UK households are being urged not to dry clothes on washing lines before Thursday this week as another bout of hot weather sweeps the country. The Met Office has said temperatures will be in excess of 30C for parts of the UK on Monday (August 11) and will likely peak towards the mid-30s in London on Tuesday (August 12), with much of central and southern England likely to reach heatwave criteria by midweek.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber and yellow heat health alert in England from 9am on Tuesday until 6pm on Wednesday, as the hot weather builds. The amber alert covers the South East, London, East Midlands, West Midlands and the East of England, while the yellow alert is for the North West, North East, South West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
But it’s not just the heat that households will have to deal with this week as pollen levels are also forecast to surge this week. The Met Office forecast shows “high” alerts cover almost the entire UK on Tuesday and Wednesday, before dropping back “medium” levels on Thursday.
So while the warm and humid weather may provide ideal conditions for drying clothes outdoors, it can actually do you more harm than good if you’re unfortunate enough to suffer from hay fever. As there is no cure for hay fever, experts say 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 your clothes, hair and skin when you’re outside, so by leaving your washing to dry outdoors for several hours, you’re essentially inviting pollen into your home as you’ll bring it back inside once your washing is dry and this can make symptoms worse.
Instead, it’s advised that you dry clothes indoors when pollen levels are high as this will help to keep it at bay and minimise your symptoms.
Experts at MattressOnline explain: “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.”
Both temperatures and pollen levels are forecast to drop from Thursday (August 14), so if you have a big pile of washing to do, experts say it’s better to wait until the weather is slightly cooler to hang it up outside.
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.”
If you do suffer from hay fever, Allevia is available in a 30-pack on Amazon for £7.90, or the same packet can be picked up at Boots for £12.49. If you are unsure about what will help always speak to a doctor or a pharmacist first. Other options to help with symptoms include nasal sprays like Pirinase Hayfever Relief for adults at £8.85 and eye drops like Optrex Hayfever Relief drops for £6.49.
