Is it safe to put clothes on radiators?

Author: Willow Treutel  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

While it may seem convenient to dry your clothes on a radiator, it's not a recommended practice due to the potential health risks, including mould growth. Additionally, it can lead to higher energy bills as radiators are designed for room heating, not clothes drying.

Is it safe to leave clothes on the radiator?

Leaving clothes on a radiator overnight is generally not recommended for several reasons: Fire Hazard: If the radiator overheats or if there are any flammable materials nearby, there is a risk of fire. Damage to Clothes: High heat can damage certain fabrics, causing them to shrink, melt, or become discolored.

Is it safe to put fabric on a radiator?

The high heat from radiators can also cause fabric fibers to break down, leading to premature wear and tear. The colors of your clothes may also fade faster when exposed to continuous heat. As a result, your clothing may lose its quality and become less durable over time.

Is it okay to put things on the radiator?

Your radiator has a cover on it. So the top is simply the cover and not the radiator itself. the cover will not get as hot as the radiator itself. So you are fine to put objects on top, so long as the objects are not easily damaged by a bit of warmth.

Can you put a wardrobe against a radiator?

Safety wise it's fine, but you will lose some of the efficiency of the radiator heat by having something covering it (as it will heat the furniture instead of the air in your house).

Do not be tempted to dry your washing on heating Radiators.

What should you not put around a radiator?

Chairs, sofas, couches, and other furniture will interfere with the circulation of heat generated from the unit. Items touching the radiator can also overheat and cause damage to the item or injuries and fire hazards for the people in the home.

Do radiators get hot enough to start a fire?

They even use them to hold plates, cups, napkins and utensils and all of these things are a major no-no. Although they may not seem extremely hot to the touch at the time, your radiators can become very warm and any of these items can catch fire in a matter of minutes.

Can you put clothes on top of a radiator?

Drying clothes on a radiator might seem like a quick and easy fix, but no, the truth is it's not ideal. While the warmth from the radiator speeds up the drying process, it blocks the radiator's ability to heat your room effectively.

What not to do with radiators?

The placement of your radiators can affect both safety and efficiency. Avoid placing radiators behind furniture or curtains. If you're considering repositioning your radiators or installing new ones, you might want to explore our range of top-quality single radiators in the UK for safe and efficient options.

Is it safe to put a blanket on a radiator?

Covering a radiator is safe to do only if you use heat-resistant fabrics. Steam radiators can warm up to 215 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not hot enough to ignite most materials. However, some synthetic fabrics, such as fleece, can melt if placed on a piping hot radiator for several hours.

Can you put a couch against a radiator?

It's recommended to maintain a gap of at least one foot (12 inches) between your furniture and radiators. However, for extra protection, you can also use insulated or reflective barriers as heat protectors to safeguard your furniture from the adverse impact of radiator heat.

Why are radiators under windows?

This is something most of us learn in school and it helps to explain why radiators are located underneath windows. As the hot air rises from the radiator, the cold air that is coming in through the window pushes against the warm air, circulating it around the room much more efficiently.

Can you put clothes on an oil-filled radiator?

Make sure your heater is at least a metre away from combustible materials, such as paper, furniture or curtains. Never dry clothes directly on or in close proximity to your heater.

Can fabric touch radiator?

Curtains can touch radiators if made of non-flammable materials. Opt for fire-resistant fabrics like wool or polyester for added safety. Water radiators are safer than electric heaters. If you have electric heaters, consider switching to water radiators for improved safety with curtains.

Does drying clothes on radiator make them smell?

No one likes having their clothes smell damp and musty.

It's one of the reasons people say they use radiators to dry clothes as quickly as possible. Rather than doing that, there are some simple cost-saving steps to follow to avoid that damp smell. Remove as much moisture as you can before hanging them to dry.

Are radiators safe to leave on overnight?

It is not advisable to leave electric radiators switched on overnight. Electrical heating devices can pose a fire risk, especially when positioned nearby to curtains, quilts, rugs and other materials often found in bedroom areas.

Is it safe to leave clothes on the radiator overnight?

Is Drying Your Clothes on a Radiator a Good Idea? Unfortunately, no it isn't. While it may seem like a good idea, drying your clothes on a radiator can cause significant health concerns. One of the primary issues behind this is the increased risk of mould and mildew growth.

Is it OK to put things on radiator?

You can place things above a radiator, provided that you leave a gap of 5cm or more between the top of the heating device and any objects so that heat is able to properly circulate. That said, it is advisable not to position things directly on top of a radiator for any length of time when they are switched on.

Does putting clothes on a radiator block heat?

Why Do I Need a Heated Towel Rail Instead of Drying Clothes on a Radiator? When you're drying clothes on a radiator, you're really just blocking the radiator from heating the room. The plug - your wet clothing - gets a huge amount of heat but your room stays cold.

Can I put things on top of my radiator?

Yes, it is safe to put things above a radiator provided that you leave a small gap of 5cm or more between the top of the appliance and the item or the shelving. With that said, you should look to avoid placing things directly on top of a radiator for any significant period of time when the central heating is turned on.

Can you cover a radiator with fabric?

Keep your home safe and stylish with the Safetots Dual Fabric Premium Radiator Cover, the ultimate solution for protecting your little ones from radiator-related injuries. Thoughtfully designed by a mum, this radiator cover ensures maximum safety without compromising the warmth or aesthetics of your home.

Can I put a towel over my radiator?

Electric radiators should not be used for towel drying. Covering your radiators with towels, clothes or items of any other kind will reduce the radiators' performance and may cause a fire hazard. If you want to use your bathroom heating to dry towels, you may want to consider purchasing an electric towel rail instead.

Are radiator heaters a fire hazard?

Electric radiators can use a lot of energy to heat a room and regulate temperature. Using an extension lead and an electric radiator for a long period of time may cause overheating and a potential fire risk, it's recommended to using a wall socket to avoid any risks.

Is it bad to put a bed against a radiator?

The furniture would prevent heat from being distributed freely throughout the room, and could be damaged over time from the close exposure to heat. You should attempt to leave around 6 to 12 inches (15-30cm) between any furniture and your heating appliance to ensure free movement of air and better distribution of heat.

Can you put things on radiator covers?

Bathroom radiator covers

The box that goes around the radiator can come with a shelf on top that you can store fragrance diffusers or even soaps on top of. They can also be used to cover up pipework that can ruin the look of your bathroom.

Previous article
What are the rules for air conditioning in 2024?
Next article
What is the difference between a channel drain and a trench drain?