For many of us, drying clothes indoors is just another part of daily life—especially during cold or stormy months when hanging laundry outside isn’t an option.
But what if this seemingly harmless habit was actually putting our health at risk?
Research suggests that drying clothes indoors, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, could significantly increase mould growth in your home.
Mould exposure is linked to respiratory illnesses, worsened asthma symptoms, and even life-threatening infections in vulnerable individuals.
A hidden health hazard is lurking in damp environments, and most people don’t even realize it.
How Mould Thrives in Our Homes
Mould isn’t just an unsightly nuisance; it’s a broad category of fungi that thrives in moist, humid conditions.
Its spores are microscopic and constantly floating in the air, waiting for the right conditions to grow.
If you’ve ever noticed black or green patches forming on your bathroom ceiling or walls, you’re looking at a sign of excess moisture—and a breeding ground for mould.
Common indoor mould species include Penicillium and Aspergillus, both of which release airborne spores.
While most people inhale small amounts of these spores daily without consequence, individuals with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions are at significant risk.
How Mould Affects Your Health
The immune system is our first line of defense against fungal spores. Macrophages—immune cells in the lungs—work to destroy harmful particles we breathe in.
However, not everyone’s immune system is capable of fending off these invaders effectively.
People with asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or compromised immune function face an elevated risk of severe fungal infections.
For them, inhaling mould spores can trigger aggressive immune responses, causing inflammation and airway constriction, leading to serious breathing difficulties.
In some extreme cases, mould spores don’t just cause inflammation—they invade the airways, forming dense fungal masses that block breathing passages and cause internal bleeding.
This phenomenon, known as aspergillosis, can be fatal if left untreated.
Mould Isn’t Just an Aesthetic Issue
Many people assume that mould is simply a cosmetic issue—something to be scrubbed away with bleach and forgotten. But the reality is far more dangerous.
Even healthy individuals can suffer adverse effects if they’re exposed to large amounts of fungal spores over time.
In 2020, the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, a toddler in the UK, brought national attention to the deadly risks of mould exposure.
Awaab died due to prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s home, leading to respiratory failure.
His death led to Awaab’s Law, which now requires UK landlords to respond swiftly to damp and mould complaints to protect tenants from similar fates.
The Growing Threat of Antifungal Resistance
If that’s not concerning enough, scientists are warning that mould infections are becoming harder to treat due to rising antifungal resistance.
The most common antifungal drugs, known as azoles, are losing effectiveness as mould species develop resistance—partly due to the widespread use of these drugs in agriculture.
Fungal infections already kill over 1.5 million people worldwide each year, and the problem is expected to worsen as climate change increases the prevalence of resistant strains.
Some moulds that were once considered harmless are now evolving to withstand higher temperatures and invade human tissues—a chilling prospect that could make fungal infections a major public health crisis in the coming decades.
Protecting Your Home and Health
So, how can you prevent mould growth and safeguard your health? The key is controlling moisture levels in your home. Here’s how:
- Improve ventilation: Open windows, use extractor fans, and allow fresh air to circulate in your living spaces.
- Use a dehumidifier: Maintaining indoor humidity below 50% can significantly reduce mould growth.
- Avoid drying clothes indoors when possible: If you must, use a heated drying rack or place them in a well-ventilated area.
- Fix leaks and damp problems immediately: Mould thrives in persistently damp areas—addressing leaks promptly can prevent major infestations.
- Regularly clean and inspect high-risk areas: Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are hotspots for mould growth—keep them dry and clean.
Final Thoughts
Many of us don’t give much thought to how we dry our clothes, but the science is clear: indoor drying can create conditions that allow harmful moulds to flourish.
While most people can tolerate occasional exposure, those with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems are at serious risk.
With climate change and antifungal resistance on the rise, it’s more important than ever to be proactive about reducing indoor moisture and preventing mould infestations.
Your home should be a safe space—not a breeding ground for harmful fungi.
