Here’s what allergy sufferers need to know

When the sun starts shining in Ireland and the temperatures increase, many people rush to hang their laundry outside.

However, while drying clothes outdoors is a refreshing and energy-saving summer habit, the pollen in the air can cling to damp fabric and trigger severe allergy responses, such as hay fever.

Why Drying Laundry Outside Causes Hay Fever Symptoms

So, does drying outside directly cause hay fever? Not exactly. It’s not the act of drying in the sun that’s the problem, but the pollen in the air.

Airborne pollen can cling to damp fabric when laundry is hung outdoors, whether in the spring or summer. For many, this cycle goes unnoticed until symptoms flare up.

Hay fever symptoms are:

• Sneezing

• Itchy or watery eyes

• Runny or blocked nose

• Coughing or wheezing

Many allergy sufferers notice symptoms worsening after wearing clothes or sleeping on bedding dried outside.

When is hay fever season in Ireland?

If you’re wondering when hay fever season is in Ireland, according to the HSE, it goes from late March to September. Here’s a quick guide.

• Tree pollen: March to May

• Grass pollen: June to early July (peak season)

• Weed pollen: Late July to September

So, if you’ve been asking, does drying clothes outside trigger hay fever? The chances are higher during the grass pollen season, Ireland’s peak time for allergic reactions.

What you can do to protect yourself

If you’re looking for ways to avoid hay fever triggers without giving up fresh laundry, here are some simple steps:

• Avoid outdoor drying on high pollen days.

• Use a tumble dryer.

• Wash bedding and clothes frequently to reduce allergens.

Is drying outside a cause of hay fever for everyone? Not necessarily, but if you’re sensitive to pollen, it can definitely make symptoms worse.

A smarter solution: Dry with Wash.ME

Want a fast, allergy-friendly way to get your laundry done without the risk of pollen exposure? Wash.ME has you covered.

Our high-performance machines let you:

• Dry 3 loads in one go in under an hour.

• Fast, high-powered 20kg dryers

• Avoid pollen exposure.

• Enjoy fresh, clean clothes without the sniffles.

With over 600 locations across Ireland, there’s always a Wash.ME near you. So next time the pollen count spikes, skip the clothesline and head to a Wash.ME dryer instead.

Breathe easy. Dry smarter. Find your nearest Wash.ME today.