Recent data revealed that over two million households in the UK grapple with damp and mould problems. Home insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have flagged that Brits’ well-intentioned laundry habits might unintentionally exacerbate these issues, potentially endangering their health.
The process of drying laundry inside amplifies moisture levels in the air, fostering mould proliferation. While heated drying racks and radiator-drying techniques speed up the process, they also intensify indoor pollution levels and instigate condensation, which feeds existing damp and mould concerns. Quotezone CEO Greg Wilson cautioned: “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.”
He underscored the risk particularly for households with children, the elderly, or individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, as they are substantially more vulnerable to mould-induced health complications. To put into perspective the enormity of the issue, it’s been estimated that diseases linked to mould, such as lung conditions, cost the NHS a staggering £1.4 billion annually for treatments.
Inhaling mould can cause significant health problems for the lungs and airway, exacerbate existing conditions like allergies and asthma, as well as affect someone’s mental health, warns experts. Beyond this, Greg highlighted the financial risks, emphasizing how a tumble dryer could actually save money long-term by avoiding the high costs of removing mould or repairing structural damage it causes. He also touched upon home insurance issues, pointing out: “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.”
With the challenges of hanging laundry outside in the cold, wet winter months, experts are advising people to stay alert to weather forecasts to spot opportunities to dry outside. The experts recommend additional steps such as extra spin cycles, using dehumidifiers or drying pods, and ensuring adequate ventilation by opening windows when airing clothes indoors.