News Beat
Households warned to avoid drying towels on radiators
It can be frustrating during the colder months of the year when laundry is taking longer to dry inside, especially if you have a busy household and there is constant washing to get through.
To tackle this, it’s easy to chuck everything on radiators in the hopes of a fast-drying process.
But by drying your towels on radiators, you could be creating damp in your home and a “dangerous” atmosphere for those with asthma, according to experts.
How to Dry Clothes Indoors During the Winter
Can you dry towels on a radiator?
Andy Ellis from Vidalux.co.uk commented: “A lot of people have a shower and hang their towels and bathmats onto the radiator to dry. It seems like the most obvious thing to do but the truth is these items are releasing moisture into an already damp environment.
“This then takes the bathroom and the towels longer to dry and air out and you run the risk of creating or worsening a mould or damp problem.
“If you live with other people and there are two or three towels drying at the same time, the problem becomes even worse. Not only will this take even longer but if your towels are overlapping they can dry with this horrible musty smell.”
In agreement, Henry Paterson, home cleaning expert at Housekeep told English Home: “Drying clothes increases the humidity in the room, which could even contribute to damp and mould.”
House Digest echoed that when the water from towels is evaporated by the radiator, it “doesn’t disappear”.
“It creates dampness and condensation, which can lead to mould growing in your home.
“Exposure to mould can cause health issues, including respiratory problems.”
Drying towels on radiators can also lead to the “development of aspergillus fungal spores, which can be dangerous, especially for those with conditions like asthma,” the home maintenance experts continued.
“Over time, the moisture can also cause damage to your home, such as rotten plaster and peeled wallpaper.”
Housekeep’s Henry also advised: “There’s also a potential fire risk when drying items on the radiator.
How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Home
“Not to mention that if you leave them [towels] on for too long or dry them too fast, you can very easily end up with crusty towels.”
How to dry towels without a dryer in winter?
Lucy Ackroyd, towel and bedding expert at luxury towel brand, Christy, shared when drying towels inside your home without a dryer during the colder months of the year, you should opt for a well-ventilated room, preferably with an open window instead.
It’s important to also consider the following tips when drying towels indoors this winter:
Recommended reading:
Choose a sturdy drying rack
Instead of draping your clothing over banisters, doorways, or chairs, consider investing in a dedicated rack and placing it in a warm area of your home for optimal drying.
Keep a dehumidifier in the room
A dehumidifier extracts moisture from the air, minimising the likelihood of dampness affecting your windows, home, and fabrics, thus mitigating the risk of mould formation.
