Drying clothes indoors due to wet weather outside can cause mould growth and trigger skin allergies including eczema and contact dermatitis, according to new research.
A study carried out by the Mackintosh School of Architecture, in Glasgow, found many homes had too much moisture indoors and up to 30 per cent of this was caused by laundry.
[quote]A raised moisture rate in side can increase the growth of dust mites and mould spores which can trigger skin allergies including eczema and contact dermatitis as well an increase the risk of fungal skin infections.[/quote]
In addition to drying clothes indoors, cashed-strapped home owners are also keeping windows and doors closed to conserve heat, which means houses with increased mould spores due to dampness from drying laundry inside are not being properly ventilated, according to the new research.
The best way to prevent mould spores multiplying indoors is to open the windows every day to ventilate the house.
Use anti-mould washes regularly in damp areas such as bathrooms, and in damper corners near laundry drying areas.
If you have to dry laundry indoors, put drying laundry near open window to dry, but whenever possible put wet laundry outside to dry.
