A couple from Leeds learned the hard way that drying clothes on radiators could lead to a costly bill – after their big wedding day was ruined by a mould infestation
Households are being warned against drying clothes on radiators – as it could result in a financial penalty worth £460.
A couple from Leeds learned this the hard way when their routine of drying their clothes on house radiators backfired. For years, they had been drying clothes on radiators, before they discovered that indoor clothes drying had caused a mould infestation in their home.
Poor ventilation and radiator drying meant that Rosie, 28, and Nick, 28, had to shell out £460 for dry cleaning after discovering their planned wedding attire was covered in mould and mildew. Mould is a prevalent issue in British homes, and while it can grow on clothes at any time of year, it’s more common during the autumn and winter months when windows are shut and extra moisture is released into the air.
When storing clothes, it might be tempting to simply fold or hang them until next use – but if your home is poorly ventilated, it could lead to a wardrobe catastrophe. The damp problem made the couple late for the wedding, with Nick even having to attend the ceremony in just jeans and a smart shirt – essentially the only items not covered in mould.
The couple later forked out £200 on pricey dry cleaning to eradicate the mould, coupled with an extra £90 splashed out on anti-mould paint. The saga didn’t end there – they had to invest in a costly dehumidifier to fight the damp, racking up a total bill of a hefty £460.
Sharing her woes with Suit Direct, Rosie admitted: “Usually you don’t think anything of storing away your clothes on a hanger and popping them on whenever you plan to wear. But it really is worth taking the extra time to protect your more expensive garments from problems such as mould or moths – we learned the hard way, for sure!”
She added: “With the cost-of-living crisis going on we could have used putting the £460 elsewhere, with the rising gas and energy bills. But, in future we’re definitely going to take extra precautions to protect our clothing, as unfortunately unexpected accidents do happen.”
To ward off similar plights as faced by Rosie and Nick, sartorial savants at menswear retailer Suit Direct dispensed their best advice for stowing your threads safely. They said:
1. Run an extra spin cycle and sidestep drying laundry on radiators
Always wring out your apparel following a washing machine cycle by utilizing an additional spin cycle, which aids in expelling as much moisture as possible – speeding up the drying time.
If you’re without a tumble dryer and need to dry your clothes indoors, it’s best to steer clear of draping them over radiators. While it may seem like a speedy solution, it can actually increase the moisture levels in your home, leading to damp and mould issues.
Also, try not to overload your clothes horse – each item needs space to dry properly. Consider positioning it near a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the room as your laundry dries.
2. Give your clothes a spritz with a water repellent spray
This type of product is often used by campers and hikers, but it can also be used to give your clothing a protective layer against moisture.
Simply spray it all over the outside of your clothes before storing them away for effective results. For an extra layer of protection, silica gel packets are a great option – they naturally absorb moisture, so pop them in the pockets of suits and jackets.
3. Think about how you store your clothes
As we move into Autumn, moths become more common and can cause serious damage to your favourite garments, particularly knitwear made from natural fibres like wool, cashmere and mohair.
You can deter pesky moths from nibbling on your clothes by investing in some fragrant wardrobe or drawer sachets. Besides keeping your clothes smelling fresh, sachets with scents like cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary are your best allies in moth-proofing your clothes storage.
To safeguard your garments from moths and mildew, store them in a breathable cloth suit cover. Always steer clear of plastic covers as they can trap moisture and leave your clothes smelling damp. Hang the clothing in a cool, dry, clean, and dark wardrobe. If you have several outfits, make sure to space them out evenly inside the closet to avoid creasing.
4. Brush up well and invest in a suit brush
Over time dust and debris can infiltrate the fibres of suits and shirts, which can create the potential for odour or moths to take advantage. As a suit-wearer, the most crucial investment you can make is a suit brush.
A wood-handled brush with natural bristles is the top choice. Simply brush the fabric in a downward motion to remove any dust, dead skin, hair, or food particles. Follow it up with a lint roller for a spotless clean.
5. Invest in a dehumidifier
If you’re looking to future-proof your home from mould issues, dehumidifiers are a worthwhile investment. A good dehumidifier will extract excess moisture from the air, preventing conditions that favour mould growth. As an added bonus it will also help to eliminate any musty smells, commonly found in damp and humid spaces.
Nicola Barker, head of buying at Suit Direct, weighed in on Nick and Rosie’s mould calamity, saying: “When investing money into quality suits and formal wear, people want to make their garments have as long of a life span as possible. Though we can’t predict damp problems occurring in the home, we can do our best to protect our garments with the right care.
“Although clothing storage and care might seem like a laborious process, keeping up these simple care habits can have long term benefits when it comes to the lifespan of your tailoring.”
