Leeds couple's warning as radiator drying habit costs them £460
Households are being cautioned against drying clothes on radiators, as it could result in a financial penalty of £460.
A couple from Leeds learned this the hard way when their routine of drying clothes on house radiators backfired. For years, the couple had been drying clothes on radiators, but on a significant day, they discovered that indoor clothes drying had caused a mould infestation in their home.
The combination of radiator drying and inadequate ventilation led Rosie, 28, and Nick, 28, from Leeds to spend £460 on dry cleaning after discovering their planned outfits for a friend's wedding were 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 autumn and winter when windows are shut and additional moisture is released into the air, reports The Express.
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When storing clothes, it might be tempting to simply fold or hang them until their next use but if your home lacks proper ventilation, it could lead to a wardrobe catastrophe. The damp problem caused the couple to arrive late to the wedding, with Nick having to attend the ceremony in just jeans and a smart shirt essentially the only items not covered in mould.
The couple had to fork out £200 on professional dry cleaning to rid their clothes of mould, and an additional £90 on anti-mould paint. On top of that, they purchased a pricey dehumidifier to tackle the dampness, taking the total cost for rectifying the mess to an eye-watering £460.
Rosie shared with Suit Direct, "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.".
"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."
Menswear experts at Suit Direct have stepped in to offer guidance on how to safeguard clothing against mould, moths, and other calamities, offering Rosie and Nick and others advice stemmed from their unfortunate ordeal.
Top tips from the specialists at Suit Direct include:
1. Run an extra spin cycle and refrain from drying laundry on radiators
It's advised to give your clothes an additional spin cycle post-wash to extricate as much moisture as possible, which can reduce drying times significantly.
If you don't have a tumble dryer and need to dry your clothes indoors, it's best to avoid hanging them on radiators. While this might seem like a quick solution, it can actually increase the moisture levels in your home, leading to damp and mould issues.
In addition, try not to overload your clothes horse. Giving each item enough space to dry properly can help prevent dampness. Consider positioning your drying rack near a dehumidifier, which can help remove excess moisture from the room as your clothes dry.
2. Use a water repellent spray on your clothes
Water-repellent sprays aren't just for campers and hikers. You can also use these products to give your clothes a protective layer that resists moisture. Simply spray it over your garments before storing them away. For an extra layer of protection, consider using silica gel packets. These handy little sachets absorb moisture and can be placed in pockets of suits and jackets for added protection.
3. Think about how you store your clothes
As autumn approaches, moths become more common and can cause serious damage to your favourite clothes, particularly items made from natural fibres like wool, cashmere and mohair.
Investing in scented wardrobe or drawer sachets can help prevent moths from damaging your clothes. Not only do they keep your clothes smelling fresh, but sachets with scents like cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary are also excellent for moth-proofing your clothing storage. To safeguard your garments from moths and mildew, store them in breathable cloth suit covers. It's crucial to avoid plastic covers as they can trap moisture, leaving your clothes with a damp smell.
Hang the clothing in a cool, dry, clean, and dark wardrobe. If you have multiple outfits, make sure to space them out evenly inside the closet to avoid creasing. Brushing up well and investing in a suit brush is another tip. Over time, dust and debris can infiltrate the fibres of suits and shirts, creating an opportunity for odour or moths.
4. For suit-wearers, a suit brush is a vital investment
A wooden-handled brush with natural bristles is the best option. Simply brush the fabric in a downward motion to remove any dust, dead skin, hair, or food particles. Follow this up with a lint roller for a flawless clean.
5. Invest in a dehumidifier
Investing in a dehumidifier is another good idea if you want to future-proof your home against mould issues. A quality dehumidifier will extract excess moisture from the air, preventing conditions that favour mould growth. As an added benefit, it will also help eliminate any musty smells often found in damp and humid spaces.
Nicola Barker, head of buying at Suit Direct, weighed in on Nick and Rosie's mould calamity, stating: "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."
She added, "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."