Cleaning expert warns 'don't take any chances' when it comes to common laundry mistake

Man drying laundry
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


As the weather begins to get colder here in the UK, many people will be searching for ways to limit the spread of mildew and mould in their homes.

Unfortunately, the cooler conditions often make it easier for mildew to thrive, especially in dark and enclosed areas such as your drawers or cupboards. And according to one cleaning expert on social media, there's one very common mistake that could be making this issue a lot worse in just a couple of hours.

The alarm was sounded by Madame Sweat on TikTok, a cleaning expert who specialises in getting the most out of your laundry. Keen to help people eliminate any bad habits that they've picked up, she often posts warnings about what could happen if you continue to do them.

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And in one of her most recent videos, she advised people to always check their laundry before putting it away - because even if it's still the slightest bit damp, mildew can start to appear in a matter of hours.

She said: "If you just finished doing laundry and some of your clothes are still damp, and you put them away anyway, guess what.

"It only takes eight hours for mildew to form. So if they're folded and in a drawer, guess what you've got. And after eight hours, you're going to have an even bigger mess.

"So my advice? Don't take any chances. Just dry your clothes before you put them away."

Mildew is a kind of fungus that can start to grow on clothes that are damp for too long. Similar to mould, it also has a musty odour, and you might notice it as a white, powdery or fluffy growth on your garments.

It can cause permanent discolouration on your favourite clothes, so it's not ideal if it starts growing in your drawers. And, just like mould, it can trigger some potentially dangerous health problems due to the spores it releases.

As Madame Sweat explained, a good way to help prevent this is by making sure your clothes have dried entirely before putting them away. Drying them outside is an excellent way to do this, as the fresh air provides better conditions than using an airer inside.

You can also ensure that your wardrobe isn't too overcrowded, as this can also cause mildew to appear. Using silica gel packets or mini dehumidifiers help to draw moisture out of the air too, so it can help to have a couple of these in your wardrobe or drawers.

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