Drying laundry indoors this weekend is said to be a no-no by experts due to the potential health risks it can create. With the freezing wet temperatures comes the battle to try to dry clothes indoors when we can’t put them outside.
However, home insurance specialists at Quotezone.co.uk are advising homeowners to steer clear of drying their laundry indoors due to the risk of mould growth within the home.
This advice follows research findings that over two million Brits are grappling with significant mould or damp issues in their homes, costing the NHS an estimated £1.4billion annually in treating mould-related illnesses.
Many households resort to drying laundry on radiators or heated racks during the colder months, a practice experts warn is even more hazardous as it contributes to indoor pollution and triggers condensation.
While some families may be hesitant to use a tumble dryer due to its high operating costs, dealing with mould once it has taken root in the house can prove to be far more expensive.
Mould can spread like wildfire and if it’s not tackled promptly, it can wreak havoc on walls and other parts of the structure, with the bill for mould removal potentially soaring above £3,000.
Drying clothes on radiators or even using heated airers could spell trouble during the chilly months.
Instead, specialists recommend an additional spin cycle for your laundry and employing a dehumidifier to dry garments.
Even better, crack open a window for a short while to ventilate the room and prevent moisture from being trapped.
Greg Wilson at Quotezone remarked: “Hanging damp clothes on air dryers, radiators or heated drying racks during autumn and winter months may seem like a logical solution, but many are unaware of the hidden dangers.
“When clothes are air-dried inside, moisture gets trapped in the home, leading to increased humidity which is a breeding ground for mould. Mould spores are hazardous to health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with existing respiratory issues.
“Prolonged mould exposure can seriously affect the airways and lungs, as well as cause eye and skin irritations.
“Besides the health hazards, mould can also be very costly to remove and can cause extensive damage to your home’s structure, including walls, ceilings and floors – leading to repair costs that can run into the thousands.”
To prevent mould from creating havoc in your home, it’s important to be mindful of your drying methods in autumn and winter.
Keeping an eye on the weather and using dry days to hang clothes outside is ideal, even in colder months.
Using an extra spin cycle on your washing machine and investing in a dehumidifier or drying pod can help reduce the moisture inside your home if drying outside is not an option.
Ventilation is key, open windows for fresh air and be on the lookout for early warning signs of mould.