British Gas engineer issues warning over radiator mistake this weekend

If you’re planning to dry your clothes on the radiator this weekend, you might want to think again.

A engineer has warned that this common practice could lead to a host of issues, including health risks and potential fire hazards.

Many people resort to using radiators for drying clothes as they offer a convenient warm surface that accelerates the drying process, particularly during the colder months when outdoor drying isn’t an option.

However, despite its convenience, this method can pose problems for your home, your finances, and even your health.

Joanna Flowers, a service and repair engineer at British Gas, sheds light on why it’s time to reconsider this habit:

Overworking your boiler

Radiators are engineered to heat your home efficiently by evenly distributing warmth. But hanging wet clothes over them disrupts this process.

Joanna explains that the clothes act as a barrier, forcing radiators to work harder to  the room. This in turn requires boilers to expend more energy to compensate, leading to increased energy consumption and hastening wear and tear on crucial components.

Over time, this extra strain can diminish the efficiency of your heating system, potentially resulting in expensive repairs or even shortening your boiler’s lifespan.

Moreover, the thermostatic controls of radiators may detect localised heat increases due to obstructed airflow and shut down prematurely, leaving parts of your home chilly and compelling you to unnecessarily crank up the thermostat, reports .

The expert warns that this inefficiency not only squanders energy but also puts undue stress on your heating system.

Reduced heating efficiency and increased costs

The engineer cautions that draping wet laundry over radiators hampers the effective circulation of heat, forcing your boiler to work harder and consume more energy to maintain a cosy temperature, thereby escalating utility bills.

While it may seem economical to dry clothes on radiators, this practice often results in a surge in heating costs due to the added strain on your system.

Obstructions can also cause uneven heating throughout your home, leaving some rooms chillier than others.

Homeowners often react by cranking up the boiler temperature, exacerbating wastage. Furthermore, the need for supplementary solutions like dehumidifiers or electric fans can further inflate energy bills.

Condensation, damp, and humidity problems

To optimise heat distribution, the British Gas employee suggests using an airing rack positioned in front of a radiator, rather than directly on it. Joanna points out that wet clothes release significant moisture into the air when heated, particularly from radiators.

This excess humidity often condenses on cold surfaces such as walls and windows, potentially leading to damp patches, peeling paint, stained walls, and even structural damage like wood rot over time.

Encouraging mould growth

The moist conditions created by indoor clothes drying can foster the growth of mould, including harmful strains such as Aspergillus fumigatus. This fungus, which can cause diseases in humans, is particularly dangerous for those with weakened due to illness or medication, according to WebMD.

Mould can develop on walls, ceilings, or behind , leading to unsightly marks and structural damage. Over time, it can weaken materials like plaster and wallpaper, resulting in costly repairs, warns Joanna.

Mould spores released into the air can worsen respiratory problems, asthma, and allergies, especially in children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. In extreme cases, exposure can result in fungal infections like aspergillosis.

To mitigate these risks, Joanna recommends avoiding radiator drying, ensuring good ventilation, and considering the use of a dehumidifier.

Clothing damage

Drying clothes directly on radiators can also damage them due to the high heat, which can shrink fabrics, distort fibres, and cause discolouration.

Delicate and dyed items are particularly susceptible to this damage, reducing their lifespan and increasing replacement costs, adds the engineer.

Extended exposure to high heat can also lead to stiff textures or heat stains on fabrics, potentially necessitating additional cleaning or rendering the garments unwearable.

For optimal results, an airing rack that allows for even airflow around your clothes is suggested.

Fire risks

According to British Gas, while traditional radiators pose a minimal fire risk, the act of drying clothes directly on them can heighten the chances of overheating fabrics or nearby combustible materials. This is particularly true for space heaters or older heating systems lacking modern safety features.

Dust build-up on radiators can also become a fire hazard when subjected to high heat, especially when combined with synthetic fabrics. To mitigate fire risks, it’s advised to refrain from drying clothes directly on any heating appliance and ensure your radiators are clean and functioning correctly.

Unpleasant odours

Drying clothes on radiators can trap moisture in thicker fabrics like towels or jumpers, resulting in musty smells. This is particularly prevalent when airflow is limited.

These odours can linger even after washing, often necessitating additional cleaning to eliminate. To avoid this, Joanna suggests ensuring sufficient ventilation and allowing airflow around drying clothes by avoiding direct contact with radiators.

Utilising a drying rack near, rather than on, the radiator will aid in more evenly and efficiently drying clothes.