘very high’ levels in London and South East England.
Red alerts for ‘very high’ pollen levels cover more of the UK on Easter Monday, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South West England, London and South East England, with the red warnings extending to Wales, North West England, and Yorkshire and Humber by Tuesday.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for hay fever, so it is best managed through preventative measures – including ditching washing lines for drying clothes 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 clothes should be hung up to dry indoors when pollen levels are high, as this helps to minimise symptoms.
While grass pollen is the most common trigger of hay fever symptoms, tree pollens can affect many sufferers and these are typically released between now and May, so it’s worth taking steps to mitigate symptoms now.
Explaining how to survive hay fever season Dr Harpreet Sarna, Chief Medical Officer at Vitality, told The Express: “Avoid hanging your washing outside as this will allow pollen to stick to your clothes and may cause a reaction when you wear them.
“If you need to dry your clothes outside, avoid morning and evenings as this is when the pollen count is at its highest during the day. Drying your clothes inside will prevent pollen from sticking to your clothes.”
“As with many other allergies, the key to managing hay fever symptoms is avoiding exposure to the triggering allergens. When the pollen count is high for instance, people with hay fever can take steps such as shutting windows, avoiding buying fresh flowers, washing your clothes often to remove pollen, and cleaning your pets to remove any pollen stuck in their fur.
“If you suffer from asthma, it is advised that you take particular care during the warmer months, as pollen is known to worsen or even trigger asthma.”
If you do want to air your washing outside for a short period, it is best to avoid times when the pollen count is high or when cutting the grass, as this can bring pollen back into your home.
Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol, told The Express: “For those who suffer from hayfever, the simple act of drying clothes outside can introduce an unwelcome complication. Pollen drifting through the air settles easily into fabrics, clinging invisibly and travelling indoors, where it can affect comfort throughout the day. And it doesn’t stop at clothing. Every time we sit, lie down, or even brush past a surface, tiny fragments can transfer onto sofas, bedding, and cushions.
“But that doesn’t mean you need to give up line drying altogether. A few small tweaks can make a big difference. Time your line-dries: Pollen counts tend to peak in the early morning and evening. Drying laundry around midday or early afternoon, when levels can briefly dip, can help reduce the amount that settles on fabrics.
“Be selective: On very high pollen days, it may be more sensible to dry bedding and clothes indoors. Give things a shake: A quick shake before bringing laundry inside can help remove pollen. With a bit of thinking ahead, you can keep the benefits of outdoor drying without bringing the worst of hay fever indoors.”
NHS advice also recommends keeping windows and doors shut “as much as possible”, shower and change your clothing after going outside, vaccum regularly, and wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollent getting into your nose and eyes.
In its tips on what to avoid to reduce hay fever symptoms, the NHS said: “Do not cut grass or walk on grass. Do not spend too much time outside. Do not keep fresh flowers in the house.
“Do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse. Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen. Do not let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors.”
If you do suffer from hay fever, Allevia is available in a 30-pack on Amazon for £8.54, or the same packet can be picked up at Boots for £12.49.
If you’re unsure about what will help always speak to a doctor or a pharmacist first. Other options to help with symptoms include nasal sprays like Pirinase Hayfever Relief for adults at £9.09 and eye drops like Optrex Hayfever Relief drops for £6.69.