You’re drying your clothes incorrectly and it’s causing mold – my 4 tips will help you
A LAUNDRY expert has revealed the best ways to prevent mold build-up when airing damp clothes.
The materials professional explained that common winter drying practices cause damage to your home.
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Recent data has shown that improperly drying clothes in your home can increase moisture levels in your home by as much as 30%.
This can affect air quality and humidity and lead to mold formation over time.
As many as 90% of people start drying their clothes indoors when the temperature drops.
Thomas Bird, working as a materials expert at Fabric onlinegave his advice on how to dry your clothes indoors without causing dampness.
To perform the recommended drying procedure, you will need a clothes drying rack or hanging space.
You can also use box fans or a dehumidifier, but this is optional.
For his first step, Thomas examines the room in which he dries the clothes.
“Find a well-ventilated room in your home, preferably with good airflow,” he advised.
“Avoid damp or unheated areas such as basements, as these can promote mold growth.”
He also recommended investing in a “sturdy drying rack or creating hanging space where you can spread out your clothes.”
“Make sure there is enough space between items for air to circulate,” he said.
He not only provided air circulation, but also emphasized the importance of heat.
“Place your drying rack near a heat source, such as a radiator or heater,” Thomas continued.
“This will help speed up the drying process.”
He also suggested opening a window or door to encourage “fresh air circulation.”
How to dry wet laundry indoors, in winter
Drying rack or drying rack
Fill your drying rack with wet laundry and place it near a heat source (such as a radiator or direct sunlight) to distribute the air around your clothes.
Dehumidifier
Connect a dehumidifier in a room where clothes are hanging so that they dry quickly and prevent moisture and mold. Many now have a laundry setting.
Tumble dryer
A tumble dryer can heat moisture from wet laundry, which saves time and can be used in all weather conditions.
Heated airer
Many brands and stores now sell heated airers for as little as £30. The racks are heated by electricity and can speed up drying time.
Open a window
Choose a spare room or unused room to keep your laundry and open a window but close the door behind you.
Use curtain poles
Hang wet laundry on radiators and then hook them on curtain rods with the radiators underneath. The heat will rise and dry the items. Alternatively, if you have a shower curtain rod, you can hang your clothes in the bathroom with a window open.
“This will help prevent moisture build-up in your home,” he explained.
Thomas also gave advice to anyone who suffers from damp in their home.
“If your home tends to be very humid, consider using box fans to improve air circulation,” he said.
“Alternatively, a dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture from the air.”
An extra step can also prevent mold from developing on your clothes while drying.
“Check your clothes and gently shake them back and forth to prevent the garments from sticking together,” he suggested.
“This promotes even drying and prevents mold formation.
“Don’t overload your drying rack or hanging space. Overstuffed clothing takes longer to dry and can retain moisture.”
Thomas also stressed the importance of making sure your clothes are “completely dry” before putting them away.
“Even a small amount of residual moisture can lead to mold,” he explains.
