As winter approaches, you might be struggling to dry your clothes inside now that putting them out on the washing line is a less reliable option.

However, using the radiator to dry your clothes might not be the most wise decision you make this winter.

That’s because laundry expert Sarah Dempsey has revealed that drying your clothes on the radiator at this time of year is a ‘big mistake’.

Why you shouldn’t dry clothes on a radiator

Drying clothes on a radiator seems pretty harmless but you could be making the wrong decision.

Those who do use a radiator to dry clothes are advised to use a radiator rackThose who do use a radiator to dry clothes are advised to use a radiator rack (Image: Getty) Sarah Dempsey at MyJobQuote.co.uk, who is working alongside Joules, said: “Drying your clothes on radiators can increase the moisture in the air, and this can lead to damp and mould forming. This increased moisture can cause health risks.

“This method will also likely increase your energy bills by quite a sizeable amount due to the increase in power consumption. 

“If you do choose to hang your clothes on the radiators, it's best to use radiator drying racks with the help of a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels in the air down.”

Can you dry your clothes outside during the colder months?

While you might think that clothes can’t be dried outside during the winter, Sarah has revealed that hanging your clothes outside in the colder months can actually be more effective than doing so in summer.

She said: “While heat is a very helpful tool for drying clothes, it’s not the only factor that goes into drying clothes.

How to get rid of mould in your home

“High levels of humidity in the air can result in longer drying time so, in some cases, you may find that your clothes dry much more quickly on a cold winter’s day than they would on a humid summer day.

“Solar radiation is the most effective method of evaporating the moisture in your clothes. Where possible, hang your clothes out in the sunshine for the best method of drying.

“When hanging your clothes outside, you’ll find that wind can even further speed up the drying process. Wind can also help with getting the creases out of your clothes.”

She also explained that air-drying your clothes is a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the tumble dryer, saving you money on your energy bills.

That’s not all though as it will also extend the life of your clothes, with a tumble dryer being the enemy for many knit materials. 

Five ways to stay warm without central heating

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Kimberly Royle, Buying & Sourcing Director at Joules, explained the importance of taking extra care with your clothing to make it last: “It may sound simple, but when washing more delicate items of clothing, avoid bundling them into the washing machine with everything else.

“Taking extra care of clothing is essential to ensure it maintains its longevity, quality, and appearance. Take a quick look at the care label to prevent any unnecessary wear-and-tear as well as fading and fabric damage. 

“Make sure you wash your knitted cardigans and jumpers at the correct temperature to prevent shrinking. Got a raincoat in need of a little TLC? Washing a raincoat by hand can prevent damage to the outer layer, ensuring that it will last for years to come.”