Households are being cautioned against drying clothes on radiators, as it could result in a bill worth £460.
A couple from Leeds learned this the hard way when their routine of drying clothes on radiators in their home backfired. For years, the couple had been drying clothes on radiators, but one day, they discovered that indoor clothes drying had caused a mould infestation in their house.
The combination of radiator drying and inadequate ventilation led Rosie, 28, and Nick, 28, from Leeds to spend £460 on dry cleaning after discovering their planned outfits for a friend's wedding were covered in mould and mildew.
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Mould is a prevalent issue in British homes, and while it can grow on clothes at any time of year, it's more common during autumn and winter when windows are shut and additional moisture is released into the air, reports the Express.
When putting clothes away, it might be tempting to simply fold or hang them until their next use but if your home lacks proper ventilation, it could lead to a wardrobe catastrophe.
The damp problem caused the couple to arrive late to the wedding, with Nick even having to attend the ceremony in just jeans and a smart shirt - essentially the only items not covered in mould.
The couple had to dish out £200 on expensive dry cleaning to remove the mould, and another £90 on anti-mould paint. They were also forced to buy a costly dehumidifier to fight the damp, with the total cost of their clean-up hitting the hefty sum of £460.
"Usually you don't think anything of storing away your clothes on a hanger and popping them on whenever you plan to wear. But it really is worth taking the extra time to protect your more expensive garments from problems such as mould or moths we learned the hard way, for sure," Rosie told Suit Direct.
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"With the cost-of-living crisis going on we could have used putting the £460 elsewhere, with the rising gas and energy bills. But, in future we're definitely going to take extra precautions to protect our clothing, as unfortunately unexpected accidents do happen."
To avoid going through what Rosie and Nick faced, suit experts at menswear retailer Suit Direct have divulged key advice for garment storage, ensuring protection from mould, moths, and other disasters.
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Their advice includes:
1. Run an extra spin cycle and avoid drying laundry on radiators
By adding an additional spin cycle after washing your clothing, you can push out maximum water, giving a boost to the drying process.
If you're without a tumble dryer and need to dry your clothes indoors, it's advised to steer clear of draping them over radiators. While it may seem like a speedy solution, it can actually heighten the moisture levels in your home, leading to potential damp and mould issues.
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Moreover, try not to overload your clothes horse, allowing each piece to fully dry. Consider positioning it near a dehumidifier, which will aid in reducing the room's moisture as your laundry dries.
2. Spritz your clothing with a water repellent spray
Not just for campers and hikers, a water-repellent spray can be used to provide your garments with a protective layer against moisture.
Simply spritz it over the exterior of your clothes before storing them away. For an extra level of protection, silica gel packets are a great addition. They naturally absorb moisture, so placing them in suit and jacket pockets is a good idea.
3. Consider how your store your garments
As we transition into Autumn, moths become more prevalent and can cause damage to your favourite pieces, particularly knitwear made from natural fibres like wool, cashmere and mohair.
Investing in scented wardrobe or drawer sachets can help prevent pesky moths from damaging your clothes. Not only do they keep your clothes smelling fresh, but sachets with scents like cedarwood, lavender, and rosemary are also excellent for moth-proofing your clothing storage.
To safeguard your garments from moths and mildew, store them in a breathable cloth suit cover. It's crucial to avoid plastic covers as they can trap moisture, leaving your clothes with a damp smell.
Hang the clothing in a cool, dry, clean, and dark wardrobe. If you have multiple outfits, make sure to space them out evenly inside the closet to avoid creasing.
4. Brush up well and invest in a suit brush
Over time, dust and debris can find their way into the fibres of suits and shirts, creating an opportunity for odour or moths. For suit-wearers, a suit brush is a vital investment.
A wood-handled brush with natural bristles is the best choice. Simply brush the fabric in a downward motion to remove any dust, dead skin, hair, or food particles. Follow this up with a lint roller for a flawless clean.
5. Invest in a dehumidifier
Investing in a dehumidifier is another good idea if you want to future-proof your home against mould issues. A quality dehumidifier will extract excess moisture from the air, preventing conditions that favour mould growth.
As an added benefit, it will also help to eliminate any musty smells, commonly found in damp and humid spaces.
Nicola Barker, the head of buying at Suit Direct, weighed in on Nick and Rosie's mould catastrophe, commenting that: "When investing money into quality suits and formal wear, people want to make their garments have as long of a life span as possible. Though we can't predict damp problems occurring in the home, we can do our best to protect our garments with the right care."
She further added: "Although clothing storage and care might seem like a laborious process, keeping up these simple care habits can have long term benefits when it comes to the lifespan of your tailoring."