B&M shoppers can buy the Beldray Flip Out 10-Bar Radiator Airer for £4, a space-saving add-on that helps dry clothes on radiators this winter without blocking heat or encouraging mould.
The unit clips onto most standard radiator panels and expands drying space for smaller items such as socks, underwear and hand towels. The fold-out bar provides extra drying room when needed, while adjustable arms fit securely to most standard radiators. When not in use, it folds flat for easy storage.
How the airer prevents mould
Drying clothes directly on a radiator can cause problems, as garments act like an insulating blanket and absorb heat meant for the room. While clothes dry quickly, the room stays cold. A single laundry load can release up to three litres of moisture into the air as it dries, and without proper ventilation this humidity settles on cold walls and windows, creating condensation that helps mould thrive.
Using an add-on airer keeps clothes a few inches forward on the rack so they do not block air currents. Hot air can rise from the bottom of the unit, pass through the garments, and continue circulating around the room.
Ventilation tips for winter drying
Opening a window fully for five to 10 minutes a few times can quickly replace humid indoor air with dry outdoor air. Alternatively, leaving trickle vents open constantly provides continuous low-level airflow that allows moisture to escape safely. Keeping the door closed in the room used for drying prevents humid air from escaping and condensing in colder parts of the house.
If it is too cold or noisy to open windows, running a dehumidifier alongside a heated airer removes moisture from the air before it reaches the walls.
