**Health Experts Urge Caution Over Drying Clothes Outdoors During Heatwave**
As Wales braces itself for a blast of summer weather this week, with temperatures expected to surpass 30°C in some regions, health specialists are cautioning the public against a seemingly harmless household chore: drying laundry outdoors. While the ability to air-dry clothes in direct sunshine is both popular and energy-efficient, experts are raising the alarm around the potential health risks posed to millions who suffer from hay fever.
This latest advisory comes as forecasters predict a surge not only in heat, but also in pollen levels across the United Kingdom. In what may already be the hottest period of the year so far, those with allergies may find their symptoms intensifying if they follow the usual habit of using garden washing lines or balcony racks for their laundry.
Current estimates suggest that up to 10 million UK residents battle hay fever every year, with many experiencing heightened symptoms during peak pollen season. This year is expected to be particularly challenging, as both the Met Office and several meteorologists anticipate “extremely high” pollen counts in the days ahead.
Nigel Bearman, a cleaning and allergy prevention expert and the founder of Daily Poppins, elaborated on the risks during this pollen surge. “Putting bedding, towels, or clothing out to dry on days of high pollen count virtually invites those allergens home with you,” he explained. “Freshly washed laundry tends to pick up airborne particles like a sponge, and these can then be transferred onto your clothes, bed, and even skin, potentially leading to allergy flare-ups even once you’re indoors.”
Research indicates materials such as cotton and linen, commonly found in everyday garments and household textiles, are especially prone to trapping pollen within their fibres. Outdoor drying racks, whether placed in gardens, on balconies, or by open windows, expose fabrics to a constant flow of wind-borne allergens, particularly during hot, breezy spells which are typical of the current weather.
Once brought back indoors, these particles can continue to provoke symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes — sometimes for hours after the initial exposure. For many, this can mean waking up with or enduring ongoing discomfort, frequently attributed to external triggers rather than household habits.
Bearman recommends rethinking your laundry routine on high pollen days. “Indoor drying, perhaps using a stand in a well-ventilated room or near an open window, makes a considerable difference. While it might seem a slight inconvenience, it can be transformative for those keen to limit exposure to pollen and enjoy a more comfortable home environment.”
To further shield yourself and your household from allergens, experts suggest a few additional measures: monitor daily pollen levels via trusted forecasts, launder bedding at higher temperatures (ideally 60°C or above), and routinely groom pets, as their fur and paws can harbour pollen from outdoor walks. Regular vacuuming of floors and soft furnishings, especially if you’ve aired laundry outside or left windows open, can also help to limit indoor accumulation.
With heatwaves like this one set to become more frequent due to climate change, the advice from allergy specialists could save many the discomfort of preventable symptoms. As meteorologists continue to predict challenging conditions for hay fever sufferers throughout the summer, being mindful of simple daily routines — like where you dry your laundry — may offer significant relief.
As ever, public health guidance encourages people to stay informed about allergy triggers, remain vigilant about household cleanliness, and adjust habits as necessary. By taking these small but important steps, those affected by pollen sensitivity can hope for a more manageable and enjoyable summer despite the challenges of the high pollen season.