Households across the UK are being advised to stop using washing lines to dry clothes outdoors in July to reduce hay fever symptoms, as grass pollen season reaches its second peak. The Met Office forecasts temperatures rising to 34°C in the South East by late next week, coinciding with amber and red pollen warnings across western and southern regions.
Why Drying Clothes Outdoors Worsens Hay Fever
Grass pollen, the most common allergen affecting hay fever sufferers, is sticky and can cling to fabrics when left outside. Professor Helen A Brough, Professor of Paediatric Allergy, explained: "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." The NHS explicitly advises: "Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen."
Expert Advice on Managing Symptoms
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." Catherine Green, sustainable cleaning expert at smol, added: "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."
Practical Tips for Drying Clothes
Green recommends timing line-dries around midday or early afternoon when pollen levels dip, and giving clothes a shake before bringing them inside. On very high pollen days, drying bedding and clothes indoors is more sensible. The NHS also advises keeping windows and doors shut, showering after going outside, vacuuming regularly, and wearing wraparound sunglasses. Additional recommendations include avoiding cutting grass or walking on grass, not keeping fresh flowers indoors, and not smoking or being around smoke.
Hay Fever Treatments Available
For those suffering, over-the-counter treatments include Allevia (30-pack on Amazon for £7.58 or Boots for £12.49), Pirinase Hayfever Relief nasal spray for adults at £9.09, and Optrex Hayfever Relief eye drops for £6.02. The NHS advises speaking to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new treatment.
