Many people choose to dry wet clothes indoors, especially during humid weather. However, an expert from the UK suggests that this method may be harmful to health.

According to Dr. Rebecca Drummond, an immunologist and immunotherapy specialist at the University of Birmingham, UK, many people are making mistakes and need to change their habits when it comes to drying clothes, according to DM.

She explained, "Indoors, there is usually little airflow, and drying wet clothes increases the growth of mold around your home."

Mold thrives in damp environments, especially in closed, poorly ventilated spaces. Mold not only reduces the air quality inside the house but also causes serious health issues, and can even be fatal for people living in such an environment.

"When mold develops, it creates black or green spots on the walls, leading to an unpleasant musty smell," Dr. Drummond said.

If not controlled in time, mold can lead to respiratory issues, pneumonia, and other serious diseases. In fact, mold can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.

"People with weakened immune systems, such as those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are at a higher risk of infection from mold," she added.

In some cases, mold spores can enter the respiratory system, causing blockages and even leading to bleeding in the lungs.

The story of Awaab Ishak, a 2-year-old boy in the UK who died in 2020, is an example. The child passed away due to an infection caused by mold spores growing in the family's damp home.

His death led the UK government to introduce the Awaab Law, requiring landlords to promptly address mold issues in rental properties to ensure the health of tenants.

So, how can you properly dry clothes to ensure the health of your family?

Dr. Drummond recommends that drying clothes outdoors is the best option, not only helping clothes dry faster but also keeping your home’s air fresh.

If there is no outdoor drying space, people should use a dehumidifier or a heated clothes drying rack to speed up the drying process and reduce indoor humidity.

"Keeping your home dry and well-ventilated is very important. You need a good ventilation system and invest in devices like a dehumidifier to reduce humidity inside," Dr. Drummond shared.