In the UK, June is classed as the worst month for hay fever due to a rapid increase in grass pollen, one of the major triggers for hay fever sufferers.
In fact, 9 in 10 Brits with hay fever suffer from grass pollen allergies, so between the months of May and July, it’s important to be on high alert.
We may choose to take hay fever medication to protect ourselves when we go outside, but many people don’t realise that we’re also at risk inside our homes.
After a long day, there’s nothing better than jumping into bed for a quick five minute relax, with many of us doing this without changing into our nightwear. Or, you may opt to do outdoor tasks in your nightwear, as a previous study found that 74% of Brits wear their pyjamas when gardening, driving, and shopping.
However, here at Laud Sleep, we take pride in creating luxury sleeping experiences for everyone, and our quality of sleep can actually be affected by pollen sticking to our summer bedding, which is transferred from our outdoor clothing.
So, does pollen stick to clothes? Yes! Pollen is a very sticky substance that sticks to fabrics, hair, and skin—making it easy for pollen to infiltrate our homes and make its way onto our pillows, duvet covers, and bed sheets.
As such, we’ve shared our top tips below on how to avoid getting pollen on your bed in summer, and prevent any hay fever symptoms from affecting your beauty sleep.
How to avoid getting pollen on bed sheets
Getting pollen on bed sheets isn't the end of the world, but it’s important to be cautious of how this can affect your bed in summer – and thus, your quality of sleep – especially during high pollen months.
The good news is that with a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce the amount of pollen that ends up in your bed. But, it all starts with being mindful of your bedtime routine and how you interact with your sleeping space from the moment you enter your home.
1. Change your clothes before bed
Even if it’s just a quick five minute flop on the bed, you should avoid lying down on your sheets in the clothes you’ve worn outside.
Pollen clings very easily to fabrics, especially soft fabrics like cotton and wool, and can quickly transfer to your sheets. As such, it’s important to make it a habit to change into fresh nightwear or loungewear as soon as you come home—or at the very least, before getting into or on top of your bed.
2. Shower in the evening
It’s a simple fix, but a quick rinse before bed can make such a difference, as washing your hair and skin helps remove any lingering pollen that’s built up throughout the day on your body.
If you don’t do this, you could be transferring particles straight onto your pillows and sheets, causing some serious night-time sniffles that can affect your bedtime routine, and aggravate your hay fever symptoms.
3. Keep windows closed during peak pollen times
Keeping cool in summer is important, but while it may be tempting to crack open a window for some fresh air, during high pollen seasons, this could be inviting in more pollen than you think.
This is also worth keeping in mind on particularly windy days, as pollen will be picked up in the breeze and blown throughout the air, landing straight into your home through an open window.
Instead of opening a window, opt for a fan or an air purifier to cool and dehumidify your home instead.
How to properly remove pollen on bed sheets
If pollen has already made its way onto your summer bedding, all is not lost. With the right techniques, you can lift those pesky pollen particles off your bedding and enjoy a clean, sneeze-free sleep.
1. Wash your bedding regularly and thoroughly
During peak pollen season, you should aim to wash your sheets at least once a week to remove as many pollen particles as possible that may have snuck onto your summer bedding.
Use a hot water cycle to break down any allergens, and opt for a gentle, fragrance-free detergent if you’re especially sensitive to smells—you don’t want to aggravate your hay fever symptoms even more!
2. Avoid drying your washing outdoors
Drying your bedding on the line may seem like a convenient option, but it can also attract airborne pollen, which will easily stick to your sheets.
Instead, use a tumble dryer or an indoor drying rack in a well-ventilated space to keep pollen off of your freshly cleaned sheets.
For those using an indoor drying rack, avoid placing this in an area near open windows or doors to reduce the risk of pollen flying in.
3. Use a lint roller between washes
If a full wash isn’t possible straight away, a quick wipe over with a lint roller on your pillows and duvet can help lift any particles on the surface.
While it’s not a perfect fix, it's a helpful task to do in between washing, and can help reduce the effects of pollen on our noses.
4. Invest in anti-allergy bedding
For those who are extremely sensitive to allergens, if you haven’t already, it’s time to purchase some anti-allergy bedding. Look for bedding that’s designed to block allergens, especially those with tightly woven fabrics or anti-allergy covers.
Bamboo bedding is naturally anti-allergy and antibacterial, making this a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Anti-allergy bedding options are also often easier to clean, and can create an extra layer of protection against pollen and dust mites that might set off any sniffles and sneezes.
Allergy sufferers should look for pillows that are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mould and mildew, so natural materials like silk and bamboo are excellent choices due to their breathable, moisture-wicking properties, such as our Bamboo Honeycomb Pillow.
View our full range of Bamboo Pillows and Silk Pillowcases for more options.
