Households are being warned not to dry clothes on the radiator – because it could land them a financial penalty worth £460.
One couple, from Leeds, fell foul of this when their habit of drying clothes on radiators in the house came back to bite them.
The couple had for years dried clothes on radiators in the house, but on their big day they found that the act of drying clothes indoors had led to a mould infestation in their property.
Drying on radiators coupled with poor ventilation meant that Rosie, 28 and Nick, 28, from Leeds had to spend £460 dry cleaning their clothes after they found the clothes they planned to wear to a friend’s wedding were covered in mould and mildew.
Mould is a very common problem in British homes and although it can grow on clothes any time of year, it’s more common in the autumn and winter months when windows are closed and extra moisture is expelled into the air.
When storing clothes away it can be tempting to simply fold away or hang them up until their next outing – but if you have a poorly ventilated home, it could spell a wardrobe disaster.
The damp issue meant the couple were late to the wedding, and Nick even had to turn up for the ceremony in just jeans and a smart shirt – basically the only things that weren’t covered in mould.
The couple later spent £200 on costly dry cleaning to remove the mould, and a further £90 spent on anti-mould paint. They also had to purchase an expensive dehumidifier to combat the damp, meaning the cleaning catastrophe ended up costing them a whopping £460 in total.
Rosie told Suit Direct “Usually you don’t think anything of storing away your clothes on a hanger and popping them on whenever you plan to wear. But it really is worth taking the extra time to protect your more expensive garments from problems such as mould or moths – we learned the hard way, for sure!”
“With the cost-of-living crisis going on we could have used putting the £460 elsewhere, with the rising gas and energy bills. But, in future we’re definitely going to take extra precautions to protect our clothing, as unfortunately unexpected accidents do happen.”
To prevent similar issues to Rosie and Nick, suit experts at menswear retailer Suit Direct have shared their top tips for storing your clothing for protection against mould, moths and other disasters.
They said;
1. Run an extra spin cycle and avoid drying laundry on radiators.
After running your clothes through a cycle in the washing machine, run an extra spin cycle to help remove as much water as possible to help speed up the drying process.
If you haven’t got a tumble dryer and have to dry your clothes indoors, avoid drying your clothes on radiators around the house, while it might seem like a quick way to get laundry dry, it can increase the amount of moisture in the air, which can cause damp and mould.
Additionally, avoid overcrowding your clothes horse to allow each item to dry fully and consider placing it near a dehumidifier which will help to remove the moisture in the room as your laundry dries out.
2. Spritz your clothing with a water repellent spray
Although commonly used by campers and hikers, you can also use a water-repellent spray product to give your clothing a protective moisture-resistant layer.
To use, spray it all over the outside of your clothes before storing them in your wardrobe for positive results. For an added layer of protection silica gel packets are key, they naturally soak up moisture wherever they’re placed so popping them in pockets of suits and jackets is recommended.
3. Consider how your store your garments
As we head into Autumn, moths will become more frequent and can wreak havoc on your favourite clothing items, especially knitwear with natural fibre contents such as wool, cashmere and mohair.
You can help to prevent pesky moths from biting into your clothes by investing in some scented wardrobe or drawer sachets. Aside from keeping your clothes smelling fresh, sachets with scents such as cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary are your best friend when it comes to moth proofing your clothes storage.
To protect your garments from moths and mildew, store them in a breathable cloth suit cover. Always avoid plastic covers as they can trap in moisture and leave your clothes smelling damp Hang the clothing in a cool, dry, clean, and dark wardrobe. If you have several outfits, ensure that you space them out evenly inside the closet to prevent creasing.
4. Brush up well and invest in a suit brush
Over time dust and debris can sneak their way into the fibres of suits and shirts, which can cause the potential for odour or moths to take advantage. As a suit-wearer, the most important investment you can make is a suit brush.
A wood-handed brush with natural bristles is the best choice. Simply brush the fabric in a downward motion to remove any dust, dead skin, hair, or food particles. Follow it up with a lint roller for a spotless clean.
5. Invest in a dehumidifier
If you’re looking to future proof your home from mould issues, dehumidifiers are a worthwhile investment. A good dehumidifier will draw excess moisture from the air, preventing conditions that favour mould growth. As a bonus it will also help to remove any musty smells, commonly found in damp and humid spaces.
Commenting on Nick and Rosie’s mould disaster Nicola Barker, head of buying at Suit Direct, added that “When investing money into quality suits and formal wear, people want to make their garments have as long of a life span as possible. Though we can’t predict damp problems occurring in the home, we can do our best to protect our garments with the right care.”
“Although clothing storage and care might seem like a laborious process, keeping up these simple care habits can have long term benefits when it comes to the lifespan of your tailoring.”
