In many UK homes where space is at a premium, the boiler cupboard often doubles as a storage spot for everything from towels to cleaning products – but experts are sounding the alarm that this could be a serious fire hazard. Joanna Flowers, a Service and Repair Engineer at British Gas, has shed light on the dangers of keeping certain items in your boiler cupboard, some of which might surprise you.
Joanna explained: “First and foremost, flammable items such as clothes, linens, paint tins or even cleaning supplies should never be stored in close proximity to a boiler. These items can pose a fire risk, especially in the enclosed space of a boiler cupboard where temperatures can fluctuate.”
She also cautions homeowners against hanging clothes near the boiler, saying: “It may seem convenient to drape jackets, coats, or even towels over the boiler or on the back of its cupboard door, but this poses a serious fire risk. Hanging clothes or fabrics could accidentally fall onto the boiler which could lead to overheating, creating the perfect conditions for a fire.”
You’ll have to find somewhere else to store your linens
(Image: (Image: Getty Images))
Joanna continued: “Even if the items don’t fall directly onto the boiler, they could block essential ventilation or airflow, making it harder for the boiler to function efficiently. For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid storing or hanging any clothes near the boiler entirely.”
Boilers come with specific guidelines, and usually indicate that at least 50 mm clearance from walls and 600 mm of space in front is necessary for maintenance, reports the Express. Joanna advises: “For storing other items nearby within the cupboard, a general rule of thumb is to keep these at least 600 mm away from the boiler itself.”
Joanna concluded by saying: “You can ensure your boiler cupboard is safe for storing items in by conducting regular checks to keep it clean and free of clutter. Small things like checking nothing is obstructing vents and that there’s ample space around the boiler can make a big difference in terms of safety and performance. The cleaner and more open the space, the better. Always ensure there are no flammable items stored inside the cupboard.”
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.