Scotland is set to see highs of 28C this weekend but experts have advised households to dry their clothes indoors due to one common issue
UK households are being warned not to dry clothes on washing lines from Tuesday onwards as another heat wave sweeps the country. While the hot temperatures during the summer months may seem ideal for drying clothes quickly outdoors, it can actually do more harm than good if you’re unlucky enough to suffer from hay fever.
Hay fever season generally begins at the start of spring in early April and lasts all the way through until September. However, different types of pollen are released over this period. Tree pollen comes first, followed by grass pollen from mid-May to July and then weed pollen from the end of June until September.
Currently, the UK is experiencing the grass pollen season, which is what most sufferers have an allergy to, and there is usually a peak in the first two weeks of July. So if you feel as though your symptoms have been worse as of recent, this is probably why.
Hay fever symptoms can be more intense when the weather is warm, humid and windy, and unfortunately that’s exactly what’s coming this week, the Express reports.
The Met Office has forecast dry and sunny conditions across the UK next week with temperatures set to rise from July 8 onwards as hot weather sweeps the country, reaching highs of 28C in Glasgow this weekend.
The rising temperatures coincide with an increase in pollen levels across the country, with the Met Office pollen forecast showing “high” levels for almost the entire UK on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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As hay fever does not have a cure, experts have advised the best way to manage symptoms is through preventative measures, which includes not drying your clothes on a washing line outdoors.
Pollen is sticky and can cling to clothes, hair and skin when you’re outside so leaving your washing to dry outdoors for several hours, provides pollen with the perfect opportunity to enter your home through your clothing and worsen symptoms.
Instead, hay fever sufferers have been warned to dry clothes indoors when pollen levels are high as this will help to keep pollen at bay and minimise your symptoms.
Experts at MattressOnline say: “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.”
The Met Office has advised that both UV and pollen levels will be high this coming week so it’s recommended that you avoid drying washing outdoors to help ease symptoms and prevent bringing pollen back into your home.
The forecaster said: “Rain can be bad news for hay fever sufferers. It helps the grass grow well and if it’s followed by dry weather there will be higher levels of pollen.”
Fenham Hall Medical Group adds: “Pollen is fine and sticky. Blocking it out when you are outside is the best way to minimise its effect.
“Sunglasses can help prevent pollen from reaching your eyes, and wearing a hat can stop it from sticking to your hair and getting into your face. When you get home, shower, wash your hair, and change all your clothes.”