POLLEN levels are set to spike across Ireland this week – and Irish households are being urged to skip one common laundry product to avoid worsening their hay fever symptoms.
Thousands across the country are already dealing with red eyes, blocked noses and itchy throats as pollen levels rise with the warmer weather.
And Irish households are now being urged to ditch their fabric softener[/caption]
Met Éireann is forecasting peak pollen counts this week, so now is the time to take some simple steps to help reduce the symptoms of hay fever at home.
And one of the most effective and often overlooked ways to protect yourself is by ditching fabric softener.
While it may leave your clothes feeling softer and smelling fresh, fabric softener can actually make things worse for allergy sufferers.
Fabrics with a residue that makes it easier for pollen to cling to your clothes and burrow into the fibres – which means every time you move you could be releasing allergens back into the air.
Many softeners also contain strong artificial fragrances and chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.
This triggers major respiratory issues such as coughing and a sore throat – especially for Irish households that are already prone to hay fever or asthma.
Instead, you can opt for a gentler wash using a non-bio detergent and skip the softener entirely.
If you want that soft feel without the side effects, add a small amount of white vinegar to your rinse cycle as it’s a natural alternative that won’t trap pollen.
Another key step is to give your washing machine a deep clean.
Clean your washing machine
Pollen, dust and other allergens can build up in your machine over time, so running it regularly on a hot wash will help prevent allergens from clinging to your laundry.
Make sure to wipe down the door seal and empty the filter too.
Dry clothes indoors
It might be tempting to hang your clothes outside in the sunshine – but it isn’t recommended if you’re sensitive to pollen.
Pollen can easily stick to damp fabric left outside, especially on breezy days and it will end up right back on your skin and bedsheets.
To be safe, use an indoor drying rack or a tumble dryer instead.
Buy anti-allergy bedding
Specially designed pillows and duvets can help keep night-time symptoms under control by blocking or repelling dust and pollen.
Look out for products made with tightly woven, breathable materials that stop allergens from building up.
These can often be found in stores like Dunnes, Lidl, or online from Irish retailers for around €10.
Wash your bedding weekly
If you suffer from hay fever, don’t wait two weeks to wash your bedclothes.
Pollen, dust mites and skin particles can gather fast, so aim to wash your sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers once a week at 60C.
And always make sure everything is fully dry before putting it back on the bed to avoid dampness and mould.
