Latest news with #DailyPoppins
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned not to dry their clothes outdoors during 32C heatwave
Experts have warned people they could risk aggravating a specific health condition if they're tempted to hang their clothes outside to dry during the heatwave this week Brits have been warned to resist the urge to dry their washing outside during the heatwave - with 32C temperatures bringing health risks for those who decide to take the plunge. Temperatures hit a searing 31C in the southeast this afternoon, leaving hundreds of thousands of people at the mercy of severe heat for hours on end. With the sky-high mercury set to persist into the weekend and even increase, people will be looking for a silver lining to the oppressive heat, with quick and energy efficient clothes drying being one of few benefits. But select people have been warned against doing so, as they risk exacerbating an already debilitating condition. Home cleaning experts have warned that hayfever sufferers risk making their symptoms much worse if they hang their clothes outsie as pollen count surges. Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert and founder of Daily Poppins, told the Manchester Evening News that this is a "recipe for itchy eyes and a stuffy nose. He said: "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.' According to the Met Office, high temperatures play an important role in the release of pollen, with hotter days bringing on higher counts. Those most at risk aren't those in the hottest areas, however, as pollen is known to decrease if the temperatures reach the recent unbearable highs. The service explains that grass pollen is most active between 18C to 28C when the day is dry and winds are gentle, which is how recent conditions have played out. When the mercury rises beyond the 28C threshold, pollen levels of all kinds decrease, and the supply can even run out altogether if warm days chain together as they have this week. When clouds of pollen are being kicked into the air, clothes are known to absorb particles. Fibres tend to trap pollen quite easily, especially fabrics like cotton, linen or towels, with the clothes lines, balconies and garden racks people use to dry their clothes being well-exposed to airborne particles. Once the pollen has stuck to people's clothes, it can create hell for hay fever sufferers, who struggle to escape the source of their allergies for hours after exposure.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Record
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. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
The little-known reason you should NOT dry your laundry outdoors this summer
And scroll down for the laundry expert's other summer tips DRY NOT? The little-known reason you should NOT dry your laundry outdoors this summer THE arrival of summer and the warmer weather is always welcomed for making laundry easier. Gone are the cold, dark nights with the heating on to dry the washing on airers inside. Advertisement 1 Hayfever sufferes have been advised not to dry laundry outside during summer Credit: Getty Instead, we can finally get our clothes out on the washing line for a quick and energy-efficient dry. But for the 10 million Brits suffering from hayfever, experts say this is the worst thing we could be doing. The Met Office has warned that much of the UK will see "very high" pollen levels this weekend as temperatures soar. As a result, laundry experts have suggested it may be wise to stick to indoor drying for now. Advertisement Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert and founder of Daily Poppins, said: '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.' Advertisement Laundry fibres trap pollen easily, especially cotton, linen and towels. Likewise, clothing lines, balconies and garden racks are all exposed to airborne pollen, especially on warm, breezy days. Savvy woman shares how she creates more drying space inside with £2.99 Home Bargains buy & it even works outside too Once indoors, pollen from the dried laundry can aggravate symptoms like itchy eyes, blocked nose and sneezing, even hours after exposure. To avoid this, Nigel says: '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." Advertisement It might be slightly less convenient, but Nigel insists this simple switch could make a big difference to daily comfort, especially for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Extra tips to reduce pollen indoors In addition, the laundry pro suggests checking the pollen forecast each day and avoiding drying clothes outside when levels are high. He also suggests washing bedding regularly at 60C to remove allergens that build up overnight. If you have pets, you should wipe them down after walks as their fur and paws pick up pollen just like laundry. Advertisement Finally, vacuuming floors and upholstery regularly - especially if you've had windows open or brought in laundry from outdoors - will help to reduce extra exposure to pollen.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
The little-known reason you should NOT dry your laundry outdoors this summer
THE arrival of summer and the warmer weather is always welcomed for making laundry easier. Gone are the cold, dark nights with the heating on to dry the washing on airers inside. 1 Instead, we can finally get our clothes out on the washing line for a quick and energy-efficient dry. But for the 10 million Brits suffering from hayfever, experts say this is the worst thing we could be doing. The Met Office has warned that much of the UK will see "very high" pollen levels this weekend as temperatures soar. As a result, laundry experts have suggested it may be wise to stick to indoor drying for now. Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert and founder of Daily Poppins, said: '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. Likewise, clothing lines, balconies and garden racks are all exposed to airborne pollen, especially on warm, breezy days. Savvy woman shares how she creates more drying space inside with £2.99 Home Bargains buy & it even works outside too Once indoors, pollen from the dried laundry can aggravate symptoms like itchy eyes, blocked nose and sneezing, even hours after exposure. To avoid this, Nigel says: '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." It might be slightly less convenient, but Nigel insists this simple switch could make a big difference to daily comfort, especially for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Extra tips to reduce pollen indoor s In addition, the laundry pro suggests checking the pollen forecast each day and avoiding drying clothes outside when levels are high. He also suggests washing bedding regularly at 60C to remove allergens that build up overnight. If you have pets, you should wipe them down after walks as their fur and paws pick up pollen just like laundry. Finally, vacuuming floors and upholstery regularly - especially if you've had windows open or brought in laundry from outdoors - will help to reduce extra exposure to pollen.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
You're drying your washing wrong! Expert reveals why you SHOULDN'T hang your clothes outside during the UK heatwave
Hanging out the washing is a chore that many Brits dread - and now it turns out you've probably been doing it wrong. A home cleaning expert has urged Brits not to hang their clothes outside during the heatwave. With parts of the UK set to hit 32°C this week, this advice might come as a surprise to many. However, Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert and founder of Daily Poppins, warned that pollen levels are also set to skyrocket over the next few days. This could prove particularly problematic for hayfever sufferers. 'Hanging your clothes, bedding or towels outside on high pollen days is a recipe for itchy eyes and a stuffy nose,' Mr Bearman explained. '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.' According to the Met Office, pollen levels are 'very high' across the south of England and Wales today. By tomorrow, Northern Ireland and the north of England will also have 'very high' levels. And by Friday, almost the whole UK will be plagued with 'very high' levels of pollen. Most hayfever sufferers know to stock up on antihistamines and to stay inside during these conditions. However, you might not be aware that it's also best to keep your clothes indoors during these so-called 'pollen bombs' Mr Bearman explained that laundry fibres - especially cotton, linen, and towels - trap pollen easily. And even when you take your washing insde, the pollen can linger for hours - aggravating sympoms like itchy eyes, blocked nose, and sneezing. 'On high pollen days, I always recommend drying your clothes indoors, ideally near a window or with decent airflow,' he advised. 'If you're short on space, use a collapsible drying rack in a well-ventilated room.' The Met Office pollen forecast will come as no surprise to many Londoners, who have complained of high pollen levels for weeks. On social media, residents have complained of tight chests, red eyes, and brain fog as they walked through the parks. In a video posted to TikTok, one user said: 'I felt like I had literal shards of pollen going into my eyes. 'Please tell me I'm not the only one because that was scary and I need to know how to prepare for the rest of summer if it's going to be like this.' Conditions have been so bad that even those who normally don't suffer from hay fever say they have been affected. One commenter wrote: 'I thought it was just me. I've never had an issue with hay fever until this weekend.' Piers Morgan was one of those affected by the pollen bomb, tweeting: 'Anyone else got shocking hay fever in London today? 'Even trusty Fexofenadine barely touching the wheezing, sneezy, fog-brained sides..' Why DO some people suddenly develop hay fever out of the blue? For most hay fever sufferers, symptoms begin in childhood and persist for the rest of their lives. But some people appear to develop the condition suddenly and without any obvious reason, even well into their adult life. No-one knows exactly why hay fever can appear out of the blue but there are a number of theories. One is that they experienced very mild symptoms as a child that they did not notice. Another is the 'hygiene hypothesis', that our bodies are weaker as we age because we aren't exposed to as many infections as children. Research has indicated that youngsters who grow up on farms with regular contact with animals are less likely to develop allergies later in life. Another possibility is that sudden hay fever happens when the body is exposed to new surroundings - like moving from the city to the countryside, where there is usually more pollen. But the same might also be true in people moving from rural to urban areas, with some evidence that pollution can exacerbate hay fever. A weakening of the immune system could also be a trigger. A bad infection, illness or traumatic emotional event may leave the body vulnerable to normally harmless allergens. Between 15 and 20 per cent of people in the UK are thought to be affected, with the numbers being even higher among teenagers and symptoms typically peaking in people's 20s.
