This Is What Happens To Your Lungs When You Dry Laundry Indoors

There’s something nostalgic and refreshing about the scent of sun-dried laundry. Unfortunately, in many regions, this can only be enjoyed during the warmer months.

In contrast, drying clothes indoors during winter often leads to a musty or damp smell, and there’s a scientific reason for that.

Indoor drying increases the moisture level in your home, creating the perfect environment for mold and fungi to thrive.

The Hidden Health Ri:sks

When clothes are dried indoors — whether on racks or over radiators — the moisture from the wet fabric evaporates into the air. A single load of laundry can release nearly two liters of water, raising indoor humidity by up to 30%.

This added moisture creates ideal conditions for the growth of mold spores and dust mites, both of which can cause respiratory issues. People with asthma, allergies, or sensitivities to allergens are especially vulnerable to these effects.

What Researchers Have Found

Experts in the UK have studied the impact of indoor clothes drying on health.