With cold temperatures and a lack of sunshine, it can feel like an impossible task to dry your laundry.
However, many Britons prefer to keep the racks stocked with wet clothes indoors, waiting patiently until they dry.
Despite the cold temperatures, an expert has warned about the potential health dangers of this common practice.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Many people are completely unaware of the consequences of air-drying clothes inside their homes.
“Using air dryers, radiators and heated drying racks indoors may seem like a good idea during the winter months, but it can pose a serious health risk.”
Hanging damp clothes inside your home releases moisture into the air and creates the ideal breeding ground for mould.
Placing your laundry items on radiators or heated drying racks won’t be a fix either, as this can cause indoor pollution and increase the chances of dampness and mould by triggering condensation.
Worryingly, mould exposure can lead to allergic reactions including sneezing, a runny nose, skin rashes, asthma attacks, weight loss and even lead to hospitalisation in severe cases, according to Wilson.
He said: “Shockingly, it is estimated that the NHS spends an estimated 1.4 billion on treating illnesses associated with damp housing, so it is not an issue to be taken lightly.”
Aside from the serious health risks, mould and dampness can also be an expensive issue to tackle.
Wilson said: “Once it begins, spores can travel to different parts of the property, and migrate through building materials, affecting other parts of the home like floors, ceilings and walls. Homeowners struggling with a mould problem could end up spending over £3000 to successfully treat it.”
Fortunately, the expert shared the best way to dry your clothes in the winter months to avoid all of these problems.
Wilson added: “Ideally, homeowners should download a weather app and keep an eye out for dry days, even if it’s cloudy, to help at least start drying the clothes outside.
“If they do have to bring the clothes inside, they could start them in the tumble dryer then finish them off on a drying rack – making sure the room is well ventilated, a dehumidifier can help to reduce moisture levels and promote airflow.”
