You've been drying your clothes wrong - expert warns mistake can cause 'detrimental damage'

Turns out we've been drying our clothes wrong this entire time - with some pretty stark consequences.

Whilst the Met Office has predicted a mini heatwave will hit the UK later this month, we're under no illusion there'll also be more showers to dampen our BBQ plans and summer vibes. So, whilst we'd love to save on energy bills and dry our laundry outside - it might not be possible just yet. Plus, millions of Brits simply don't have the garden space to effectively air their bedding on their back garden.

But throwing your sodden sheets and tees all over the house could actually pose a serious risk to your health, and damage your property.

Paul Strong from Magnet Trade says you should avoid hanging your laundry and bedding on wooden doors and bannisters - arguing it could cause 'detrimental damage' to your home. "Placing wet washing onto wooden surfaces could lead to long-term structural damage," he added.

"Wood is an extremely porous material so when wet laundry is left on it, especially repeatedly, the wood can warp and even rot over time." The expert also warned that wet wooden surfaces can become a 'breeding ground for mould growth' which poses 'significant health risks' - especially amongst children and those with existing respiratory issues.

"On the topic of mould, drying laundry on radiators should also be avoided," Strong advised. "Drying clothes on your radiators will trap moisture against your walls, promoting mould growth."

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The expert therefore recommends placing clothes on an indoor drying rack and placing it near an open window or door to 'ensure good ventilation and provide optimal drying conditions'. If you find your clothes are still struggling to dry, it might be worth investing in a heated airer.

The appliances, which cost less to run than a tumble dryer, are available from a slew of supermarkets and online retailers and vastly differ in price. For example, Argos is currently selling a foldable version for £55 - which can hold 10kg of wet clothing while Lakeland is selling a 'deluxe' three-tier heated airer for £219.99. The Dry:Soon appliance costs just 9p per hour to run and holds two average loads of laundry.

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