With the return of sunny days, it’s tempting to dry laundry outdoors and enjoy that fresh, breezy scent. But for millions with seasonal allergies, this springtime habit can backfire. From March through autumn, the air fills with tree, grass, and plant pollen—triggering sneezing, itchy eyes, and fatigue for nearly a third of the French population. And outdoor laundry?

It acts like a pollen magnet. Clothes and sheets left to dry outside trap allergens, which then enter your home and worsen symptoms. To avoid this, experts recommend simple precautions:

Dry laundry indoors or use a dryer. Wear sunglasses and a hat outdoors. Shower and change clothes after returning inside. Stay away from freshly mown lawns. While there’s no cure for hay fever,

small lifestyle changes—like how you dry your laundry—can make a big difference. Protect your home, and enjoy spring with fewer sneezes!