Oct 24, 2024

Warning issued to anyone who uses a heated clothes airer in their home Dan Robson, operations manager at Hexo Electrical Testing, has warned that damaged or faulty heated clothes airers can pose a serious fire risk in your home Get the latest property market news straight to your inbox Please enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later. More Newsletters We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info Thank you for subscribing! Invalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up × As the colder months begin to set in, a heated clothes airer becomes invaluable at home. However, experts are warning of potential fire risks if they're not used correctly. Faulty or damaged equipment is especially dangerous according to Dan Robson from Hexo Electrical Testing , who emphasises the importance of ensuring your airer and its cover meet safety standards. He cautioned: "Damaged or frayed cords can lead to short circuits, causing your clothes airer to overheat and potentially cause a fire. "Moisture can quickly build up in a humid environment which may enter the electrical components causing short circuits or risk electrocution." Read More Dan reminds users to watch for overheating signs like excessive heat or a burning smell, as well as unusual sounds such as buzzing or clicking, indicating an electrical fault. Regular checks for wear and tear on the airer's plug and cord are crucial, with particular attention to any signs of fraying or cracks. For those airers provided with covers, Dan stresses using only the ones designed for them, made from flame-resistant materials. The cover should fit snugly but not too tightly to prevent overheating. Always check the plugs to ensure they are in good condition (Image: Getty Images) It's crucial to ensure the room is well-ventilated when using a heated clothes airer, particularly if it's covered, to avoid the risk of mould and mildew due to poor air circulation. Dan has also offered some words of wisdom for those considering buying a second-hand heated clothes airer. He cautioned: "While buying second-hand electrical appliances can be cost-effective, it may not always be safe." He warned that reconditioned or second-hand heated airers and covers might not come with a manufacturer's guarantee and could present a fire hazard or risk of electrical shock if they are faulty. Dan added: "If you do decide to purchase second-hand, then the appliance should be PAT tested to check its electrical safety Story Saved You can find this story in   My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow BristolLive Most Recent Most Recent