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Experts Advise Against Drying Laundry Outdoors During UK Heatwave

High to very high pollen counts will cling to outdoor laundry, prompting experts to recommend indoor drying methods

Overview

  • The UK entered its third summer heatwave on July 8 with temperatures reaching up to 33 °C over several days
  • Met Office forecasts ‘high’ to ‘very high’ pollen levels across southern England and Wales through the coming weekend
  • Wet laundry left outside acts like a sponge for pollen and dust, embedding grains in fabrics that transfer allergens indoors
  • Specialists including MattressOnline and Rebecca Samuels urge hay fever sufferers to use tumble dryers or indoor drying solutions such as dehumidifiers and ventilated racks
  • Warmer springs and milder winters are extending tree and grass pollen seasons, heightening allergy risks for an estimated 10–13 million Britons