Should you dry clothes on electric radiators?

As the nights draw in and the weather takes a chilly turn, many people are battling with how to dry their clothes indoors.

Recent weeks have seen a huge range of tips and tricks emerging in the media, including the combination of a dehumidifier and the ever reliable clothes rack - love it!

However, there have also been “warnings” in the media about the dangers of putting clothes on radiators to dry them out.

The charity https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/ found that one in ten people admitted to using their electric radiator to dry clothes and were anxious to point out the fire risks associated with this.

Commenting on the research findings, Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, said:

“Consumer concerns about rising energy prices are pushing people towards alternative ways of heating their homes but we are urging people to be cautious this winter if they are using electric heaters.

“Although they can be seen as a more economical way to keep warm, if used incorrectly they could cause a fire damaging property and possessions, and present a risk of serious injury or even death.”

Lesley added: “If you are buying a portable heater this year, make sure you buy from a retailer that you know and trust and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions”.

These are wise words from Lesley and her team. Dealing with reputable retailers and manufacturers is always important and we would also discourage people from placing clothes directly onto any heat source.

Electric radiators can indeed be a very economical way to keep warm when used correctly. In addition, our radiators are actually much safer than the vast majority of electric radiators on the market as they have sensors within each panel that will automatically power-down the heat if a part of the radiator is covered and unable to function properly.

However, the best approach for all devices is safety first, use the clothes rack with your radiator (and dehumidifier if you like) and stay safe folks.

Tags: Regulations.