As we head into the brighter and warmer days, many people will be glad at being able to hang their washing out to dry once more.
But however popular this drying method may be, it comes at a cost to many people across the UK. An expert has issued advice on why some people way want to avoid hanging their washing out to dry, and how Vaseline may come in handy.
The Met Office has previously predicted that sunny spells and warm days will continue this week, but for some, basking in the sunshine is far from exciting. With high pollen counts reported across the UK this week, those suffering with hay fever will want to relieve their symptoms by any means possible.
READ MORE: Warning issued as 'hay fever season' explained and what you can do to help
AEG has partnered with Paediatric Allergist, Professor Adam Fox, who warns that hay fever sufferers should avoid drying washing outdoors, despite the recent warm temperatures. He said: "Pollen is very light and easily picked up by the warm air, therefore it rises early in the morning, and falls back down during dusk. Because of this, we should avoid having our washing out on the line during these times of day."
Be mindful of open windows when drying clothes indoors
Be mindful of open windows, as they will still allow pollen to blow in and settle on your clothes almost as much as if they were hung outside. If you are a hay fever sufferer, it’s best to make sure those windows are closed if you are drying your clothes indoors to minimise the transfer of pollen onto clean laundry.
Drying clean laundry outside worsens symptoms
Pollen is very light and easily picked up by the warm air, therefore it rises early in the morning and falls back down during dusk. Because of this, we should avoid having our washing out on the line during these times of day.
Try hanging clothing out in the middle of the day if possible and get them in by dusk. This is not only the warmest part of the day when our clothes will dry the fastest, but also the time of the day when there is less pollen lower to the ground.
Where you hang your clothing to dry can also make a difference. The main contributors for pollen are grass and trees, so hanging washing away from sources of pollen can help lessen the effects but be mindful that pollen may still travel in the wind. Once the washing is in, give your washing line a good wipe over before hanging new clothes too, as this will wash away any particles on your line that may transfer to clean clothing.
Take clothes off ahead of entering the bedroom
You might also want to consider taking clothes off ahead of entering the bedroom and washing hair ahead of climbing into bed. This means that any pollen particles that may be clinging to us aren’t brought into the bed ready to agitate us later. Where possible, avoid leaving windows open throughout the day too as you could be inviting pesky pollen particles in that will later settle on bedding overnight.
Shower and wash hair more often than normal
We may be collecting pollen particles wherever we go on our clothes, but also in our hair and skin. Therefore, you’ll need to wash all clothes more often in the summer months when the pollen count is at its highest, but also get yourself in the shower a little more often than you might do normally.
Wash pillowcases more often
Our bedding can be another key place where pollen particles can collect, particularly as we spend a lot of time face-to-pillowcase. In the summer months, it’s advisable to wash our bedding more than normal so that when we jump under the covers at the end of the day, we’re not facing even more allergens.
Top tips to avoid seasonal suffering
Professor Adam Fox says there are many things that could help minimise your seasonal allergies. This includes avoid being outside in the early morning and evening, as the pollen counts are highest then (unless it is raining) and sleeping with bedroom windows closed if you can.
Hay fever suffers are encouraged to wear sunglasses and limit trips to rural areas. Vaseline could also come in useful, applied around the edge of each nostril which can act as a barrier to trap pollen. Use of a nasal douche, such as Sterimar, may also help to wash away pollens and irritants and can be used just prior to nasal sprays to maximise their effect.
However, if your hay fever symptoms are especially bad, don’t be afraid to consult your pharmacist or even your GP to get help. More information can be found here.
