Heating experts have warned of potential mould issues associated with using heated clothes airers in your home this winter.
Heated clothes airers have proven increasingly popular each year, but experts are warning they could have unwanted impacts on your house.
Trade Radiators have revealed that using a heated clothes airer in the home is likely to cause an increase in the indoor air’s moisture levels, therefore leading to a much greater risk of excess condensation and mould growth, posing as a major health hazard.
Mould thrives in damp and humid conditions, spreading quickly and releasing potentially harmful mycotoxins into the air.
Prolonged exposure to these toxins can lead to a range of health issues, including allergies, respiratory problems, asthma attacks, and even more severe reactions in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Furthermore, mould can cause structural damage to buildings, degrading the integrity of walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, as well as ruining personal possessions.
James Auckland, heating expert at Trade Radiators said: “Although heated clothes airers are undoubtedly effective in drying clothes indoors, the undesirable consequences like condensation and mould growth should never be ignored.
“It’s incredibly vital for homeowners to adopt effective measures in managing indoor humidity levels, especially in order to successfully prevent moisture-related damage and health hazards”.
In order to prevent the excess moisture in the air from causing damp and mould, Trade Radiators recommend the following when using a heated clothes airer:
- Opening windows and using extractor fans during and after using heated clothes airers. This facilitates air circulation and reduces moisture buildup.
- Installing a good dehumidifier in areas where heated clothes airers are used. This helps to maintain a healthier indoor environment by removing excess moisture from the air. Your humidity levels in the home should be between 40%-60%, and a dehumidifier will help to ensure this is the case.
After using a heated clothes airer, they also recommend:
- Regularly checking for damp spots and mould in the home.
- Regular inspections should include areas prone to moisture buildup, as well as warm areas behind and under furnishings.
- Look for visible signs of mould, which includes discoloured spots, fuzzy patches, or a musty scent.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here