A new study by UK online retailer Appliances Direct suggests that for many people mastering their washing machine is too difficult.
The survey of 1,000 British homeowners shows that only 1 in 10 users surveyed made ‘regular’ use of all of the settings available to them, while only 21% understood when to use every setting.
But that’s not to say that they actually do so!
Despite the average British family running on average 250 wash cycles each year and over 2.6 million washing machines being sold annually, 20% of owners surveyed claimed to use only one of the settings available to them most of the time.
70% regularly use between just two and four settings.
1 in 3 respondents confessed to ‘rarely’ using the 30 degree setting.
While 60% admitted to making use of professional laundry services for some prized, delicate items.
“With household bills on the rise, it’s important that families are making the most of their washing machines and other household appliances to keep costs to a minimum. The numerous settings are there to make life easier for users, and to ensure items are being washed in the best way possible, such as the often featured ‘Heavy Duty’ setting – a welcome option for those looking to deep clean towels, bed sheets and perhaps gym-wear,” says Mark Kelly, marketing manager at Appliances Direct. “Although the settings available on the latest models are there to suit the needs of the modern day family, they must be fully understood in order for the product to reach its full potential – and those who take the brief time required to acquaint themselves with these options will find they reap numerous benefits, whether it’s longer lasting garments, lower bills or more effective washes”.
The chances of such washing machine users wanting hi-tech IoT or connected washing machines, we’ll allow you to work out.