As the weather gets colder, many people are turning the heating up and it can be tricky to get laundry dried. But one common mistake could be making your home damp and even making you ill
As winter sets in, many UK households are turning up the heat more frequently. During the colder months, drying laundry can become a challenge.
That’s why numerous people opt to lay their damp clothes directly on the radiator to dry. However, this common practice could actually be causing a variety of problems.
Not only does it increase the likelihood of mould in your home, but it can also lead to respiratory issues if not managed properly.
Experts at Plumbworld have explained that as moisture evaporates from the clothes, it can raise the humidity in the house and create condensation.
This subsequently increases the risk of mould, particularly if the room where your clothes are drying is small or poorly ventilated.
Higher humidity can exacerbate allergies and if you suffer from asthma or another respiratory condition, then you’re more susceptible. Children and older individuals are also at a higher risk of experiencing breathing difficulties due to increased humidity, reports the Express.
The additional moisture released as clothes heat up can also make the air feel stuffy and uncomfortable.
Besides making your home damp and uncomfortable, drying clothes on radiators can also become costly.
Damp laundry prevents the radiator from distributing heat effectively, forcing the central heating to work harder to warm the room. This will incrementally increase your bills over time.
Instead, experts are advising people to use a clothes airer positioned near a radiator but not touching it. They also recommend opening windows for around 10 minutes daily to allow the moisture to escape.
Having a dehumidifier in the room where laundry is drying is also a good idea to remove excess moisture.
They stated: “Drying clothes on radiators may feel convenient, but the hidden downsides – from extra moisture to reduced heating efficiency – make it a habit worth limiting.
“With a few simple changes, homeowners can protect their property, their health, and their heating system.”
