As the UK basks in a scorching Bank Holiday weekend with temperatures reaching 30°C, allergy sufferers are being urged to avoid drying clothes outdoors due to elevated pollen levels. The Met Office has forecast high pollen counts across much of England and Wales, with some regions expected to experience very high levels.
On Bank Holiday Monday (May 25), high pollen levels are predicted for South West England, Wales, the West Midlands, the East Midlands, the East of England, London, and South East England. By Tuesday (May 26), pollen concentrations are set to reach very high levels in South West England, London, and South East England.
Nigel Bearman, a domestic cleaning specialist and founder of Daily Poppins, explained that hanging laundry outside on high pollen days can exacerbate hay fever symptoms. “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,” he said.
Pollen can become trapped in laundry fibres, particularly in cotton, linen, and towels. Washing lines, balconies, and garden drying racks are all vulnerable to airborne pollen, especially during warm, breezy conditions. Once brought indoors, pollen from laundry can worsen hay fever symptoms even hours after exposure.
Bearman recommends drying clothes indoors on high pollen days, ideally near a window or with decent airflow. “If you’re short on space, use a collapsible drying rack in a well-ventilated room,” he advised. While this may add a bit of hassle to your washing routine, the simple adjustment could significantly improve daily comfort for those suffering from seasonal allergies.
