As Scotland continues to battle freezing temperatures, householders across the country are battling iced roads, frozen cars and increased heating costs.
And for those who are also struggling to get their laundry dry, there’s a warning that placing them on the radiator is causing wider issues in the home. With tumble dryers costing a lot to run, the option of using your already warm radiators is definitely tempting.
But experts have sounded a warning about this common practice as it’s costing you money and your house won’t be as warm.
Speaking to Ideal Home, Mark Carter, director of Shutterstore UK, explained: “By placing clothes on your radiator you are blocking the heat from coming out of the radiator and circulating around the room properly.”
He mentioned that doing this also causes more energy consumption as heating systems work harder and rooms do not get warmed efficiently. With Scotland experiencing the UK’s coldest winter temperature of -14C last night, the necessity to turn on heaters intensifies, reports the Mirror.
Despite energy costs proving challenging, both the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stand by the advice to maintain home temperatures at 18C, particularly for those over 65 or with health issues.
UK Radiators supports Mr Carter’s statement and advises against drying clothes on radiators for several reasons.
They explain: “While it may seem like a good idea, drying your clothes on a radiator can cause significant health concerns. One of the primary issues behind this is the increased risk of mould and mildew growth.
“As clothes release moisture into the air, the excess moisture can accumulate in your home, creating a damp and humid atmosphere.”
They warn that excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mould spores to flourish, which is particularly troubling for individuals with allergies or asthma.
Mould is also more challenging to manage during winter as it thrives in warm, moist, and poorly ventilated areas, such as bathrooms. With people less likely to open windows after showering due to the cold weather, moisture build-up becomes more prevalent.
The radiator company suggests using a heated towel rail for drying a few items of clothing or a clothes rack in the open air, allowing for efficient drying while heating the room.
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