Never dry your clothes outside if you have this health condition

27 June 2024 , 14:32

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Drying your clothes outside could be making your hay fever worse (Image: Getty)

As hot weather hits Britain, many people will take advantage of the balmy conditions by putting their washing outside. But, if you struggle with hay fever, it might make your allergies worse.

According to the Met Office, the pollen count forecast across the UK remains moderate to very high in some areas. Between May and July, trees and plants create more pollen, and this, together with warmer more humid temperatures and winds, can bring about a spike in hay fever symptoms.

People tend to feel worst in the summer and are certainly starting to feel the impacts. That said, there's no need to suffer in silence as there are plenty of remedies and home 'hacks' to keep your eyes from watering and your nose from running.

But, experts warn that beyond popping a pill or taking nasal sprays, there are plenty of lifestyle factors that can unknowingly be making those with hay fever suffer despite their best efforts.

Just like if you were allergic to any item, the Mayo Clinic advises the millions who have hay fever reduce their exposure to pollen that is triggering symptoms. There are some obvious things that can help, but there are some you might not have thought of:

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• Stay indoors on dry, windy days - The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
• Avoid lawn mowing - and weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.
• Remove clothes you've worn outside - and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• Don't hang laundry outside - pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
• Wear a face mask - if you need to do outside chores.

Hanging clothes outdoors in the summer is the more sustainable choice than using tumble dryers for all our washing loads. But during these months there are a few extra things to think about; one of the most crucial being the time of day.

Pollen is very light and easily picked up by the warm air, therefore it rises early in the morning and falls back down during dusk. Because of this, we should avoid having our washing out on the line during these times of day.

Try hanging clothing out in the middle of the day if possible and get them in by dusk. This is not only the warmest part of the day when our clothes will dry the fastest, but also the time of the day when there is less pollen lower to the ground.

An alternative to outdoor drying is to dry clothing indoors on drying racks, where the warmer air will certainly make short work of drying your clothes. But be mindful of open windows, as they will still allow pollen to blow in and settle on your clothes almost as much as if they were hung outside.

Andrew Nuttall