19/01/2026
We all know the pain of trying to dry washing inside when it's wet, or damp outside so here are some safer ways to dry laundry indoors without risking mould (or your deposit if you're renting).
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must deal with serious damp and mould, but problems caused mainly by a tenant’s lifestyle can still be pushed back onto the tenant. Persistent radiator drying in an unventilated room is a common example during inspections.
For renters in small flats, the answer is not to stop drying clothes indoors altogether, but to change where and how the moisture is handled. The goal is simple: contain the water vapour, then give it a controlled way out.
Use the highest spin your machine allows, often 1,200–1,400 rpm, to remove as much water as possible.
Choose a small room such as a bathroom or box room, place an airer there and keep the door closed.
Position the airer in the middle of the room, at least 30 cm from any wall and away from radiators.
Open a window in that room by 1–2 cm or run an extractor, and put a dehumidifier beside the airer set to around 50 per cent; it can pull close to 2 litres from a load while costing around 7p–12p (£0.07–£0.12) an hour to run.
If you own a tumble dryer, let clothes air-dry until they are almost done, then finish with a 10 minute cycle to soften and remove the last damp.
A cheap hygrometer, often about £10, helps you check that humidity stays broadly in the 40–60 per cent band. If levels regularly climb above 65 per cent when you dry laundry, you know you need more ventilation or dehumidifier time.
Advice charities such as Shelter England tell renters to report serious damp early, keep photos and emails, and show they are already using reasonable drying methods. That kind of record can matter if there is a dispute over damage or a withheld deposit.
Social landlords, energy advisers and health bodies all share the same core message: keep radiators clear of clothing, use racks instead, and pair indoor drying with ventilation and, where possible, a dehumidifier. It may feel slower, but it protects your home, your lungs and your wallet.
Source Netmums.
Remember this little tip when wondering if you can hang washing out to dry in cold weather - if your path is dry, your washing will dry. Giving clothes even a partial dry outside means:
Less moisture will be released into the house later.
A shorter time will be needed on an airer or heated dryer.
You'll have fresher‑smelling laundry overall.
It’s one of those small domestic tricks that feels old‑fashioned but works beautifully.
