That fresh outdoor smell we love on line-dried laundry comes with an unexpected downside for millions of people. While hanging clothes outside seems natural and eco-friendly, it can spell trouble for those with seasonal allergies.
When you dry clothes outdoors during pollen season, your laundry acts like a magnet for airborne allergens. Those freshly washed sheets and shirts collect pollen particles that then get brought right into your home. Once inside, these allergens spread to your furniture, bedding, and even your skin and hair.
Experts explain that pollen sticks stubbornly to fabric fibers. This means every time you wear those clothes or sleep on those sheets, you’re exposing yourself to concentrated allergens. It’s like bringing a piece of the pollen-filled outdoors right into your bedroom.
For allergy sufferers, simple changes can make a big difference. Try drying clothes indoors during peak pollen season, using a dryer when possible. If you must dry outside, do so when pollen counts are lowest – typically after rainfall or in the late afternoon.
