Warning to anyone hanging bed sheets out to dry in their garden

Bed sheets shouldn't be hung outside right now if you have hay fever. (Image: Getty)

Experts have shared a warning with Brits when it comes to drying their bed sheets outside because of a risk of irritation and discomfort when trying to sleep.

Britain is enjoying warmer weather as the country moves further into the summer seeason and many people are taking advantage of this by hanging their clothes, towels and bed sheets outside on a washing line to dry in the fresh air. It is a common practice among Brits and offers a cheap and more energy efficient alternative to using a tumble dryer. Brits have been drying their washing outside for generations but experts have warned people of the potential risks of this innocent habit.  

The warning applies to those who may be suffering from allergies such as hay fever as pollen remains present in the air, causing irritation to eyes, throats and noses for those who struggle with it.

Pollen causes this irritation when you come into close contact with it - and it's not just around when you are outside in the fresh air. In fact, pollen can stick to many things including clothes and bed sheets that have been drying in your garden where the pollen count might be high. 

Allergy expert, Deborah Grayson, working with appliance brand Hisense, explained: "When you hang clothes up outside during high pollen season, they act as a pollen net as fabrics can trap microscopic particles easily, especially in heavier weaves like towels or bed linen."

"When you bring your laundry inside, you bring those allergens straight into your living space and for sensitive individuals, that’s enough to trigger hours – if not days - of dreaded symptoms."

However, using a tumble dryer isn't always an option for everyone. In this case, Deborah explains that hanging clothing out earlier in the morning is a good idea. 

She said: "Pollen counts rise in the morning, peaking at midday and then start to fall. Drying clothes early in the morning and not leaving them out all day can be really helpful."

Pollen levels in the UK are high at the moment, with Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp revealing that this is due to a "perfect storm of conditions" in which a warm spring came after a mild winter.

The expert added: "In addition, longer growing seasons due to climate change, as well as increased air pollution, can make pollen more potent and increase allergic reactions."