Drying clothes indoors risks £3,000 mould damage, experts warn

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 14:38 · Archive

Home insurance experts warn that drying wet clothes indoors during winter can lead to toxic mould, health problems and repair bills exceeding £3,000.

Home insurance experts are warning UK households that drying laundry indoors during cold weather poses serious health and financial risks. As temperatures drop and energy costs remain high, many families are resorting to hanging wet clothes inside their homes rather than using tumble dryers or outdoor lines. Consumer experts at Quotezone.co.uk say this practice, particularly when garments are placed on radiators or heated drying racks, triggers condensation and causes indoor air pollution.

Wet clothes release moisture into homes as they dry, creating an ideal breeding ground for toxic mould and dampness. Greg Wilson, founder and chief executive of Quotezone.co.uk, said many people are 'completely unaware of the consequences of air drying clothes inside their homes'. Mould exposure can trigger allergic reactions including sneezing, a runny nose, skin rashes and asthma attacks. In more severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to weight loss and even hospitalisation.

Once established, airborne spores migrate through building materials to contaminate floors, ceilings and walls across the property. Households struggling with a mould infestation could end up spending more than £3,000 to successfully treat and eradicate the issue. Families could also find their insurance cover invalidated if condensation damage is deemed preventable, experts warn.

How it is being reported

• UK homeowners warned drying clothes indoors this winter could lead to £3,000 costsHouseholds drying laundry indoors face £3,000 repair bills, rejected insurance claims and serious health risks from toxic mould, experts warn.Oxford Mail · 12 Oct, 14:17
• UK homeowners warned drying clothes indoors this winter could lead to £3,000 costsHouseholds drying laundry indoors face £3,000 repair bills, rejected insurance claims and serious health risks from toxic mould, experts warn.Oxfordshire Guardian · 12 Oct, 14:17

In this story: Quotezone.co.uk · Greg Wilson · UK

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