Hay fever sufferers have been advised to avoid using fabric softener and drying clothes outside during the peak pollen season, as these common laundry habits can significantly worsen symptoms, according to laundry expert Adam Norris at Hotpoint.
Fabric Softener Makes Symptoms Worse
"It might seem counterintuitive, but fabric softener can make hay fever symptoms worse. The coating it leaves on fibres can make it easier for pollen particles to stick, rather than wash away cleanly," says Adam. He recommends switching to a fragrance-free, sensitive detergent during hay fever season.
Avoid Drying Laundry Outside
Drying laundry outside on warm, sunny days, when pollen counts are high, can turn fabrics into "sponges" for airborne allergens. "Wet laundry acts like a sponge for airborne particles. Fabrics such as cotton and linen trap microscopic pollen grains as they dry. When you bring that laundry back inside, you're effectively bringing allergens directly into your home," Adam explains. The best alternative is using a tumble dryer. If outdoor drying is necessary, aim for midday to 4 pm when pollen levels are lowest, and choose overcast, still days over breezy, sunny ones.
Wash at Higher Temperatures
Bedding, towels, and outdoor clothing should be washed at a minimum of 55°C to break down and remove pollen particles, unless the care label advises otherwise. Many modern washing machines have dedicated anti-allergy cycles designed to reach temperatures that tackle allergens. During peak season, wash bedding weekly rather than fortnightly to reduce overnight exposure.
Clean Your Washing Machine
"Pollen can settle inside the drum and door seal of your washing machine," Adam says. Running a hot maintenance cycle every few weeks and wiping down the door seal and cleaning the filter regularly helps prevent allergen build-up.
Change Clothes When You Get Home
Changing out of outdoor clothes as soon as you return home and placing them in a lidded laundry basket stops allergens from spreading. "Clothes worn outside carry pollen on every fibre," Adam notes. A shower before bed further reduces pollen transfer onto pillowcases.
