Why drying clothes indoors is risky: The hidden dangers to your lungs and home

Drying clothes indoors might feel like a convenient and harmless part of daily life, but research suggests it could be more harmful than many realise. When damp laundry is left on radiators or drying racks in poorly ventilated spaces, it can increase indoor humidity levels by nearly 30 per cent.

This excess moisture creates the ideal conditions for mould to thrive, especially on walls, ceilings, and fabrics. One of the most concerning types, Aspergillus fumigatus, releases spores that can be inhaled and affect respiratory health. For those with asthma, chronic lung conditions, or weakened immune systems, this exposure can worsen symptoms or even lead to serious infections. Simple habits, like where you dry your washing, may directly impact your wellbeing.

How indoor clothes drying leads to mould build-up

When wet laundry is left to dry indoors, it releases nearly two litres of water into the surrounding air. Without adequate ventilation, this moisture lingers, allowing mould to form on walls, ceilings, and even within fabrics. Experts warn that mould exposure can overwhelm those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, COPD, or cystic fibrosis. Prolonged exposure to fungal spores can inflame the airways, aggravate respiratory issues, and in some cases, become life-threatening.

Professor David Denning, Director of the National Aspergillosis Centre at the University of Manchester informed that while most healthy people can fend off the fungus, vulnerable individuals are at significant risk. “In asthma sufferers, mould can worsen coughing and wheezing, while in those with weakened immune systems, it can lead to pulmonary aspergillosis – a serious infection that can cause permanent, sometimes fatal, lung damage,” he explains.

Indoor laundry dangers: Craig’s personal warning about mould and lung health

For Craig Mather, a father of three from Bolton, the dangers of drying clothes indoors became all too real. After tuberculosis weakened his lungs in 1997, he developed chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, which was aggravated whenever he dried laundry on his bedroom radiator. “I noticed coughing fits and night sweats whenever wet washing was in the room,” Craig recalls. Once he stopped drying clothes indoors, his symptoms eased significantly, allowing him to regain control of his health and even get back to cycling.

Safer ways to dry your clothes

The safest option is to dry clothes outdoors whenever possible, even in colder months. Fresh air helps moisture evaporate naturally, reducing the risk of dampness and mould growth. For those without outdoor space, better alternatives include:

Maintaining a dry, mould-free environment is crucial for long-term health. Regular cleaning, good airflow, and avoiding moisture build-up indoors can all help reduce exposure to harmful spores. As Professor Denning advises: “Be safe rather than sorry – dry wet washing outside, in a tumble dryer, or in a well-ventilated space.” Even small household habits, like how you dry your laundry, can have a lasting impact on your wellbeing.

By making simple changes, you can protect not only your clothes and your home but also your lungs and overall health.Also Read: 12 simple ways to create a calming, stress-free home