UK households with washer-dryers given ‘10 cycle’ warning

UK households with washer-dryers have been issued “10-cycle” advice for taking care of the machine, which can lead to lower energy bills and a reduced fire risk. Washer-dryer machines have become must-haves for many busy UK households, who enjoy the dual functionality and the quick turnaround between putting clothes in to be washed and placing fresh garments back into the wardrobe. But, like many appliances in your home, they need proper maintenance and care.

Which? quizzed nearly 1,600 washer-dryer owners in its brand reliability survey and found 27% of respondents have never once cleaned the condenser filter on their washer-dryer machine.

These little components are designed to catch lint, fibres and fluff that comes off your clothes, so they serve an important function. Naturally, they build up with these materials over time, and they can become clogged.

This can reduce the effectiveness of your machine by reducing airflow, meaning the dryer function has to work harder to dry the clothes. Cleaning it means clothes dry faster, and energy prices can be kept to a minimum.

Meanwhile, it is also important for safety in your home. Reduced airflow in the machine can lead to it overheating, which poses a fire risk, the consumer experts warn. Additionally, regular cleaning means that the machine is less likely to break down.

To avoid any issues, they say that the filter should be cleaned after every five to 10 cycles, or around once per month. “Always switch off and unplug your machine first,” they advise.

“Most filters slide out from their casing. Remove visible lint and fluff buildup with your fingers, then rinse the filter under a shower head or a strong tap to flush the lint out from between the metal fins.

“Leave it to air dry and ensure it’s completely dry before you slide it back in.”