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A scientist has revealed the correct way to dry clothes and explained why we should never do it at home. Are you making this mistake?
Drying clothes indoors is a common habit, especially during the colder or rainier months of the year. However, this practice could be damaging your health and the air quality inside your home.
A Dr. Rebecca Drummond, specialist in immunology and immunotherapy at University of Birmingham, warns that drying wet clothes in poorly-ventilated spaces ventilated can significantly increase the presence of mold and fungi in the environment, posing real health risks.
The invisible danger of mold
Mold is a group of fungi that grows in damp, poorly ventilated conditions and is common in bathrooms and utility areas.
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According to Dr. Drummond, when mold grows indoors, it can form black or green stains on walls, cushions, and curtains, and release spores into the air, which can cause serious respiratory problems.
Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to mold can trigger symptoms such as allergies, eye irritation, breathing difficulties and, in more severe cases, lung infections.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 10% of the world's population is sensitive to fungi, and continued exposure can aggravate pre-existing diseases, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Who is most at risk?
People with compromised immune systems are among those most affected by the presence of mold in indoor environments.
Patients with lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can have serious infections caused by fungal spores.
Dr. Drummond warns that in extreme cases, prolonged exposure to mold can lead to death. One emblematic case was that of Awaab Ishak, a child in the United Kingdom who died in 2020 due to excessive exposure to mold spores in his home.
The case was so serious that it led to the creation of the Awaab Law, which requires property owners to take quick measures to eliminate damp and mold in rented properties.
What is the best way to dry clothes?
Given these risks, what is the correct way to dry clothes? Dr. Drummond recommends that whenever possible, clothes should be dried outdoors, regardless of the season. Even on cold days, hanging clothes on clotheslines outside is the best option to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the house.
If there is no outdoor space, some solutions can minimize the negative impacts of indoor drying:
- Use of dehumidifiers: These devices help reduce humidity in the air, preventing mold growth.
- Heated hangers: Modern electric clothesline options can speed up drying without increasing indoor humidity.
- Proper ventilation: Whenever drying clothes indoors, keep windows open and use fans to improve air circulation.
Simple changes for a healthier home
To keep your home mold-free and ensure a healthier environment, some practices can be incorporated into your daily routine:
- Avoid accumulating wet clothes indoors. The faster the drying process, the less chance of mold growth.
- Invest in good ventilation solutions. Even in small spaces, fans and dehumidifiers can make a big difference.
- Watch for signs of mold. Dark stains on the walls, unpleasant odors and an increase in allergy symptoms are clear signs that something is wrong.
Drying clothes indoors may seem harmless, but the risks associated with moisture and mold are significant.
In addition to compromising air quality, this practice can lead to serious health problems, especially for people with respiratory diseases.
Whenever possible, dry your clothes outside or use solutions that minimize humidity. Small changes in your routine can make a big difference in your health and the well-being of your family. Now that you know the risks, how about reviewing your clothes drying habits?
With information from DailyMail.
