A gardener has issued a warning to individuals who routinely hang their towels and bed sheets outside to dry, cautioning that this common practice may inadvertently exacerbate allergy symptoms during high pollen seasons.
The Hidden Risks of Outdoor Drying
José María, a gardener who himself does not suffer from allergies, explained that he is acutely aware of the substantial amounts of pollen circulating in the air. "It gets in my eyes, it gets in my nose, and I can feel it," he said during a Spanish language radio programme. His professional experience has given him a unique perspective on the issue. "I see people with red eyes, who can barely breathe, who have to wear masks," he added. "Many families are struggling with pollen because they hang their sheets and towels outside, and the pollen sticks to them."
Pollen Seasons in the UK
According to the Met Office, tree pollen typically appears from late March to mid-May, affecting approximately 25% of the population. Grass pollen, which impacts the majority of hay fever sufferers, peaks twice: from mid-May to July, with a second, lesser peak in early July. Weed pollen can emerge at any point but generally spans from the end of June to September. The timing and severity of hay fever season also vary by location within the UK. Those in the north tend to experience a later start and a shorter season with generally less pollen, while urban areas often have lower counts than rural regions. Inland areas typically see higher pollen counts than coastal zones.
Expert Opinions on Outdoor Drying
Allergy specialist Deborah Grayson has echoed José's concerns. "When you hang clothes up outside during high pollen season, they act as a pollen net as fabrics can trap microscopic particles easily, especially in heavier weaves like towels or bed linen," she cautioned. Owena Cleary, Director of CPR First Aid Training, told Darling Magazine: "One of the most common mistakes people make is continuing to dry anything outdoors when the count is high. The fabric will collect more pollen, which you will directly bring back into your home and sleep on."
Practical Advice for Allergy Sufferers
Cleary also advised that clothes worn outside should be placed straight into the washing machine, and bedding ought to be changed at least once a week and washed at high temperatures. Allergist Juan José Zapata, president of the aerobiology committee of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, offered additional guidance during an interview on COPE radio. He recommended ventilating homes for 10 to 15 minutes in the middle of the day when pollen levels are highest. "Leaving clothes outside is a bad idea," he said, explaining that fabrics act like a "magnet for pollen," drawing it into the home. For outdoor protection, he suggested wearing sunglasses as a physical barrier and using FFP2 masks or specific anti-pollen masks to filter out particles effectively.
