CLEANING & LAUNDRY EXPERTS ENCOURAGE SMARTER LAUNDRY HABITS AFTER BRITS DITCH THE DRAWER
With household budgets more stretched than ever, maintaining everyday appliances and reducing energy consumption has become crucial for cutting costs and avoiding expensive repairs.
Following its annual Love Your Washing Machine Day [September 22nd], cleaning and laundry experts Dr. Beckmann are encouraging households to show their machines some TLC to avoid lasting and costly damage.
The initiative encourages Brits to give their washing machines the care it deserves. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only keep the appliance in top condition but also help lower energy bills and reduce the need for costly repairs and replacements.
This comes after a nationwide study1 revealed that 85% of the UK put their washing on between 8am and 10pm – the most expensive time of the day to run appliances. It was also discovered that 1 in 10 Brits have never cleaned their washing machine, while 25% admit their machine smells when turned on. These neglected habits can lead to hidden dirt, limescale build-up and reduced efficiency.
Dr. Beckmann recommends deep cleaning your machine every two months or every 30 washes to prolong and protect its lifespan. Depending on the energy tariff, the time of day you wash your clothes can also drastically impact the cost of running your washing machine.
The cleaning and laundry experts suggest avoiding peak times and instead recommend doing laundry between 7am and 8am, when energy costs are lowest – a period they’ve dubbed the ‘Magic Hour’.
It’s not just maintenance being neglected, as a separate poll2 by the brand found that the washing machine drawer itself may be on the way out, with over half of Brits (56%) admitting they avoid or rarely use it.
Almost one in three (30%) say they find the drawer confusing, while one in five admit to never using it at all. This shift reflects a growing demand for simpler, no-fuss routines that save time, money and hassle.
Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, Natasha Brook, said: “Summer has ended and families are facing the back-to-school rush, with washing machines being busier than ever. From school uniforms and sports kits to university laundry loads, your appliance is working overtime. Unfortunately, this is also when dirt, detergent residue and limescale build up, straining the machine and shortening its lifespan.
“When a washing machine isn’t properly cared for, it has to work harder, consuming more energy and increasing wear and tear. The good news is that small changes make a huge difference from regular cleaning to smarter washing habits.
“We recommend deep cleaning your machine every two months, or every 30 washes, with a dedicated cleaner like the Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner. Designed to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria, it removes hidden dirt from internal parts we can’t see and keeps the machine hygienically clean resulting in the freshest laundry. This also helps prolong their lifespan and cut out costly repairs or maintenance.
“One of the simplest ways to also save money is by avoiding washing at peak hours. We call 7–8am the Magic Hour, it’s when energy costs are at their lowest and when households can make the biggest savings.
“We know that many people find the drawer messy, confusing and frustrating. That’s why innovations like Dr. Beckmann’s Fabric Conditioner Sheets, which you simply pop straight into the drum, are becoming so popular. They cut out the mess, guesswork and spills, while keeping clothes soft, towels fluffy and activewear breathable, while leaving long-lasting freshness.
“These super-compact sheets are easy to store and carry and are fully dissolvable, so there’s no need to worry about leftover residue or blocked compartments while saving you extra money on energy bills. They also work effectively in temperatures as low as 20°C!”
Dr. Beckmann’s Fabric Conditioner Sheets are available in Sensitive, Fresh Blossom, and Fresh Breeze at a wide range of retailers and online via Amazon and the Dr. Beckmann website, RRP from £3.49.
