What is an Airing Cupboard?

What is an airing cupboard?

An airing cupboard is a small enclosed space in a home that stays warm due to nearby heating or hot water components.

In many UK properties, it is traditionally used to store towels, bedding or clothes so they dry naturally using residual heat.

In older homes especially, airing cupboards are commonly built around a hot water cylinder or heating pipework.

This layout means the cupboard remains warm even when the heating is not actively running.

What an airing cupboard is used for

An airing cupboard makes use of warmth already produced by the heating system. It does not generate heat itself.

Typical uses include drying towels, airing clothes and storing bedding to keep it fresh.

Some homeowners also use the space to keep linen warm or reduce moisture in items that would otherwise dry slowly indoors.

An airing cupboard is not designed to heat rooms or replace appliances like a tumble dryer.

It simply captures residual warmth that would otherwise be lost.

Why airing cupboards stay warm

In UK homes with stored hot water systems, airing cupboards are usually positioned next to or around a hot water cylinder, pipework or valves.

These components release low-level heat as hot water is stored or circulated.

Engineers regularly design systems this way to keep pipework efficient and reduce heat loss, which is why airing cupboards often remain warm throughout the day.

Homes with modern combi boilers are less likely to have airing cupboards, as hot water is produced on demand rather than stored.

Do all homes have an airing cupboard?

No. Airing cupboards are most common in properties with traditional or system boilers that use a hot water cylinder.

Homes with combi boilers usually do not need one, as there is no stored hot water tank.

In these properties, the cupboard space may still exist but no longer serves its original purpose.

An airing cupboard becomes most relevant in homes with stored hot water, limited ventilation or where indoor drying is common.

Is an airing cupboard safe?

Yes, when used correctly.

Airing cupboards are designed to safely house heating components, but airflow is important.

Items should never be packed tightly around hot water cylinders, valves or pipework.

Engineers advise keeping ventilation clear so components can operate as intended and heat does not build up unnecessarily.

Combustible materials should not be stored near heating equipment.

Homeowners should never modify pipework or equipment inside an airing cupboard themselves.

Are airing cupboards still needed today?

Airing cupboards are less common in modern homes, but they still serve a purpose in many properties.

For households with system boilers, they provide a convenient way to dry items without extra energy use.

In homes with combi boilers, they are often redundant unless repurposed for storage.

Whether an airing cupboard is useful depends on the type of heating system, available space and how the household uses hot water.