London24NEWS

Brits warned over cluttered drawers which can be hazardous to your well being

Medical experts have warned that packed drawers and offices filled with piles of old papers and documents are rarely cleaned and could cause problems for people’s health

Clothing in wardrobe
Man drawers deemed hazardous to health as mystery cables could make you ill(Image: Getty Images)

Man drawers packed with cables and clutter could be damaging your health.

Despite already being the bane of many couples lives, junk drawers filled with mystery cables, chargers, wires and old batterie s could be making you sick. Medical experts have warned that packed drawers and offices filled with piles of old papers and documents are rarely cleaned.

Article continues below

And they are a breeding ground for allergens, mould, and bacteria with could cause lung infections, weakened immune systems and eye problems. Old DIY tools and home improvement items, Christmas decorations, camping gear and old cosmetics were also named as potential hazards.

Cl
These drawers are rarely cleaned, meaning they can cause health problems(Image: Getty Images)

Dr Babak Ashrafi, from Superdrug Online Doctor, said: “Those piles of belongings collecting dust aren’t harmless; they’re a breeding ground for allergens like pet dander and dust mites, which can trigger sneezing, itchy eyes, and even asthma attacks.

“But it’s not just dust you need to worry about. Cluttered areas, especially in damp rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, can harbour mould, which releases spores into the air.

“Breathing in these spores can aggravate respiratory conditions, causing persistent coughing, wheezing, and even lung infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Cluttered drawer
These drawers can even harbour mould(Image: Getty Images)

“Even bacteria thrive in cluttered spaces. When surfaces are covered in old papers, laundry, or forgotten objects, they’re less likely to be wiped down or disinfected, allowing germs to linger. “

Some 88% of the British public admit that they need to declutter items in their home, according to new research by Roseland Furniture.

Tristan Lynch, CEO said: “Our research highlighted that millions of people are dealing with inconvenient clutter taking over their homes.

Cluttered drawer
Most Brits admit they need to declutter(Image: Getty Images)

“However, clutter isn’t just a nuisance – it can have real consequences for your day-to-day life, including your health.

“Whether you are a homeowner or renting, it is important to consider specific storage solutions for each room to keep your belongings organised and out of the way. “

The Daily Star previously reported that there are £23billion of clothes gathering dust in Brits’ wardrobes.

Full wardrobe
There are £23billion of clothes gathering dust in Brits’ wardrobes(Image: Getty Images)

The average person is sitting on £439 of forgotten fashion.

A study commissioned by second-hand fashion platform Loopi revealed that 21% of people keep clothes because they’re emotionally attached, while 77% can’t bear to part with items they hope to wear “someday.”

It found that 39% of people feel happier and accomplished after a good declutter but many Brits are reluctant to sell their second-hand items.

Messy wardrobe
Many of us feel much better after a declutter(Image: Getty Images)
Article continues below

Most say they don’t have enough time to do so (40%), while others don’t know where to sell (36%), or have fears of being scammed (22%).

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.