AnnaMaria
There’s something deeply nostalgic about the crisp, clean scent of sun-dried laundry. But during the colder months, many of us resort to drying clothes indoors — and that seemingly harmless habit could be quietly harming your health.
The Hidden Danger of Indoor Drying
When you dry clothes inside — on racks, radiators, or chairs — the moisture doesn’t disappear. It evaporates into the air, increasing the humidity in your home. Just one load of wet laundry can release nearly 68 ounces (2 litres) of water, raising indoor humidity by up to 30%.
That added moisture is exactly what mould spores and dust mites love. For people with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems, this creates a perfect storm for breathing problems and long-term damage.
What the Research Reveals
In the UK, scientists have taken this issue seriously. Professor David Denning, from the National Aspergillosis Centre in Manchester, says indoor drying is a major contributor to fungal respiratory infections.
“Most people can fight off exposure to mould,” Denning explains. “But for individuals with asthma or weakened immunity, it can trigger serious illness.”
The culprit? A fungus called Aspergillus, which thrives in damp environments and can lead to pulmonary aspergillosis — a dangerous condition that damages the lungs and sinuses.
Understanding Pulmonary Aspergillosis
This illness is caused by breathing in Aspergillus spores, and while it usually stays in the lungs, it can spread. Symptoms include:
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Persistent coughing and wheezing
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Shortness of breath
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Fever or chills
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Coughing up blood
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Unexplained weight loss
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Chest pain
Healthy people rarely experience severe reactions, but those with autoimmune conditions, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or pre-existing lung issues are at high risk.
A Real-Life Example
Craig Mather, a 43-year-old father from Bolton, had lived with asthma and a history of tuberculosis. When his symptoms worsened, doctors found he had chronic pulmonary aspergillosis — likely triggered by drying clothes in his bedroom.
“Every time I dried laundry indoors, my breathing got worse,” he said. “When I stopped, my health started to recover.”
After following medical advice to stop drying clothes inside, he noticed a major improvement in his symptoms over the next 12 months.
Safer Ways to Dry Laundry
To protect your lungs and indoor air:
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Dry clothes outside whenever possible.
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Use a tumble dryer with proper ventilation.
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If you must dry indoors, open windows to allow moisture to escape.
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Avoid drying in bedrooms or living rooms.
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Use a dehumidifier to control indoor humidity.
Also, ventilate your kitchen and bathroom after cooking or showering to reduce lingering moisture in the air.
Just That
Indoor drying may feel convenient, especially in winter — but it quietly invites mould, fungus, and lung-damaging spores into your home. A few simple shifts in habit could protect your air quality, your lungs, and your peace of mind.
