After an exceptionally hot and dry summer, many people will be embracing the change in seasons and relishing the colder temperatures that autumn brings.
But while the cooler climes are a breath of fresh air, the chilly – and often wet – weather in autumn does have its downsides, especially when it comes to doing your washing. The end of the summer means having to reel in your washing line until spring and strategically place your laundry around your home to dry instead. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a tumble dryer or heated airer, then getting your washing dry indoors can be a time consuming task, but that doesn’t mean you should rely on your radiators to speed things along.
Experts say it’s a mistake to directly place your clothing on radiators to get it dry, and doing so can lead to major problems. While radiators help to speed up the drying process, placing clothes directly onto them traps heat which makes your heating less efficient as a result. It can also cause high humidity in your home, condensation on your windows, and even cause damage to the radiator itself.
Experts at Only Radiators explain: “When you’re drying clothes on a radiator, you’re really just blocking the radiator from heating the room. The plug – your wet clothing – gets a huge amount of heat but your room stays cold.
“Your radiator, even without a thermostatic valve, is trying to reach a certain temperature. Yet you’re plugging the upstream heat of your whole system. Your boiler then has to struggle to heat the room using a radiator whose convection cycle is blocked.
“Your radiator is rendered completely inefficient and it’s costing you mega-bucks. The central heating hates it and your bank account isn’t any better off either.”
As well as pricier energy bills, drying clothes directly on radiators can lead to health problems as the excess humidity in the air creates an ideal environment for mould and mildew to thrive.
Inhaling mould spores can trigger respiratory problems, like asthma, make allergies worse and potentially lead to severe lung infections.
Experts at Bathroom Takeaway said: “Drying clothes on radiators can increase indoor humidity levels significantly. Excess moisture in the air creates an ideal environment for mould and mildew growth, which can negatively impact indoor air quality. Individuals with respiratory issues or allergies may experience worsened symptoms in such conditions.”
To avoid this, experts recommend drying your washing on clothes airers – as these allow airflow – and to place them in a warm, well-ventilated part of your home. You can also make use of heated towel rails as these also provide good airflow and will help to reduce the drying time.
Another handy – and cheap – option is to wrap your wet clothes inside a dry towel to soak up some of the excess water before hanging it up, as this will help get your laundry dry much faster.
Experts at UK Radiators add: “You really can’t go wrong with a classic drying rack! They provide ample space for hanging clothes, allowing them to dry evenly and efficiently. The open-air design promotes good airflow, ensuring moisture evaporates quickly, and also reduces drying time. This not only saves energy but also helps preserve the quality of your clothes.
“While it may seem convenient to dry your clothes on a radiator, it’s not a recommended practice due to the potential health risks, including mould growth. Additionally, it can lead to higher energy bills as radiators are designed for room heating, not clothes drying.
“Instead, consider using towel rail radiators or traditional drying racks, which provide better airflow and efficient drying without compromising your health or increasing energy consumption.”