Stop putting this common household item in your boiler cupboard – it’s a huge fire risk

In many British households where storage space is in short supply, the cupboard often becomes a hideaway for everything from towels and linens to supplies.

However, experts warn that this common practice could be putting our homes at serious risk of .

Joanna Flowers, a Service and Repair Engineer at , has highlighted the potential dangers of storing certain items in your boiler cupboard. Some of which you may not even have considered to be a problem.

She said: “First and foremost, flammable items such as clothes, linens, paint tins or even should never be stored in close proximity to a boiler. These items can pose a fire risk, especially in the enclosed space of a boiler cupboard where temperatures can fluctuate.”

The engineer has pin pointed one habit in particular that could be potentially disastrous.

Joanna warns householders not to hang clothes over or around the boiler.

She said: “It may seem convenient to drape jackets, coats, or even towels over the boiler or on the back of its cupboard door, but this poses a serious fire risk.

“Hanging clothes or fabrics could accidentally fall onto the boiler which could lead to overheating, creating the perfect conditions for a fire,” Joanna continued.

“Even if the items don’t fall directly onto the boiler, they could block essential ventilation or airflow, making it harder for the boiler to function efficiently. For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid storing or hanging any clothes near the boiler entirely.”

It is also essential that there is enough space around the boiler for proper ventilation. To ensure safety at all times nothing should come into direct contact with the boiler, and its surrounding area must remain clear.

Each boiler model has specific guidelines, usually requiring at least 50 mm clearance from walls and 600 mm of space in front for maintenance.

Joanna advises: “For storing other items nearby within the cupboard, a general rule of thumb is to keep these at least 600 mm away from the boiler itself.”

How can you ensure your boiler cupboard is safe?

Joanna concluded by saying: “You can ensure your boiler cupboard is safe for storing items in by conducting regular checks to keep it clean and free of clutter.

“Small things like checking nothing is obstructing vents and that there’s ample space around the boiler can make a big difference in terms of safety and performance.

“The cleaner and more open the space, the better. Always ensure there are no flammable items stored inside the cupboard.”