During the cold season, many people prefer drying their clothes indoors near radiators, rather than drying them outside or visit the local laundromat. However, this is in fact a dangerous action that can cause several health problems, especially to people who are prone to asthma or allergies. If you want to find out if drying laundry indoors can pose some risks to your health, read on.
Drying laundry indoors increase the level of humidity in your house by 30%. This is not a good thing for people who suffer from respiratory disorders, such as asthma or struggle with allergies. When the moisture level in the room is too low, mold spores can develop quite rapidly so it’s crucial to take measures ahead of time in order to prevent this from happening. You can consider opting for a dehumidifier to help reduce the excess moisture in the air. Most experts are worried about a specific fungal mold, called aspergilus. This fungal mold can affect the respiratory system, but it can also spread in the human body rapidly. The symptoms can vary from a mild wheezing to coughing blood. There’s a higher risk to contract this aspergilus if you have a weakened immune system.
Dust mite growth
There has been proven in numerous occasions that there’s a correlation between high moisture levels in a space and dust mite growth. Generally speaking, mold and dust mites thrive in areas where the relative humidity is above 50%, so it would be advisable to keep the humidity below 50% to significantly reduce the growth of dust mite. You can only achieve that by keeping a dehumidifier in the space.
As a result of drying laundry indoors, air quality can decrease considerably. High humidity can allow viruses and bacteria to grow, and not only dust mites and mold. These tiny particles that are invisible to the naked eye can contribute to poor air quality.
Use energy-efficient dryers instead of traditional methods
Indoor laundry drying can also lead to increased use of energy, as many people prefer drying their clothes on radiators. Although this is a fast way to dry your clothes, it’s not a food method for drying your clothes because it can significantly increase your energy bills. Using an energy-efficient dryer can be a long term investment and not to mention, a fast and effective way to dry laundry indoors. Consider opting for a tumble dryer that includes eco-friendly features, as well as a variety of wash cycles.