Consumer experts at Which? have urged households to stop drying laundry on radiators this autumn, warning that the common habit can hinder home heating, raise energy bills, and increase the risk of mould.
Why drying on radiators is a problem
In a recent social media video, Which? said: “You need to stop drying your clothes on radiators.” The experts explained that radiators circulate warm air around the room, but cold, wet clothes act as a barrier to the heat being given off.
“That means you could be heating your room for a lot longer than you need to. And while you might end up with dry clothes, you’ll also end up with a colder home and bigger energy bills and maybe even mould,” the expert said.
Recommended alternatives
Instead, Which? recommends using an airer placed near the radiator. While clothes may take longer to dry this way, the warm air can circulate more effectively throughout the room. For faster drying, a heated airer can be used, though Which? noted that heated airers work better with smaller loads.
The choice of room for drying laundry also matters. Researchers suggest that drying clothes in smaller spaces like bedrooms can lead to mould, dampness, and health concerns, as the room can easily fill with moisture.
Using a dehumidifier
Laundry experts at In The Wash said: “Keeping moisture-filled laundry in your living spaces doesn’t just encourage mould and dampness, it can also lead to respiratory issues, and wet laundry can be a bit smelly too.”
To combat damp issues, Which? previously advised using a dehumidifier alongside an airer or heated airer. Which? found that using a dehumidifier cut drying time nearly in half and removed around two litres of water from the air, which would help prevent mould.
