Washing machine owners are being urged to carry out a simple but essential task before going on holiday to prevent a potential 'disaster' upon their return. Experts at Hotpoint have issued a warning following a survey revealing that nearly one in five holidaymakers have come back to find an appliance malfunctioned while they were away.
Pre-Holiday Prep Essential
The survey found that two-thirds of holidaymakers follow a fixed routine of home preparations before departing, yet 20% have returned to discover issues such as burst pipes, defrosted freezers, or mouldy food in the fridge. Salah Sun, head of product at Hotpoint, emphasised the importance of spending time before a holiday to prepare appliances, which can save on energy bills and prevent unwelcome surprises.
How to Prevent Mould and Odours
To stop mould and bad smells from forming in a washing machine while away, Hotpoint recommends running an empty hot cycle with washing machine cleaner. This eliminates any remaining bacteria and unpleasant odours. “By doing this you'll return to a fresh smelling machine,” said Salah Sun.
Appliance specialists at Candy also suggest removing and cleaning the filter with a toothbrush to ensure nothing is trapped inside. Additionally, wipe down the seal with a white vinegar solution to protect against mould, and leave the door slightly open to enable air circulation and prevent unwanted smells.
Turn Off Appliances at the Wall
Before leaving, owners should turn off the washing machine at the wall, along with other appliances such as the dishwasher, tumble dryer, microwave, kettle, and coffee machine. Salah Sun explained: “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.”
By turning these appliances off at the socket or unplugging them, energy consumption is prevented. Television sets, computer monitors, printers, and other countertop devices also draw power when left on standby, so disconnecting them fully yields the best savings.
