Drying your towel on a radiator: Practical solution or health hazard?

The body loses heat rapidly after a bath, resulting in many people automatically reaching for the towel heated on the radiator.

Regrettably, a towel straight from the radiator, especially one seldom exchanged, turns into a breeding ground for bacteria, dust (particularly when radiators are not cleaned), fungi, and various microorganisms. When rubbed into the skin, these can trigger allergies or lead to a dermatological condition.

Furthermore, a drying towel absorbs moisture from its surroundings. A poorly ventilated room could cause mold to form on walls and grout. Even a small amount of mold in a bathroom can negatively impact health, particularly the respiratory system. It can also induce rashes or cause severe eye irritation. In extreme cases, mold exposure can lead to kidney failure or even cause infertility.

Another significant argument against drying a towel on a radiator is that it lowers the bathroom temperature, especially during the cooler autumn and winter months. As the towel entirely absorbs the radiator's heat, it cools the room. If you are dealing with a cold bathroom, you should avoid placing towels on the radiator.

A towel should ideally be used for a maximum of one week. However, if anyone in the household suffers from skin conditions or allergies, the towel should be replaced after three uses. Each towel should be laundered at a minimum of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, though ideally, it should be washed at 195 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that kills bacteria.