With winter fast approaching, and the weather starting to turn damp, many people will be finding it more difficult to dry their clothes outdoors.

As tempting as it may seem to avoid using the tumble dryer and instead take advantage of warm radiators, it isn’t recommended.

Andy Ellis from Posh.co.uk said: “It might seem like an easy solution but you should really try to avoid drying your clothes on radiators if you can. It can prove costly in more ways than one.

“Your boiler will be working much harder to heat up your room if the radiator is covered in clothes and this will drive up energy costs.

“Not only increased energy bills, but you might also be causing some damage to your favourite clothes, and over time you may find yourself replacing your radiator more often.

“As well as financial impacts, you will be causing damage to your home and health as well.

“The indoor air quality can cause mould to grow, and this can then lead to health risks such as flu-like symptoms.”

The expert has shared some reasons to avoid drying clothing inside, including being expensive, mould issues as well as being a fire hazard.

1. Expensive

When you have covered your radiators in clothes, clothes will be getting hot but the room will be struggling to get warm.

This means the heating system will be working harder to heat up the home, which is likely to increase the cost of energy bills.

2. Mould

Drying wet clothes on radiators without opening windows or using a dehumidifier releases moisture into the air, and once evaporated, can turn into damp and mould.

This can be hard to get rid of and lead to health problems, according to the pro.

3. Fire hazard

Some clothes being left too close to hot radiators may ignite and can lead to a dangerous fire.

If you leave your home unattended or forget to remove clothes this can be concerning.

4. Clothes damage

The expert explained: “Your favourite clothes may not take too kindly to being dried on a radiator and you could end up ruining them.

“Clothes in direct contact with heat from radiators may develop stains and the fabric can weaken over time. Discolouration can also occur as the heat causes colours to bleed.”

Moisture from clothes can also promote the corrosion and rust of radiators which is another costly impact.