Householders warned not to dry clothes outside this weekend
Some homeowners are being urged to follow the advice.
Hanging a washing out on the line seems like the obvious thing to do when the sun is out. It's the best way to get a laundry load to dry quickly and also the sunshine helps to remove tough stains from clothing. However, according to experts this is the worst thing you can do if you suffer with hayfever.
The Met Office's UK temperature map shows the country's major cities sitting in the mid 20s for most of the weekend, which will be some of the hottest temperatures we've seen so far this year. With hot weather, also comes high pollen counts.
This year the Met Office has frequently warned of high pollen counts across the UK, including later this week.
Hayfever now affects almost 10 million Brits causing suffers to wake up each day with streaming eyes, blocked sinuses, and scratchy throats. And while hayfever, which has no cure and can only be managed by taking antihistamines or using nasal sprays, becomes an issue again, preventative measures are being advised.
Hayfever sufferers should avoid hanging their washing out to dry as it can exacerbate their symptoms.
Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert and founder of Daily Poppins, says: 'Hanging your clothes, bedding or towels outside on high pollen days is a recipe for itchy eyes and a stuffy nose.
"The wet laundry acts like a sponge, soaking up all the pollen. It settles into the fibres and clings on as the fabric dries, meaning it'll end up in your bed, wardrobe and on your skin. It's no wonder so many people have allergy flare-ups even in their own homes.'
Laundry fibres trap pollen easily, especially cotton, linen and towels. Clotheslines, balconies and garden racks are all exposed to airborne pollen, especially on warm, breezy days.
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Once indoors, pollen from laundry can aggravate symptoms like itchy eyes, blocked nose and sneezing, even hours after exposure.
'On high pollen days, I always recommend drying your clothes indoors, ideally near a window or with decent airflow. If you're short on space, use a collapsible drying rack in a well-ventilated room," Nigel adds.
It might be slightly less convenient, but Nigel says this simple switch could make a big difference to daily comfort, especially for those suffering from seasonal allergies.
Extra tips to reduce pollen indoors:
Check the pollen forecast each day and avoid drying clothes outside when levels are high.
Wash bedding regularly at 60°C to remove allergens that build up overnight.
Wipe down pets after walks, their fur and paws pick up pollen just like laundry.
Vacuum floors and upholstery regularly, especially if you've had windows open or brought in laundry from outdoors.
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