How Drying Clothes Indoors Can Cause Mould

CONTENTS

• What is mould?
• How do damp clothes cause mould?
• How mould can come from your washing machine
• How to prevent mould
• What to do if you see mould
• Get in touch

One of the most common causes of condensation and mould in the home is drying clothes indoors during winter. Although drying your clothes indoors may be cheaper and easier, you might experience mould growth and decreased air quality.

At ICE Cleaning, our mould remediation services are one of the leading solutions for mould growth in the UK. Our Dewpoint-accredited technicians use innovative technology and solutions to eradicate mould thoroughly, identifying the cause and preventing its return.

Read on to learn how drying clothes indoors can cause mould and how to prevent it.

What is mould?

This fungus has various strains and forms that grow indoors and outdoors. Mould can manifest in many colours and types, often caused due to environmental factors when indoors. When mould matures, it produces airborne spores that remain present in buildings.

Because mould spores linger, there is always a risk of mould growth in vulnerable areas of a home or a building that suffers from damp. Mould will grow in places susceptible to moisture and warmth, like the kitchen or bathroom.

The most well-known appearance of mould is its black or dark green, slimy form. Although it can appear in different colours, this is its most recognised look. Without prompt intervention, mould spreads and eventually results in allergic reactions in vulnerable people such as:

• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• Chest tightness
• Headaches

How do damp clothes cause mould?

When clothes come out of the washing machine, they are very damp and must be placed in a tumble dryer or outside on a clothesline. By hanging clothes on a clothes horse indoors, you create excess moisture in the home, which can lead to mould.

As damp fabrics dry, they expel moisture and condense on cold surfaces like a window, mirror, or wall in an unregulated room. This creation of condensation is what causes excess moisture, encouraging mould to grow and spread.

During the colder months, it may be hard to dry your clothes outside due to the accumulation of frost or rainfall. If you choose to dry your clothes indoors, you should do this in a well-ventilated room with a dehumidifier or moisture catcher to decrease humidity and moisture.

How mould can come from your washing machine

There is a possibility that mould can grow on your clothes due to being in a washing machine. Although the hot temperatures and soapy waters may appear to be a perfect solution to clean mould, they may create a worse situation.

After a washing machine’s cycle is complete, there is moisture and heat left behind that can accumulate in the metal drum and detergent drawer. Once mould grows in the machine, it spreads to the rubber door seal and causes leakage or malfunctions.

When a washing machine has mould inside, clothing put in to wash will absorb the mould spores and infected water. If left to dry indoors, mould could grow on the clothes and spread in your home.

How to prevent mould

There are several affordable methods to decrease excessive moisture and raise humidity levels in your home. Although other methods may require some payments, you can keep costs down and solve the issues with a few simple steps:

• Use a dehumidifier or moisture catcher in affected rooms
• Wipe down condensation when you see it
• Ventilate the area with open windows or doors
• Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
• Close kitchen and bathroom doors when in use
• Leave washing machine door open between cycles
• Dry clothes outside or on a heated clothes horse
• Clean surfaces regularly

What to do if you see mould

If you see mould, you may be under the impression that you can clean it yourself. However, you must not do this as you could further exacerbate the issue or cause harm to yourself. DIY solutions like vinegar or bleach may remove surface mould temporarily, but it will return.

This is because mould adheres to porous surfaces, embedding itself deep into the material and growing even after the surface mould is gone. Instead, you should slow the growth with the above methods and contact a mould removal company.

Get in touch

Our mould removal services can effectively remove all traces of mould and mildew from every surface of your home. Your home will remain protected with our lifetime guarantee*, where our technicians return free of charge for another cleaning if the mould returns.

You can find out more about our services by contacting our friendly team at 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. We are on-call 24/7, and our technicians work nationwide, providing you with the best solutions 365 days a year, including bank holidays.

*subject to advisories