Holidaymakers Risk Appliance Disasters
According to a recent survey, two-thirds of holidaymakers follow a standard routine of home preparations before departing, but nearly one in five have returned to discover a malfunctioning appliance. Burst pipes, defrosted freezers, and mouldy food top the list of post-holiday issues.
Hotpoint Expert Advice
Salah Sun, head of product at Hotpoint, said: "Spending some time in the days leading up to your holiday to prep your appliances could help you save on your energy bills and prevent unwelcome surprises upon your return." He emphasised that washing machines require special care, though it is simple to do.
Steps to Prevent Mould and Odours
To stop mould and foul smells from forming in your washing machine while you are away, run an empty hot cycle using washing machine cleaner. Salah explained: "By doing this you'll return to a fresh smelling machine." Appliance specialists at Candy also recommend removing the filter and scrubbing it with a toothbrush to ensure nothing is stuck inside. Wipe down the seal with a white vinegar solution to keep mould at bay, and leave the door slightly ajar to allow air circulation.
Energy Saving Tips
Turn the washing machine off at the wall before heading away, along with other appliances such as the dishwasher, tumble dryer, microwave, kettle, and coffee machine. Salah noted: "Appliances that heat water are particularly costly to leave on standby because they need to be ready to heat water instantly on demand. The collective effect of multiple appliances in standby mode can add pounds to your energy bill if you're on holiday for a fortnight." Switching these appliances off at the plug or unplugging them entirely will prevent unnecessary energy consumption. Televisions, computer monitors, printers, and various countertop devices also draw power on standby, so disconnecting them completely saves the most energy.
