# Energy Experts Warn Against Drying Clothes on Radiators This Winter Using radiators as drying racks reduces heating efficiency and increases your monthly energy bills. - **Source:** [Latest from Ideal Home in News](https://brifing.si/source/02eb50e1-30c6-4c23-9764-bbec266c1242) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/09db14ac-453d-40ef-8637-90573523b0c4 ## The Radiator Drying Myth Many households attempt to dry wet laundry on radiators during winter to save time and space. However, heating experts warn that this common practice is counterproductive. Covering radiators with damp clothes blocks heat circulation, forcing your central heating system to work significantly harder to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the home. ## Hidden Financial Costs Blocking a radiator prevents warm air from circulating freely, which causes rooms to take longer to heat up. This inefficiency directly drives up energy bills, especially since rates increased in October. Relying on central heating to dry clothes creates an unnecessary, recurring expense that accumulates quickly over the colder winter months. ## Moisture and Mould Risks Drying clothes indoors releases significant moisture into the air, which must go somewhere. Without proper ventilation, this water vapour settles on cold surfaces like windows or walls as condensation. Over time, these damp conditions foster mould growth, which can lead to musty smells and potentially expensive long-term damage to your home. ## Boiler Efficiency Impacts When radiators are obstructed by wet garments, your boiler must operate for longer periods to compensate for the restricted heat output. This increased workload puts extra strain on your heating system. Consistently using your central heating for laundry drying is an inefficient method that ultimately results in higher monthly energy consumption. ## Heated Airers as Alternatives Experts suggest using a dedicated heated airer instead of radiators. These devices keep your radiators free to heat the room effectively while providing a focused drying solution. While they still release moisture, they allow you to dry clothes without relying on your central heating system, offering a more controlled energy usage. ## Dehumidifiers for Moisture Control If you are concerned about excess indoor humidity, using a dehumidifier is a highly effective strategy. These machines help dry laundry faster by absorbing excess moisture from the air, preventing condensation and mould. Combining a dehumidifier with a standard or heated airer creates a more efficient, moisture-managed indoor drying environment. ## Productive Drying Solutions Various market options exist for faster drying, such as the Dry:Soon Deluxe 3-Tier Heated Airer, which offers 21 metres of space. Alternatively, the Minky Sure Dri Heat Pod Pro converts standard airers into heated systems. These tools are designed to be energy-efficient, often costing between 5p and 10p per hour to operate. ## Strategic Winter Planning To maintain home efficiency this winter, avoid using radiators as drying racks. Prioritize ventilation or the use of specialized drying equipment to manage moisture levels. By shifting away from radiator drying, you can improve your home's heat circulation, reduce the risk of dampness, and keep your overall energy expenditure under control. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.idealhome.co.uk/house-manual/laundry/drying-clothes-on-radiator-increasing-energy-bills-warning — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._