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Households across the UK are being urged to 'hot wash' bedding from March to protect against hay fever.

March welcomes the start of spring and coincides with the start of hay fever season, which typically runs from around late March until September. Although the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned this month that pollen and other allergens could be released as early as January or February thanks to a warming climate, meaning hay fever sufferers may already be experiencing symptoms.

Pollen levels are dependent on weather conditions, with warmer temperatures causing more pollen to be produced. And with the Met Office forecasting warm spring conditions across the UK this week, it's likely that hay fever symptoms could be triggered.

Unfortunately there is no cure for hay fever, which causes blocked or runny noses, headaches, sneezing and itchy eyes, but it can be managed with small, preventive measures, including your washing habits at home.

According to experts, washing bedding on a hot wash of at least 60C is essential during hay fever season to reliably kill any allergens that are lingering.

Washes at 40C can remove allergens, but only 60C temperatures can fully wash away pollen particles from the fabric. Temperatures of 60C are also vital for killing dust mites in your bedding which are a major trigger for both hay fever and asthma symptoms.

Online guidance published by Allergy UK explains: "Wash all bedding that is not encased in barrier covers (e.g., sheets, blankets) every week. Washing at 60 degrees centigrade or above will kill mites.

"House dust mite allergen dissolves in water so washing at lower temperatures will wash the allergen away temporarily, but the mites will survive and produce more allergen after a while."

Experts also recommend running an additional wash cycle with clear water to help rinse off any lingering pollen or dust particles and to avoid hanging bedding to dry outdoors where possible.

This is because pollen is sticky and will cling to the fabric, meaning you'll end up bringing pollen straight back into your home despite bedding being freshly washed.

General advice suggests bedding should be washed every week during hay fever season as it's very easy for both pollen and dust to become trapped in your sheets, so allergens can quickly build up without regular cleaning.

In its online advice on removing pollen from clothing, Bosch said: "Wash all bedding at least once a week at 60°C. This helps create a pollen- and dust-free sleeping environment.

"Measure detergent carefully-less is better than too much. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can allow pollen to settle deeper into the fabric.

"Run an extra rinse cycle with clean water to help remove any remaining pollen. Wash at high temperatures when possible-pollen and allergens don't survive well in heat. Washing at 60°C is ideal for bedding, towels, etc., but not for delicate fabrics.

"Use microfibre laundry bags for extra cleanliness and to protect your washing machine drum."