With the first sustained cold snaps arriving in most regions in November 2026, heating radiators are once again becoming more than just a source of warmth for millions of households—they have become makeshift dryers. The habit of spreading freshly washed laundry, sweaters, and shoes directly on hot radiator sections seems highly practical: it is fast, free, and requires no additional equipment. However, as textile care experts and clothing manufacturers emphasize, this 'convenient' drying method is one of the greatest enemies of your favorite items. High temperatures and direct contact with a hot surface can irreversibly damage fabric structure, warp garment shapes, and in some cases, pose a real fire hazard.
Wool and Cashmere: Why Merino Sweaters Fear the Radiator
Wool knitwear is among the top items that should never be placed on a radiator. Under intense heat, wool fibers change their structure: the garment shrinks, loses its original shape, and specific sections become distorted. Merino wool and cashmere sweaters are particularly vulnerable. When one part of the garment is dried by a hot radiator section while the other remains in the shade, uneven drying occurs. This can cause the fabric to change color unevenly, while the material may develop micro-damages that eventually turn into creases and worn spots. Experts at Woolmark, the international authority on wool quality standards, offer a clear recommendation: wool knitwear must be dried horizontally, away from direct heat sources. A practical method is to spread the sweater on a clean, light-colored towel after restoring its original shape, and allow it to dry at room temperature.
Silk: A Delicate Material That Needs Natural Drying
Silk requires a fundamentally different approach to drying. Natural silk fibers are extremely sensitive to intense heat: contact with a hot radiator breaks the structure of the threads, deprives the fabric of its characteristic smoothness and luster, and in the long run, leads to dullness and brittleness. Furthermore, silk items can be easily damaged by improper wringing or mechanical impact while the fabric is still damp. In their care guidelines, ARKET recommends avoiding direct heat sources entirely and drying such items naturally. An important detail often overlooked: always check the label inside the garment before drying, as different types of silk—from silk satin to silk georgette—may have varying drying requirements.
Leather Footwear and Suede: Cracking and Loss of Elasticity
Wet boots, sneakers with leather inserts, suede boots, and gloves are another category of items that should never be placed directly on a radiator. Rapid and uneven heating causes natural leather to lose its elasticity, become stiff, deform, and crack. Suede, when subjected to such heat, changes its texture and appearance, losing its characteristic soft nap. Shoe manufacturer LOWA notes in their official care recommendations: wet leather footwear must be dried in a well-ventilated room, away from radiators, heaters, and other heat sources. A practical rule after a walk in the rain—remove the insoles, unlace the shoes, and let them dry at room temperature, stuffing them with paper towels to absorb moisture if necessary.
Elastane, Prints, and Membrane Inserts: Hidden Risks
Clothing containing elastane deserves special attention. This synthetic component is added to leggings, sweatpants, underwear, swimwear, and many form-fitting items to ensure the material stretches well and returns to its original shape. Prolonged exposure to high heat accelerates the degradation of elastic fibers: the fabric stops holding its shape, and the item loses some of its elasticity. It is also not recommended to dry clothing with iron-on decals, prints, decorative appliqués, or glued rhinestones on a radiator. When heated, the adhesive base loses its properties, causing the decor to peel off or deform, while some prints may crack. This rule also applies to items made of composite materials—for example, sports jackets with membrane inserts or clothing with water-repellent coatings, where different components react to heat unevenly.
Fire Safety: When a 'Convenient' Habit Becomes Dangerous
Beyond damaging belongings, placing clothes on radiators carries a more serious risk: fire hazard. The situation is particularly critical with electric heaters, convectors, and other appliances not intended for drying laundry. Fabric covering the device can block ventilation openings, cause internal components to overheat, and create conditions for ignition. In the climate of November 2026, with the heating season in full swing, experts remind us: a central heating radiator is not a dryer, and electric heaters should certainly not be used for these purposes. To avoid ruining favorite clothes and risking your home, simply form a habit of drying textiles horizontally in a ventilated room, away from any direct heat sources.
