Homeowners urged not to dry sheets outside for one key reason

With warmer days coming into season, many Brits will be tempted to make the most of the sun and hang their laundry out to dry. However, experts say this could be a mistake. While the sun and wind can be cost-effective ways to dry clothes, for people suffering from seasonal allergies, this could be a recipe for disaster.

“Pollen sticks to everything,” said allergy expert and pharmacist Deborah Grayson. “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.”

“When you bring your laundry inside, you bring those allergens straight into your living space and for sensitive individuals, that’s enough to trigger hours – if not days – of dreaded symptoms,” the expert said on behalf of Hisense.

To avoid the extended period of suffering, Grayson recommends using traditional ways of drying your clothes instead.

“Drying clothes and bedding in a tumble dryer eliminates the build-up of pollen compared to drying outside, as there’s no pollen exposure at all. Drying your clothes outdoors may save on electricity, but for someone battling allergies, the trade-off isn’t always worth it.”

If you haven’t got a tumble dryer and are still looking to dry your clothes outside, Grayson recommends doing so earlier in the day.

“Pollen counts rise in the morning, peaking at midday and then start to fall. Drying clothes early in the morning and not leaving them out all day can be really helpful.”

To limit pollen coming into the house, Grayson also recommends removing clothes and washing them immediately before pollen spreads around the house.

You should also consider washing towels every three to four uses, depending on sensitivity, and pillowcases weekly.

If allergies in the household are severe, it can be useful to remove outdoor clothes and wash them immediately before the pollen spreads around the home, especially during peak pollen times. You should consider washing towels every three to four uses, depending on sensitivity, and pillowcases weekly.

This may need to be more frequent, however, showering and washing your hair before bed can reduce the need for constant washing.

Depending on the allergens, cool washes may not remove the cause, especially on bedding and towels, so a hot wash cycle is key to removing these particles.