You've been drying your clothes wrong! Experts reveal the correct way to hang out your washing - and why you should NEVER put damp items on radiators
When the temperature drops, drying clothes can be a nightmare.
What might take 24 hours to dry in the summer months can take days in the winter – especially when it comes to thick jumpers and jeans.
You might be tempted to turn to the quickest fix – putting damp clothes on a warm radiator.
However, experts have warned against this hack.
Placing wet clothes on radiators can create hidden problems for your home, your heating system and your health, according to Plumbworld.
'Drying clothes on radiators may feel convenient, but the hidden downsides — from extra moisture to reduced heating efficiency — make it a habit worth limiting,' a spokeswoman said.
'With a few simple changes, homeowners can protect their property, their health, and their heating system.'
As moisture evaporates from the clothes it raises indoor humidity, encourages condensation and increases the risk of mould – especially in small or poorly ventilated rooms.
You might be tempted to turn to the quickest fix – putting damp clothes on a warm radiator. However, experts have warned against this hack
Extra moisture and damp
Wet clothes release water into the air, which can settle on windows, walls, and ceilings. Over time, this may cause damp patches, peeling paint, and damaged plaster, Plumbworld said.
Musty smells can develop and linger, and the higher humidity creates the perfect environment for mould growth, particularly in colder corners of the home.
Impact on health
Increased humidity can irritate allergies, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions may feel the effects more quickly.
Children, older adults, and those with pre–existing breathing problems are most at risk, the company warned.
Wasted heat and higher bills
Clothes covering a radiator block heat from spreading properly. This forces the heating system to work harder to warm the room, using more energy and increasing bills. Over time, trapped heat can reduce radiator efficiency and put extra strain on the boiler and heating components.
Safer ways to dry clothes indoors include using a clothes airer positioned near, but not directly on, a radiator, Plumbworld suggest
Safety concerns
Synthetic or heat–sensitive fabrics placed on very hot radiators could become a hazard, and moisture near thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) may affect how reliably they work.
Fabrics in direct contact with a heat source can overheat. Although modern radiators are designed with safety in mind, the risk increases if the radiator is old or if clothes are left unattended for extended periods.
Poor indoor air quality
As damp laundry heats up, it releases moisture along with small traces of detergent and fabric conditioner.
In homes with limited ventilation, this can make the air feel stuffy and uncomfortable.
So, what should you do instead?
Thankfully, there are other methods that can help remove moisture from your clothes quickly – with less of a risk.
Safer ways to dry clothes indoors include using a clothes airer positioned near, but not directly on, a radiator, Plumbworld suggest.
Its experts also suggest opening windows briefly to let moisture escape, and using a dehumidifier to reduce damp and speed up drying.
Over–radiator drying racks are safer as they let warm air circulate freely, while checking boiler pressure occasionally can help the system run efficiently.
Finally, keeping radiators clear and bleeding them if the top feels cold will boost their effectiveness.
The company has previously issued advice on how often to wash a commonly–overlooked item – the bath mat.
Giving it a clean once or twice a year simply isn't enough, it said, adding that they should be washed weekly on a hot cycle.
