Washing machine expert urges Brits to check 1 thing before using

The UK’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) suggests only washing clothes when they truly need it. It is estimated that a UK household spends between £25 and £35 annually running a 7kg washing machine around 220 times per year. 

However, you should probably wash your clothes less often. Adam Norris, Senior Product Manager, Laundry, at Hotpoint, explains, “When it comes to keeping clothes fresh for longer, both between wears and after every wash, understanding the basics of laundry care is essential.

“Clothes need space to tumble and agitate properly for the best cleaning results. As a rule of thumb, fill the drum so you can still fit your hand comfortably on top of the load. This gives detergent and water the room to circulate effectively while maximising efficiency”

So, it is essential that you don’t overload your washing machine drum to make sure that your clothes last as long as they can between washes. The hand trick suggested by Adam helps to stop you from overloading your drum. 

Adam shared some other useful advice for when you are washing your clothes. He revealed: “A clean machine produces cleaner clothes. Each month, run a hot, empty cycle with washing machine cleaner or white vinegar. And remember to wipe down the rubber door seals on front-loading machines, as these areas can harbour mould and odours.”

He added: “More detergent doesn’t equal cleaner clothes. Excess suds can trap dirt, leaving your laundry less clean than it would be with the correct amount. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and remember that high-efficiency machines often need even less detergent than you might expect.”