Glampers and homeowners beware – utilise your woodburning stove safely!

Unpredictable British weather can make drying your washing outside a hit or a miss, sometimes even resulting in your washing getting wetter than it was when you put it out. The common alternative turned to is often the tumble dryer, but with soaring energy costs amid the growing cost of living crisis and concerns surrounding sustainability, many are looking for other ways to dry their laundry.

Utilising your wood-burning stove could be the answer! HETAS – the not-for-profit solid fuel safety standards organisation offer advice on making the most of your wood burner – safely of course.

Alan Young, compliance manager for HETAS, advises: “If you’re feeling the strain of tighter purse strings this year, using the energy already created by your wood-burning stove to dry your laundry may have crossed your mind. It might seem obvious to caution people to keep flammable clothing a safe distance from their stoves but there are some who may underestimate how far an ember or spark can travel.

“This is especially important to note as we approach the camping and glamping seasons. Luxury tents may feature a wood-burning stove, so make sure when you’re drying your sodden socks that you use a drying rack, not the stove itself, as this will pose a fire risk or cause your belongings to melt depending on their material.

“Whenever you’re using a wood burning stove, whether that be at home or on holiday, you should always have or check that a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm has been fitted. Finally, remember to double check that when you’re setting up facilities for drying your clothes that you do not obstruct, move or remove your alarm in the process.”

For tips and advice on making the most of your solid fuel appliance, visit hetas.co.uk