Drying laundry outdoors in summer can lead to pollen sticking to fabrics, causing itching, watery eyes, and coughing. Experts from Allure Bath Fashions recommend hanging clothes between 12pm and 4pm to minimise pollen exposure. Pollen levels are highest in the morning and drop by midday as temperatures rise, making afternoon the optimal time for drying.
Why Afternoon Drying Works
Plants release pollen at dawn, and it stays near the ground in the morning. By midday, heat causes pollen to rise higher into the atmosphere, reducing its concentration near drying laundry. Sunlight also dries out pollen grains, making them easier for wind to disperse. Hanging clothes after 12pm and bringing them in before 4pm avoids the evening when pollen settles again as air cools.
Additional Tips to Keep Laundry Pollen-Free
Shake clothes well before bringing them indoors to dislodge any settled pollen. Avoid leaving laundry out overnight, as still evening air allows pollen to accumulate. Position drying racks or lines on patios or paved areas away from grass, hedges, and flowerbeds to reduce pollen contact.
