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Spring is a welcome change for many people, bringing blooming flowers, longer days and gradually warmer temperatures. But while the season is often associated with sunshine and fresh air, it can also mark the beginning of a difficult period for millions who suffer from hay fever.

Hay fever is one of the most common allergies, affecting around one in five people. Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, tiredness and even a temporary loss of smell. Unlike a cold, hay fever can last for several weeks or even months during peak pollen seasons.

While there is currently no cure, experts say there are several ways people can manage hay fever symptoms, particularly when pollen counts are high. Many recommend avoiding drying clothes outside to prevent pollen from settling on laundry. However, not everyone has the option to dry clothes indoors or the space to do so.

This does not mean you cannot take steps to minimise hay fever symptoms if you are drying clothes outside. In fact, the timing of when you hang out your washing can make a significant difference.

One lesser-known tip involves following what some experts describe as the "12pm rule" when drying clothes outdoors during spring.

Experts say leaving clothes to dry between midday and 4pm can help reduce the amount of pollen that settles on fabrics. While this does not guarantee that pollen will not cling to clothing, it is considered one of the safest times of day to dry laundry outdoors, Ideal Home reports.

According to NHS King's College Hospital pollen counts are often highest in the early morning, when pollen is first released by plants, and again in the evening between around 5pm and 8pm, when cooling air causes pollen to descend closer to ground level.

Pollen levels also vary depending on the time of year. Tree pollen is usually highest during March, grass pollen tends to peak in June and July, while mould spores are most common between May and October.

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Dr. Roger Henderson, leading GP and spokesperson for Olbas, also told Ideal Home: "Unfortunately, the best days to dry your washing outside are also often the days when pollen counts are high - when it's dry and sunny! If you have to dry clothes outside, peg them out between midday and 4 pm to try and keep the chances of pollen impacting them as low as possible. If you have bad hay fever, though, you may be forced to use your tumble dryer more than you might want to."

Professor Adam Fox, a paediatric allergist, told appliance company AEG said: "Try hanging clothing out in the middle of the day if possible and get them in by dusk.

"This is not only the warmest part of the day when our clothes will dry the fastest, but also the time of the day when there is less pollen lower to the ground."

Experts also recommend showering, washing your hair and changing clothes after returning home from work or school, as pollen can easily cling to fabrics and be brought indoors.

They also advise checking the daily pollen forecast, keeping windows and doors shut when counts are high, wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes, and vacuuming regularly to remove pollen from carpets and soft furnishings.