DRYING our clothes in the colder months can be tough – the plunging temperatures and wet weather mean hanging them outside is impossible, leaving us with fewer options.
So it’s understandable that most of us put damp clothes onto our warm radiators straight from the washing machine.
Experts have warned against drying clothes on radiatorsCredit: Getty
They explain how the drying hack could be ‘slow cooking’ clothesCredit: Getty
It seems practical when other tricks aren’t an option, and letting the heat do its thing seems quick and efficient.
But experts have now revealed that hanging laundry on radiators could be damaging our favourite outfits.
While it might feel like a harmless way to speed up drying, fashion pro Roza Francken, from Aurélieninsists , insists it’s a recipe for disaster if you want our garments to last.
And she has warned that it could actually be “slow-cooking” our clothes.
Roza said: “Most people don’t realise that radiators and fabrics don’t mix. It’s a bit like leaving your clothes under a hairdryer for hours.
“The heat is too concentrated, too harsh, and it strips the fabric of its natural elasticity, colour, and structure.”
Most people don’t realise that radiators and fabrics don’t mix. It’s a bit like leaving your clothes under a hairdryer for hours.
Roza Francken, from Aurélieninsists
She explains that the heat doesn’t just dry clothes but also changes them, adding: ” The fibres literally react to that kind of direct heat.
“Cotton tightens and stiffens, wool loses its bounce, and anything with stretch, like leggings or underwear, starts to break down. You’re essentially slow-cooking your clothes.”
According to her, that’s why jumpers lose their shape after a few washes and dries.
She adds: “People often think their washing machine is to blame when jumpers come out slightly shrunken or warped.
“But in reality, it’s usually the drying method. Radiator heat pulls and twists the natural fibres, so sleeves and hems never quite fall the same way again.
“Silk, viscose, and satin fabrics can blister or develop a shiny glaze when exposed to strong heat.
“You might not notice it straight away, but after a few rounds, that subtle lustre turns patchy and dull.”
Another lesser-known problem that occurs from doing this is colour fading, which also causes the fabric to become brittle.
Roza explains: “The direct heat from a radiator causes dyes to oxidise faster.
“That’s why black jeans suddenly look washed out or coloured shirts lose their depth. The heat literally drains the pigment out.
“Fibres become brittle. That brittleness leads to thinning, tiny holes, and fraying.
“Once the internal structure is weakened, no amount of fabric conditioner or detergent can fix it.”
“You’ll suddenly notice a small hole at the elbow, or that your T-shirt has gone oddly transparent.
“That’s long-term heat damage from drying too close to radiators.”
Why radiators cause more harm than you think
What is it exactly that makes radiators so destructive when it comes to drying clothes?
Roza says it’s the combination of intense, localised heat and uneven drying, and there is also the issue of trapped moisture.
She explains: “Radiators heat one side of the fabric much more than the other,” she explains.
“That uneven exposure causes fibres to dry at different rates.
“One area contracts, another stays damp, and that’s when you get twisting, puckering, or those hard, crispy patches.
“When you cover a radiator with wet laundry, you block the airflow, that prevents proper evaporation.
“Instead of moisture escaping, it lingers inside the fibres, and that dampness can lead to mildew or that musty smell you can’t quite get rid of.”
The lingering humidity also affects the home environment and cause mould to form.
Roza adds: “That excess moisture ends up on your walls and windows, and over time, you’ll notice condensation and even mould.
“It’s not just bad for your clothes, it’s also bad for your home.”
Thankfully, Roza says there are far safer ways to dry your laundry indoors without compromising fabric quality.
And it’s all about giving your clothes some space if you want the best results.
She says: “The best thing you can do is give your clothes a bit of space. Use a drying rack near the radiator rather than on top of it.
“The goal is to let warm air circulate around the fabric evenly. That way, you’re drying, not baking.
“If you’ve washed knitwear or denim, gently stretch them back into shape before leaving them to dry. It helps them maintain their fit and prevents warping.
“Crack a window or keep the door open to prevent moisture build-up.
“It keeps the air fresh and stops that damp, stuffy smell from settling into your clothes.”
The worst-affected fabrics
While no fabric loves being baked on a radiator, some suffer far more than others.
According to Roza, the worst offenders are soft natural fibres and stretch fabrics.
She says: “Wool and cashmere are extremely vulnerable.
“The heat strips away the natural oils that keep them soft and supple.
“Once those oils are gone, you’re left with stiff, itchy fibres that never feel quite the same again.
“Anything with elastane, like gym wear or skinny jeans, is just as bad.
“The heat weakens the stretch fibres, so they lose their elasticity and sag after a few wears.
“People assume denim can handle anything, but it can fade and warp too.
“You end up with jeans that look aged in all the wrong places, especially around seams and pockets”.
