A strong warning has been issued to UK households about the dangers of drying clothes on radiators during the cold December months. Although it might seem practical, hanging damp clothing on radiators severely reduces their ability to warm your home.
Experts at Only Radiators explain that wet clothes act like a plug, absorbing most of the radiator’s heat and preventing it from effectively heating the room. Even radiators without thermostatic valves struggle to reach their target temperature because the heat convection cycle is blocked. This inefficiency forces boilers to work harder, driving up energy consumption and costs.
Moreover, drying clothes on radiators increases moisture levels indoors by up to 30%, creating ideal conditions for mould growth. This damp environment fosters mould species such as aspergillus fumigatus, which can cause severe respiratory infections.
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The experts caution that heightened indoor humidity often leads to condensation on windows and walls, encouraging mould and mildew formation. These fungi not only damage property but also pose serious health risks. Prolonged exposure may irritate the respiratory system, exacerbate eczema, and require costly professional remediation.
While it may seem convenient, drying clothes on a radiator is strongly discouraged. Aside from health concerns, it also results in higher energy bills since radiators are designed solely for heating rooms, not for drying laundry.
Instead, using towel rail radiators or traditional drying racks provides safer and more effective drying methods. These alternatives improve airflow, dry clothes efficiently, and help maintain both your home’s warmth and your family’s health.