Key takeaways
- Drying washing indoors is common, especially during Auckland winters. While it's convenient, it can also add a surprising amount of moisture to your home, increasing the risk of condensation, mould and stale...
- How Much Moisture Does Washing Release?
- What Problems Can It Cause?
Drying washing indoors is common, especially during Auckland winters. While it's convenient, it can also add a surprising amount of moisture to your home, increasing the risk of condensation, mould and stale air.
If your windows are constantly wet or certain rooms always feel damp, indoor clothes drying could be contributing.
How Much Moisture Does Washing Release?
A single load of wet washing can release several litres of water into the air as it dries.
Without good ventilation, that moisture stays inside your home instead of escaping outdoors.
What Problems Can It Cause?
Extra indoor humidity can lead to:
- Wet windows.
- Mould growth.
- Musty smells.
- Damp wardrobes.
- Poor indoor air quality.
These problems are often worse during winter when homes are kept closed.
How to Reduce the Impact
If you need to dry clothes indoors:
- Use a well-ventilated room.
- Run the extractor fan if available.
- Open windows when weather allows.
- Use a heat pump sensibly.
- Consider a home ventilation system if indoor drying is common.
A clothes dryer vented outside is another option where practical.
When Should You Contact Holmes Services?
If your home feels damp throughout winter or condensation has become a daily problem, a ventilation assessment can help identify practical ways to improve indoor comfort.
Frequently asked questions
Does drying clothes indoors always cause mould?
Not always, but it increases indoor humidity and can contribute to mould
if moisture isn't removed.
Will a heat pump remove the moisture?
A heat pump helps control temperature, but a ventilation system is
usually better at removing excess moisture from the home.
Is opening a window enough?
Sometimes, although persistent condensation may indicate the home would
Need practical advice for your system?
Holmes Services helps Auckland homeowners and businesses with heat pumps, ventilation, refrigeration and indoor comfort issues.