Have you ever dried wet clothes right on the radiator? Did you find this a practical and quick solution when there are no suitable drying conditions outside? Although it seems that drying clothes on a radiator is simple and effective, experts point out the many dangers that this method of drying brings.
Many people, especially those who live in smaller apartments with no outdoor space, often use radiators to dry wet clothes. Although this seems like a convenient solution at first glance, this habit hides several risks.
Do you know that doing so can cause fires, increases heating costs and cause injuries both clothes and radiators?
Clothes drying on the radiator not only prevent the heating system from working properly, but can also cause Health issues due to increased humidity in the air, which leads to the development of mold.
In addition, drying clothes on radiators can also increase heating costs, as radiators covered with clothes cannot heat the room efficiently. All of these problems can affect both your home and your health in the long run.
Increase in humidity and mold in the apartment
When wet clothes are placed on the radiator, the water evaporates from them and is released into the air. This moisture then accumulates in the room, which can lead to an increased risk of mold. Mold usually collects on cool surfaces, such as walls and windows, where water vapor condenses.
Over time, this can cause damage to walls, peeling paint and unpleasant odors that affect air quality. A room with too much moisture can also be uncomfortable for breathing and cause health problems, especially for people with allergies or asthma.
Increased risk of fire
In addition to the risks of moisture, there is also the risk of fire. Clothes placed too close to the radiator or even directly on it can catch fire due to the heat. This is particularly dangerous if clothing is left unattended or if residents are unaware of the risk.
Fires caused by overheated clothes can be fatal, so it is extremely important that radiators are used only for heating the room and not for drying clothes.
Increased heating costs
When clothes cover the radiator, it cannot heat the room efficiently, as the heat remains trapped under the wet fabrics. As a result, the heating system will have to work harder to heat the apartment, which leads to higher energy costs.
Using a radiator in this way increases energy consumption in the long term and reduces heating efficiency, which will definitely show on your bills.
Damage to the radiator and clothing
In addition to affecting heating, moisture from wet clothing can also cause radiator corrosion. Over time, moisture can penetrate the metal parts of the radiator, which leads to rust and weakens its structure. This will in turn shorten the life of the radiator and result in additional replacement or repair costs.
So can direct heat it damages your clothes. Some fabrics are sensitive to high temperatures, which can cause color fading, material deformation or even irreparable damage to the fabric. Thus, your favorite clothes can quickly lose their quality if you dry them on a radiator.
