With the return of warmer temperatures, many of us are eager to dry laundry outside, drawn by the fresh scent carried by the breeze.
However, for those suffering from seasonal allergies, this pleasant image can bring unwanted complications. Should you really be drying your laundry outdoors during allergy season? The answer might surprise you.
Spring marks the start of hay fever season, affecting nearly a third of the population. From March to September, different types of pollen from trees, grasses, and herbaceous plants flood the air. For allergy sufferers, this means the outdoor environment becomes a breeding ground for allergens, making it essential to take precautions.
When you hang laundry outside, the fabric fibers act as magnets for pollen. As your clothes dry, the sticky pollen attaches to them, and when you bring your laundry indoors, so does the pollen, worsening your symptoms.
To limit exposure to allergens, try drying laundry indoors in a well-ventilated room or using a dryer. Additionally, wearing sunglasses and a hat when outdoors, washing your hair, and changing clothes when you return home can help prevent pollen from entering your space.
Prevention is key, and by adjusting simple habits, you can significantly improve your allergy symptoms during peak pollen season.