Expert reveals tips to banish pollen from clothing to keep allergies at bay

• Around 13 million Brits suffer from hay fever each year*
• Rebecca Samuels, lifestyle buyer at Suit Direct talks through the simple tips to banish pollen from clothing.
• Tips include how to banish pollen stains from clothing, alongside how hay fever sufferers should be drying their clothing throughout spring and summer.

As we step into spring, many people are bracing themselves for the familiar hay fever symptoms of sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Around 13 million Brits suffer from hay fever each year, and whilst many are aware of the common triggers of hay fever, like pollen in the air, one often-overlooked culprit can be your clothing.

From drying your clothing outdoors at the wrong time of day, to not changing out of your clothes when you get home, Rebecca Samuels, lifestyle buyer at Suit Direct, explains how your clothing can silently trigger hay fever. She breaks down how pollen attaches to your clothes, shares effective tips for removing pollen stains, and offers expert advice on how to minimise pollen exposure through your wardrobe.

How does hay fever stick to clothing?

Pollen is naturally small and rough and can easily land on and stick to clothing as it is carried through the air. Once it’s on your clothes, pollen can cling to fibres for hours or even days, depending on the fabric type –natural materials such as wool, cotton, and linen tend to trap pollen more than synthetic fabrics as they tend to have a rougher texture which can catch and hold onto pollen grains more easily. Without the right laundry routine, pollen can remain trapped in clothing fibres and continue to trigger hay fever symptoms each time you come into contact with that garment.

Top tips to reduce pollen on clothing:

Avoid drying your clothing outdoors, or near an open window:

Whilst the spring and summer months offer up the perfect opportunity for line-dried washing, if you have hay fever, it’s best to avoid drying your clothing outdoors as pollen can easily settle on your garments. During high pollen season, hanging your clothing outside can increase the risk of them becoming a magnet for allergens, which can trigger or worsen hay fever symptoms.

Additionally, if you’re drying your clothes indoors on a clothes horse, it’s important to keep the windows closed to prevent pollen from being swept inside by the wind. Instead, consider using a dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process without allowing allergens to enter your home. By doing so, you create a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of bringing pollen indoors, helping you keep your clothes—and your home—pollen-free.

Always change out of clothes when returning home.

If you’re a hay fever sufferer or live with someone who is prone to hay fever, it’s best to change out of your outdoor clothes as soon as you return home to prevent bringing pollen particles indoors. This simple step will reduce the risk of transferring allergens to other areas of your home, such as to furniture or textiles where they can cling and continue to cause irritation. Top tip: Before changing, use a sticky lint roller on your clothes to remove as much pollen as possible, not only does this help to reduce the pollen spreading around, but it also makes it much easier to wash your clothes later, as it will have already been loosened from the fibres.

Furthermore, you will likely have pollen on your hair and skin, so make sure to shower before changing into your indoor clothing to prevent transferring particles.

How to wash pollen out of clothes and prevent pollen:

Before washing, it’s key to have removed as much pollen as possible to minimise the amount that gets embedded into the fabric during washing. To do this, either gently shake your clothing outside, or use a sticky lint roller to remove as much pollen as possible.

Before popping your laundry into the washing machine, give your clothes a quick rinse with cold water – this will help to further remove pollen stuck in the fabric fibres. It’s important to note, you should avoid using hot water when treating clothes throughout high-pollen months, as it can lead to the pollen settling into the fabric, making it harder to remove.

Furthermore, set your washing machine to a cold-water cycle to avoid setting the pollen, the water is gentle on fabrics and will help to lift the pollen. It’s also a good idea to ditch the fabric softener throughout hay fever months as the fragrances in the product can potentially worsen symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes. Instead, opt for hypoallergenic laundry products that are free from fragrances, as they’ll help – alternatively, white vinegar can also be used as a natural fabric softener and is also great for lifting stains out of heavily soiled fabrics.

How to get a pollen stain out of clothing:

With flowers like lilies and sunflowers in full bloom throughout the spring and summer, they often release pollen that can easily stain clothing. These vibrant flowers, while beautiful, can leave behind stubborn pollen marks that are tough to remove. However, with a few simple steps, you can effectively banish these harsh pollen stains and keep your clothes looking fresh throughout the allergy season.

• Before treating the stain, make sure that you’ve removed as much excess pollen as possible by shaking it outdoors or using a sticky lint roller – cello tape can also work just as well here too.
• Rinse the garment in cold water and leave the item to soak for around half an hour. It’s important to avoid hot water as this can lead to the stain settling into the fibres of the fabric, making it an even tougher job to remove.
• The sun has natural bleaching properties and can be a great fix for certain stains such as suncream and sweat stains and can also work its magic to lift pollen stains from clothing. If you’re looking to lift a small pollen stain you should leave it in direct sunlight for around 1 to 2 hours, however larger stains may require more time. Make sure to monitor the fabric periodically as you may need to adjust the placement of the item depending on the sun’s movement.
• After sun exposure, wash your clothing as you normally would in a cold wash to remove any further pollen and check to make sure the stain is gone before drying.

If sunlight hasn’t managed to lift the pollen stain, white vinegar is another quick and affordable solution to remove lily pollen stains from clothes. After a cold rinse, mix white vinegar with an equal amount of water and gently blot the stain with a damp microfibre cloth until the stain is gone. Be careful not to rub the stain, as this could spread it and drive it deeper into the fibres.