Health warning for drying clothes indoors plus safer and cost -effective alternatives

Brits are being cautioned on how they dry their clothes, as they could unknowingly be encouraging mould growth in their home. Hanging damp clothes on an indoor drying rack releases moisture into the air, encouraging mould growth.

Many households commonly dry laundry on radiators or heated racks during colder months. However, experts at QuoteZone warn that this common mistake is even riskier as it generates indoor pollution and triggers condensation. Breathing in mould spores can lead to serious health risks, including eye and skin irritations, respiratory infections, nasal congestions and coughs.

Some households may be hesitant to use a tumble dryer due to its high running costs, but dealing with mould once it has started growing in the house can be far more costly. Mould spreads quickly and if not addressed, can cause significant damage to walls and other structures, potentially costing over £3,000 for mould removal.

Despite the challenges during autumn and winter, the cheapest and safest method to dry clothes is to keep an eye on the weather and hang them outside on non-rainy days. Greg Wilson, savings expert and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “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.”

Tackling mould while drying clothes

Those wanting to dry their clothes effectively could do the following:

Monitor the weather

Keep an eye on the weather forecast to take advantage of dry days. Even on cloudy or cold days, hanging clothes outside for some time before bringing them inside can still be beneficial. Hanging them outside significantly reduces the amount of moisture released into your living space, minimising the risk of mould.

Start clothes in a tumble dryer

While using a tumble dryer for the entire drying process can be costly, running your clothes through it for a short cycle can help remove most of the moisture. By starting the clothes in a tumble dryer and finishing them off on a drying rack, you benefit from the speed of the dryer while saving energy and reducing the need for prolonged indoor air drying. The average vented dryer costs about £1.44 for every cycle it runs, so there’s potential to save half that, about 75p per wash if you start clothes in the drier and finish outside, that’s a saving of approximately £70 a year.

Extra spin cycle

Before taking your clothes out of the washing machine, run an additional spin cycle. This helps extract excess water, making the drying process faster and reducing the amount of dampness in your home.

Use a dehumidifier

Placing a dehumidifier in the room where you're drying clothes can help absorb moisture from the air, preventing condensation and mould growth. It’s an effective way to keep indoor humidity levels under control.

Use a drying pod

Drying pods use gentle heat and controlled air circulation to dry clothes quickly, while keeping the moisture contained inside the cover. They also consume less energy than tumble dryers, making them a more cost-effective solution for indoor drying.