Households warned not to dry clothes inside house during winter due to 'risks'

Households are being cautioned about the potential health risks of drying clothes indoors this winter. The recent heavy snow and freezing conditions have made it challenging to dry clothes outside, leading many to resort to indoor drying.

However, home insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk advise against this practice due to the risk of mould growth in homes. Research has shown that over two million Brits are dealing with significant mould or damp issues in their homes, costing the NHS an estimated £1.4 billion per year in treating mould-related illnesses.

Drying clothes indoors releases moisture into the air, promoting mould growth. The practice of drying laundry on radiators or heated racks, common during colder months, is even more risky as it can cause indoor pollution and trigger condensation.

Inhaling mould spores can lead to serious health issues such as eye and skin irritations, respiratory infections, nasal congestions and coughs. Despite the high running costs of tumble dryers, the cost of tackling mould once it starts growing in a house can be much higher.

Mould can spread quickly and if not addressed, it could lead to significant damage to your property, with removal costs potentially exceeding £3,000. Experts warn against drying clothes on radiators or heated airers during the colder months, reports the Express.

Instead, they recommend an extra spin cycle for laundry and using a dehumidifier to dry clothes. Opening a window briefly can also help ventilate a room and prevent moisture build-up.

Greg Wilson, savings expert and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, highlighted the risks: "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 exposure to mould 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.

"If people need to make a claim on their home insurance due to mould or damp, the insurer is unlikely to cover them if the property is not well maintained or is damaged due to a lack of care.

"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."