I’m a laundry expert, this is why you should never dry clothes on radiators
Drying clothes when the weather is terrible outside is not an easy task, as our laundry often continues to smell and feel damp.
Hanging clothes on radiators may seem like a quick fix, but laundry expert Sarah Dempsey says it can do more harm than good.
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Speak with Jouleshe explains: “Drying your clothes on radiators can increase the humidity in the air, and this can lead to damp and mold formation.
“This increased moisture can cause health risks.
“This method will also likely increase your energy bill by a quite significant amount due to the increase in power consumption.
“If you choose to hang your clothes on radiators, it is best to use radiator drying racks with the help of a dehumidifier to keep the moisture in the air low.”
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So where should we dry our clothes?
While it’s a common misconception that clothes can’t be dried outside in winter, Sarah has revealed that hanging clothes outside can actually be more effective in the colder months than in summer.
“While heat is a very useful tool in drying clothes, it is not the only factor involved in drying clothes,” she says.
“High humidity can result in a longer drying time. In some cases you will notice that your clothes dry much faster on a cold winter day than on a humid summer day.
“Solar radiation is the most effective method to evaporate the moisture in your clothes.
“Hang your clothes in the sun whenever possible for the best drying method.
“If you hang your clothes outside, you will notice that wind can speed up the drying process even further.
“Wind can also help take the wrinkles out of your clothes.”
She also explained that air drying your clothes is not only a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the tumble dryer, saving you money on your energy bills, but it also extends the life of your clothes, because a tumble dryer is the enemy of many knitted materials.
FIVE TIPS FOR DRYING CLOTHES
Invest in a good clothes rack
“The best way to quickly dry your clothes at home is to use a good quality clothes dryer. During winter, heated clothes airers are a good option, especially for homes where it often stays quite cold.
“It is best to place the drying rack in an area with little traffic and ensure that there is sufficient ventilation to prevent moisture.
“Wall-mounted drying racks are great options because they don’t take up floor space and can be folded. A retractable clothesline is another option that may work well as it can be pulled back and stored when not in use.”
Use an extra twist
“Give your laundry an extra spin at the end of the program to remove some of the excess moisture and water. When you remove the laundry from the machine, shake it well back and forth for best aeration. This makes your clothes dry much faster.”
Hang delicate items
“You should hang fragile items such as shirts and vests on hangers from the drying rack. This allows more garments to dry at the same time and allows these items to dry as wrinkle-free as possible. Once they are completely dry, you can put them straight into your wardrobe, making washing easier and more convenient.”
Hang clothes immediately
“You should avoid leaving your clothes in the laundry basket or washing machine. This can cause them to smell and cause mold growth. Instead, you should hang your clothes on a clothes rack once the program is finished.”
Hang outside
“During the summer months it is best to dry your clothes on a washing line in the garden. If this is not possible, you can place a clothes airer outside to dry your clothes faster and prevent too much moisture from building up in your home.”
