You can dry wet laundry on the radiator, but it is not a good idea. It blocks the heat, uses extra energy, and causes moisture to linger in your room. It is better to use a drying rack in a ventilated room, possibly with a dehumidifier.
Direct answer: you can put wet laundry on the radiator, but it is not recommended. The laundry blocks the heat, the moisture spreads throughout your room, and on an electric heater it can even be dangerous. A drying rack by the radiator, with ventilation or dehumidification, works better.
Why is laundry on the radiator not a good idea?
A radiator releases heat into the air in the room. If a wet cloth is placed over it, that heat cannot flow as easily into the room. The radiator has to work harder to heat the room, and that uses energy. In addition, the water evaporates from the laundry, causing the humidity to rise. In a room with closed windows, this leads to condensation on windows and, over time, to damp patches. You can read how to prevent this in how to dry laundry indoors without mold.
Electric heater: never place laundry on or in front of it
Laundry should never be hung on or in front of an electric heater. Fabric can overheat or block the airflow, resulting in a fire hazard. Always keep sufficient distance between the heater and textiles and read the device's manual.
Better alternative: drying rack and airflow
Hang the laundry freely on a drying rack and place the rack in a room where it is not cold. Leave space between the garments so that air can flow through. The rack may stand next to the radiator, but not in front of it. Hang heavy items such as towels and jeans with plenty of space. You can read how exactly that works in tumble dryer or dehumidifier: what is more energy-efficient for drying laundry.
| Method | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry on radiator | No extra appliance | Blocks heat, more moisture in the room |
| Drying rack next to radiator | Heat helps with drying | Moisture still needs to be removed |
| Drying rack with dehumidifier | Removes moisture from the air | Extra appliance, keep door closed |
Dry your laundry with a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier absorbs the moisture released by your laundry, so it does not end up on windows and walls. How long it takes depends on the load and the room; you can read more about this in how long it takes to dry laundry with a dehumidifier and drying laundry with a dehumidifier.
Dynter AirPure DH251: dehumidifies up to 900 ml per day, with a water tank of 3800 ml. Suitable for rooms up to 55 m².
Consumption: 80 W. At an assumed electricity price of €0.30 per kWh, one hour of operation costs approximately 2.4 cents.
Features: timer function from 1 to 24 hours, night mode where the display turns off, and a safety sensor that switches off the device when the tank is full.
Size: 24 x 13.4 x 37 cm and 2.51 kg, so easy to move to the room where the laundry is hanging.
Note: 900 ml per day is the maximum. If you dry a lot of laundry at once, it will take longer before all the moisture is absorbed.
Dry your laundry without moisture problems
Do you want no more moisture in your home due to laundry days? Then check out the Dynter DH251 dehumidifier or the entire collection of dehumidifiers.
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad for the radiator if you put laundry on it?
It uses extra energy because the heat cannot flow as easily into the room. On some radiators, it can also affect the operation of thermostat knobs. Therefore, it is better to use a drying rack next to it.
Does laundry dry faster on the radiator?
Yes, the laundry dries faster, but the moisture disappears into the room. Without ventilation or dehumidification, the air therefore becomes damp.
How do I prevent condensation when drying laundry indoors?
Ventilate briefly and effectively, use a dehumidifier, and dry the laundry in a room where no one sleeps. Keep the door closed so that the moisture does not spread through the house.
Can I hang laundry on an electric heater?
No. Textiles on or directly in front of an electric heater can overheat and cause a fire. Always keep your distance.
What is the most energy-efficient way to dry laundry indoors?
That varies per situation. Well-wrung laundry on a drying rack with a little ventilation is energy-efficient. A dehumidifier with 80 W costs approximately 2.4 cents per hour (€0.30 per kWh assumed), but the exact consumption depends on how long you let it run.