As the weather warms up and the sun starts shining more often, the idea of drying clothes outside becomes increasingly tempting. The thought of laundry dancing in the breeze and soaking up that fresh air aroma is appealing to many. However, what seems like a natural and wholesome habit could actually be a hidden problem—especially for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
Each year, beginning in March, millions of people start experiencing symptoms tied to pollen allergies. Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects a significant portion of the population and causes issues such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and persistent fatigue. Between April and September, pollen levels fluctuate depending on the source: tree pollen appears first, followed by grass pollen between May and July, and then pollen from herbaceous plants lingers through early fall. For allergy sufferers, this means that the outdoor air is saturated with potential irritants for most of the warmer months.
When you hang your clothes or bedding outside, those fabrics can act like pollen magnets. Pollen particles, which are naturally sticky, easily attach themselves to fabric fibers during exposure. When the laundry is brought back inside, the pollen comes along, transferring to your skin, hair, furniture, and bedding. This exposure can intensify allergy symptoms without you even realizing the source. It’s almost like leaving your sheets in the middle of a blooming field, then bringing that field right into your bedroom. Fortunately, there are practical ways to protect yourself. Health experts recommend drying clothes indoors in a space with good airflow or using a dryer instead of an outdoor line. If you must go outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a hat to shield your hair from airborne pollen. Once back inside, take a shower, change clothes, and wash your hair to rinse away any pollen you may have picked up. Also, avoid standing near freshly mowed grass, which releases even more allergens into the air.
As for treating hay fever, while there’s no definitive cure, you can manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Still, the best defense is prevention. Simple changes to your daily routine—like avoiding outdoor drying—can dramatically improve how you feel during allergy season. Keeping your living space free of allergens can have a major impact on your overall well-being. And when it comes to doing laundry in general, there are several habits to avoid if you want cleaner clothes and a healthier home. One common mistake is leaving clothes in the washing machine after the cycle finishes. When wet garments sit too long in the washer, moisture builds up, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow. This can cause a musty smell in both your clothes and the washing machine itself.
To prevent this, always remove laundry promptly after washing and begin drying it immediately. Another common mistake is closing the washing machine door right after removing your clothes. Especially with front-loading machines, it’s important to leave the door open for a couple of hours. These machines have rubber seals to keep water inside during the cycle, but those seals also trap moisture. Without time to air out, the remaining humidity encourages mold growth inside the washer. That said, don’t leave the door open indefinitely—too much exposure can lead to dust buildup or even strain the door mechanism. Speaking of hygiene, many people wash their underwear in the same load as other garments, but this is actually not recommended. It’s more hygienic to hand wash underwear in warm water, scrubbing thoroughly to remove any stains and bacteria. Afterward, dry it in a shaded area or direct sunlight to naturally disinfect the fabric. When it comes to bedding, washing with cold water might be energy-efficient, but it’s not effective for killing dust mites or removing body oils and yellow stains. Instead, it’s best to wash sheets and pillowcases with hot water every couple of weeks, being mindful not to use temperatures so high that they damage the fabric. Lastly, don’t forget to clean your washing machine regularly. Small gaps between the drum and the outer shell can trap dirt and detergent residue, and over time, these areas can harbor bacteria. By taking better care of your laundry habits and making a few smart changes, you can keep your clothes cleaner, your washer fresher, and your home healthier—especially during allergy season.
