An expert has issued a warning to anyone who may be drying their clothes on radiators during the freezing cold snap. Following days of sub-zero temperatures and snow and ice warnings, people may be struggling to get their washing dry indoors.
With the high cost of running tumble dryers and the risk of clothes smelling damp when using airers, people are instead turning to hanging their clothes on radiators in a bid to speed up the process.
But experts have now warned against the common practice of placing wet laundry on radiators. Mark Carter, director of Shutterstore UK, emphasised to Ideal Home that there are several problems with this approach.
Mark explained: "By placing clothes on your radiator you are blocking the heat from coming out of the radiator and circulating around the room properly."
He then continued to say that this method traps heat beneath the clothes, causing heating systems to expend more energy than needed while failing to warm rooms effectively, reports the Mirror.
With temperatures expected to plummet to as low as -16C in the Scottish Highlands and parts of northern England, households are inclined to turn their heating up.
UK Radiators has also highlighted several other reasons why drying clothes on radiators is not advisable. The company states: "While it may seem like a good idea, drying your clothes on a radiator can cause significant health concerns.
"One of the primary issues behind this is the increased risk of mould and mildew growth. As clothes release moisture into the air, the excess moisture can accumulate in your home, creating a damp and humid atmosphere."
According to UK Radiators, excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mould spores to thrive, posing problems for individuals with allergies or asthma.
The company notes that mould can be particularly challenging to control during winter months, as it flourishes in warm, moist, and poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms. To address this issue, UK Radiators suggests using a heated towel rail to dry a few items of clothing or a clothes drying rack in a well-ventilated area.
This approach allows for efficient drying while maintaining a warm and comfortable indoor environment.
