UK households are being urged to avoid drying their clothes outdoors over the next five days as pollen levels are forecast to be 'very high' across much of the country. The warning comes as hay fever sufferers face heightened symptoms due to a combination of soaring temperatures and elevated pollen counts.
Pollen Levels Reach Red Alert
The hay fever season, which began in March, has intensified ahead of an expected heatwave, with nine UK areas placed under red alerts. The UK's pollen season traditionally has three phases: tree pollen from March to May, grass pollen from mid-May to July, and weed pollen from July to September.
Pollen counts are heavily influenced by weather, with higher temperatures leading to increased pollen production. With temperatures forecast to reach up to 33C in the coming days, hay fever sufferers can expect symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, and headaches to become more prevalent.
Regional Breakdown of Pollen Warnings
On Friday, June 19, three areas are under red 'very high' warnings: East Midlands, east of England, and London and south east England. By Saturday, June 20, south west England and West Midlands are upgraded to 'very high', followed by north west England and Wales on Sunday, June 21.
Why Outdoor Drying Worsens Hay Fever
While there is no cure for hay fever, it is most effectively managed through preventative strategies, including abandoning outdoor washing lines. Pollen is adhesive and can attach to clothes, hair, and skin outdoors. Drying laundry outside for extended periods risks bringing pollen indoors, worsening symptoms.
Specialists at MattressOnline advised: "Don't dry clothes on an outside washing line. Some of your washing habits might need changing when dealing with hay fever symptoms. For example, avoid drying your clothes and bedsheets outside in the fresh air after doing your laundry, where pollen and dust can collect. Instead, dry them in a tumble dryer or hang them up inside."
Alternative Drying Methods
If you must air laundry outdoors, it is advisable to avoid times when pollen counts peak, usually between 10am and 3pm, or when mowing the lawn. Experts at Eco Egg added: "We all love the smell of line-dried laundry, but did you know that pollen sticks to damp clothing? You might want to avoid putting your clothes out on the line and dry your laundry indoors instead. Pollen is highest in the early morning and evening, so avoid hanging clothes outside to dry during these times."
NHS Guidance for Hay Fever Sufferers
NHS guidance also recommends keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible, showering and changing clothes after being outdoors, vacuuming frequently, and wearing wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen from entering the nose and eyes.
