Expert issues washing warning for anyone suffering with hay fever

15 April 2023 , 11:00

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Don't risk a night's sleep by making the common mistake (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

When hay fever season rolls around, high pollen levels can cause havoc for sufferers.

Luckily, there are lots of well-tested methods to help provide relief. From closing windows to purifying the air, many know the benefits of banishing pollen from the home.

But you could be bringing pollen inside without realising it, depending on where you dry your bedding and clothes.

As Hayley Thistleton, sleep expert at SleepSeeker, pointed out, using a dryer instead of a clothing line can make a real difference.

"Instead of hanging washing out to dry in the warmer months, it is best to dry them in a dryer if possible.

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Washing your sheets regularly helps to remove pollen (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"This will stop pollen from attaching to your clothes outside whilst drying and help keep that pollen away from your skin," she advised.

Equally, it's important to wash your bedding regularly to help prevent any build-up that could aggravate your hay fever.

"As we enter allergy season it is a good idea to take stock of how long we have owned our bedding for as the older your bedding, the more skin cells, dust, sweat and oils get trapped inside of them," the pro explained.

"This is why it's so important to clean your bedding regularly; many people change their bed linen every two weeks or so however if you're struggling with allergy symptoms, try and wash your bedding every week to reduce particles and mites from building up."

It's not just your bedding that needs cleaning, either. "As well as keeping your bedding clean, try and wash your duvet every four months and your pillows every two months to keep on top of the allergies, and line both your pillows and mattress with an anti-allergy topper which can reduce the volume of dust mite build up," the expert added.

To help keep pollen out of your bedroom, it is also worth a pre-sleep shower to wash away any build-up that's accumulated over the day and might prevent you from enjoying a good night's sleep.

Amber O'Connor