When outdoor drying isn’t possible, many households hang wet clothes inside bedrooms or living rooms. While this may feel harmless, drying clothes indoors releases large amounts of moisture into the air, raising indoor humidity levels and creating damp conditions.
A single load of laundry can release nearly two litres of water into indoor air as it dries. Without proper ventilation, this moisture settles on walls, ceilings, furniture and fabrics, providing ideal conditions for mould and mildew to grow. Over time, this can damage paint, plaster, wooden furniture and flooring.
More importantly, indoor mould affects health. Mould spores and fungal particles can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may worsen asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure to damp indoor air can also cause coughing, congestion and general breathing discomfort, even in healthy individuals.
Drying clothes indoors can also encourage dust mites, make rooms feel colder and more uncomfortable during winter, and reduce overall indoor air quality. Homes with limited airflow or no dehumidification are especially vulnerable.
If indoor drying is unavoidable, steps such as improving ventilation, using exhaust fans or dehumidifiers, avoiding bedrooms and allowing moisture to escape through open doors and windows can help reduce risks and keep indoor air healthier.