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Lily Allen revealed in a recent episode of the BBC Sounds Miss Me? podcast that she doesn't know how to use a washing machine.
The 39-year-old English singer-songwriter asked her best friend Miquita Oliver (who she hosts the podcast with twice a week) if she'd like to hear a secret, and she said: “I don't know how to use a washing machine. I'm just scared of shrinking and dyeing clothes, so David and the kids do the laundry.
“I will iron things…” [but] I don’t even like putting things in the dryer. It scares me. I get so angry when people turn a nice white t-shirt pink. I’ve heard horror stories, so I don’t go there. My ADHD, a washing machine, and fabric softener are not going to go well together.”
Are you using your washing machine correctly? Experts share everything you need to know
Is it bad to mix whites and colors?
Separate your clothes into appropriate piles, says David Rees, appliance expert at HomeSupply.
“Colours should not be mixed as there is a chance that colours may bleed and damage clothes. It is best to separate clothes into light, dark, white and delicate, and towels and bed linen can also be washed separately,” she said.
“It can also be beneficial to purchase laundry bags for delicate items such as underwear or socks, as washing them in these bags prevents them from tearing or ripping.”
Understanding symbols
AO.com washing machine expert Katy Roberts shared that every washing machine will have a symbol wheel that lists each different program.
“These programmes are basically designed to wash clothes made of different types of fabric. If you are not sure what fabric your clothes are made of, you can check by looking at the washing label on the garment,” she explained.
“Using a washing machine is easy once you understand the symbols and basic settings. Don’t hesitate to consult the machine’s manual or ask someone for help at first. With practice, you’ll gain more confidence in using it effectively.”
How do I know what spin speed to use?
For David Palmer, senior product specialist for home appliances at LG Electronics, if you know you're going to use your dryer, choose a faster spin setting on your washing machine first.
“This will help remove excess water so the dryer can dry clothes faster. Just make sure the spin speed is appropriate for the type of clothes you are washing,” she said.
“For delicate fabrics, choose specialized programs such as hand wash and wool cycles. These cycles use minimal drum movement, allowing clothes to gently soak in water, preventing damage or tangling.
“If you don’t use a dryer, reduce the spin speed of your washing machine to at least 800 rpm to reduce wrinkles and ironing time. Once the cycle has finished, shake out the clothes.”
What do you wash at higher temperatures?
According to Roberts, what temperature to use is another difficult choice for many.
“To simplify this, try to wash your clothes at 30 degrees when you can, as this is kinder to delicate fabrics and can save you money compared to a hotter wash. You can also choose to use a lower spin speed if you want to be extra gentle on your clothes,” she said.
Palmer added: “Reserve hot washes for items that matter most, for example bed linen, towels and sportswear, as these items are more likely to harbour a lot of bacteria.”
Can you wash everything in cold water to help the environment?
There are several ways in which washing machines can help the environment.
“The Energy Saving Trust said that ‘wet appliances’ such as washing machines account for around 10% of a typical household’s energy bills. So, one simple way to reduce this is to reduce the washing temperature to 20 or 30 degrees for longer periods, when the washing machine is most energy efficient,” Palmer said.
“It is not necessary to wash at very hot temperatures, even stained garments can be washed at cooler temperatures.”
Be profitable
According to Palmer, energy prices are lowest between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., so for night owls and early risers, this is the best time to use their machines.
“While it is more cost effective to fill the machine, do not be tempted to overfill the appliance as this will mean the motor will have to work harder and cause excess heat, which could damage the appliance in the long run,” he added.
“The best way to fill a washing machine is item by item – don’t empty the laundry basket straight away! This improves washing performance and prevents unwanted guests from getting in, such as pens or phones your children may have forgotten.
“The simple test to check if you are at your optimum capacity is to place your hand on the top of the drum. If you can move it freely, you are ready!
What is the best setting to use if you are trying to remove stains?
It really depends on what type of washer you have and what settings you have available.
“Learn about the available features before you buy a new machine. Removing tough stains may be important to you, for example, if you have children. Washers with steam technology can penetrate deeper into fabrics and remove those tough stains,” Palmer said.
