It turns out there is a simple laundry method that could help your clothes feel a lot more comfortable during the summer.
Summer is the ideal season for drying laundry outside in the warm sunshine, yet that same fresh air can carry higher concentrations of pollen. What many people fail to realise is that grass pollen peaks in July, and on windy days, those tiny airborne particles tend to cling to clothing and any bedding left hanging outside.
Once pollen becomes trapped within the fabric, it can trigger hay fever flare-ups, leaving sufferers feeling itchy, with streaming eyes or bouts of uncontrollable coughing for weeks on end. Nobody wants their freshly washed laundry to cause discomfort, but drying clothes indoors isn’t always a practical solution either — it can make your home unbearably humid, and running a tumble dryer will send your energy bills soaring.
Fortunately, the experts at Allure Bath Fashions have revealed a simple trick to keep pollen away from your washing line — it all comes down to timing.
They explained: “For the best results, aim to dry your clothes outside between 10am and 4pm, making the most of exposure to the strongest sun to prevent dampness.
“It is also good to note that drying laundry between 12pm and 4pm can help reduce the amount of pollen that settles on fabrics.”
Why hang clothes outside in the afternoon?
It is generally advised to hang clothes out in the late morning before noon, as this is when the sun is at its strongest, meaning your laundry will dry considerably more quickly.
Pollen counts are typically at their peak early in the morning, as plants begin releasing it at sunrise and it tends to linger close to the ground throughout the morning hours.
Levels begin to fall around midday, when the heat of the day causes pollen to rise higher into the atmosphere, making it less concentrated in any one spot.
As the afternoon progresses and temperatures climb further, sunlight dries out pollen grains, making them easier for the wind to carry and disperse across a wider area.
The ideal time to hang out your laundry is after midday, when pollen counts are generally lower. It’s best to bring washing back indoors before around 4pm, as cooling air causes pollen to drift back down towards ground level.
It’s worth noting this isn’t an exact science, since pollen levels are also influenced by temperature and humidity. That said, drying your laundry in the afternoon remains the most reliable way to keep it pollen-free during the summer months.
How else can you stop pollen from clinging to your laundry?
For those wanting to take extra precautions, give your clothes a thorough shake before bringing them inside, as this can help dislodge any pollen particles that have settled on the fabric.
Avoid leaving clothes outside for extended periods, particularly into the evening, when cooler and calmer air causes pollen to sink back towards ground level — significantly increasing the risk of it accumulating on your washing overnight.
Where possible, relocate your drying rack or washing line to a more protected location, as pollen tends to be most heavily concentrated near grass, hedges, flowerbeds, and trees.
A patio or paved space positioned well clear of any greenery can help maintain cleaner laundry and minimise pollen deposits on your clothes.
