How the Wrong Clothes Dryer Can Cause Mould in Your Home

Many homeowners don’t realise that their clothes dryer can be a major source of indoor moisture, contributing to mould growth. Choosing the wrong dryer — or installing it incorrectly — can quietly increase humidity levels and create ideal conditions for mould in your home.

Understanding how different dryers work is essential for preventing mould, condensation, and indoor air quality issues.

Modern laundry room featuring a washer and dryer, highlighting potential condensation issues caused by dryers in enclosed spaces.

Why Excess Moisture Causes Mould

Mould thrives in environments with:

• High indoor humidity

• Poor ventilation

• Cool surfaces such as walls and ceilings

When moisture builds up indoors, it is absorbed into plasterboard, paint, insulation, and timber. Over time, this trapped moisture allows mould spores to grow and spread.

Traditional Heat Pump Dryers & Moisture Build-Up

Some traditional heat pump dryers, particularly older models or poorly installed units, can contribute to mould problems if moisture is not properly removed from the room.

When not vented or drained correctly, these dryers can release up to 5 litres of water vapour per drying cycle into the surrounding air. That moisture increases indoor humidity and often spreads beyond the laundry into other areas of the home.

Common mould-affected areas include:

• Laundry walls and ceilings

• Nearby bedrooms and hallways

• Wardrobes and cupboards

Why Proper Venting and Drainage Matters

Dryers must remove moisture from the home, not recycle it into the air. Without correct venting or drainage:

• Humidity levels rise quickly

• Condensation forms on walls and ceilings

• Mould growth becomes far more likely

Best Dryer Options for Preventing Mould

Condenser Dryers

Condenser dryers are one of the safest options for mould prevention because:

• Moisture is condensed into water

• Water is collected in a container or drained to a sink

• No moist air is released into the room

This significantly reduces indoor humidity and mould risk.

Modern Heat Pump Dryers (e.g. AEG 9000 Series)

New-generation heat pump dryers, such as the AEG 9000 series, are designed to:

• Capture moisture efficiently

• Drain or collect water safely

• Maintain low indoor humidity levels

These models provide energy efficiency without contributing to mould problems when installed correctly.

Signs Your Dryer May Be Causing Mould

• Condensation on laundry walls or windows

• Musty smells near the laundry

• Peeling paint or bubbling plaster

• Black or green mould spots forming

If you notice these signs, your dryer setup may be contributing to excess moisture.

Condensation formed on internal walls.

How to Protect Your Home from Mould

• Choose condenser or modern heat pump dryers

• Ensure correct drainage or venting

• Improve laundry ventilation

• Address mould early with professional mould removal services

Final Thoughts

Mould prevention starts with moisture control. Something as simple as the wrong clothes dryer can add litres of moisture to your home every day without you realising it.

By choosing the right dryer and setup, you can protect your home, your health, and your investment.

If mould is already present, Mould Wizards provides professional mould inspection, remediation, and prevention solutions.