Why you might want to wash your Christmas tree this festive period

The festive season is well and truly upon us and millions across the UK are preparing their homes with decorations and that all important Christmas tree. From the size of the tree - real or fake - to the placement and decorations, a lot of thought goes into this Christmas centrepiece.

However, one thing that might not have crossed your mind is whether or not the tree could be causing you health issues. A TikTok video has sparked a debate after a user posted a video of herself cleaning her tree before putting it up.

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The video, by TikTok user Rhema.BR, has gained over three million views with the clip showing her placing the tree into her bath and using cleaning products to scrub down the decoration before leaving it out to dry.

In the short clip, a caption reads 'unpopular opinion, you need to clean your Christmas tree' as Rhema goes through her process. The video was met with mixed reactions from commenters with one watcher saying: "I simply could not be bothered."

Another person who agreed commented: "Girl I barely wash my hair. I can’t do this." While another person described the act as "performative cleanliness."

Some accounts came to Rhema's defence proclaiming that they too like to keep their Christmas trees squeaky clean. One user said:" [I] do it every year, [the] night before I want to dress the tree I rinse it with water and leave in the bathtub to dry overnight."

Another follower added: "I'm glad I'm not the only one who cleans their tree lol."

In response to the video, Dr Alexis Missick, who works with UK Meds, an online prescription service, has shared her views on if you should wash your tree and how both real and fake trees can cause Christmas tree syndrome.

What is Christmas tree syndrome?

‘Christmas tree syndrome’ refers to someone having an allergic reaction to a Christmas tree, resulting in sneezing, coughing, red or watery eyes and wheezing. It can also cause itchiness and rashes, a runny nose and, in more severe cases, asthma attacks.

Do real Christmas trees cause Christmas tree syndrome?

"Pollen is a key cause of allergic reactions from a real Christmas tree. While pine pollen is less likely to cause allergic reactions during the winter (as pine trees pollinate in the spring), real Christmas trees collect pollen from other trees and grass pollen.

"When you bring a pine tree into your home, you are also therefore bringing in pollen from the outside, which can cause pollen allergies to flare up.

"Real Christmas trees also attract insects, meaning that they may contain dust mites and insect droppings. These can cause a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and asthma symptoms.

"In addition, pesticides may be used on pine trees, which can cause respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness and coughing.

"Finally, real Christmas trees may contain mould, which is also linked to asthma and other allergy symptoms."

Do synthetic Christmas trees cause Christmas tree syndrome?

"A synthetic Christmas tree also has the potential to cause Christmas tree syndrome. The main cause of this is likely to be dust on both the tree and any decorations.

"Dust allergies can lead to a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezy and/or a flare-up of asthma symptoms. If the place where you store your tree is warm and humid, it is also possible for mould growth to occur. Finally, again, depending on storage, it is possible that insect droppings may be left on your fake Christmas tree. These can also cause allergic reactions."

Should you wash your Christmas tree?

"Washing your tree and shaking it out before bringing it into the home should go a long way in getting rid of most of these irritants. By cleaning your tree, you can get rid of insects and droppings, and any pollen or pesticides that may be lingering in there. To tackle any mould spores, it may be useful to spray your tree with a solution of water with a small amount of bleach.

"To prevent Christmas tree syndrome, you should clean your tree - real or fake - before bringing it into your home, ideally outside with a hose. You should also clean your decorations with a wet cloth to get rid of any dust.

"Once you are ready to take your tree down, you should throw your real tree away to prevent mould from forming over time and store your fake tree in an airtight container to prevent mould and dust mites."