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Since the 1950s, washing machines have become a staple in most homes, with figures showing that 98% of households had a washing machine in 2018. But despite them playing a large role in our lives, it appears we still have a few questions!

What’s the difference between biological and non-biological detergent?

Biological laundry detergent and tablets contain enzymes that help break down common stains, whereas non-biological products do not. If you have sensitive skin, non-bio detergent is best.

What do the signs on clothes labels mean?

If you have ever been stumped by the labels on clothing, you are not alone. Fortunately, in the modern age it only takes a quick internet search to find out what they mean! On most clothes labels you will see symbols that denote whether they are machine washable, the temperature to wash at, whether they can be bleached, drying and ironing guidelines, and dry cleaning instructions.

Does the wash temperature really matter?

Most of us will do our laundry at 40°C, but are there benefits for using hotter or colder wash temperatures? If you are looking to reduce running costs and clothes are not stained, switching to 20°C could be the solution you have been looking for. Which? found that reducing the temperature from 40°C to 20°C dramatically cut running costs by an average of 62%. But a word of caution, washing your clothes on a lower-temperature cycle puts you at risk of getting sick from harmful bacteria. This is because the temperature is not high enough to kill them.

Do washing machines need cleaning?

Just like your clothes need washing, so too do washing machines. Because washing machines pick up all kinds of dirt and debris, including bacteria, mildew and dirty soap, it’s important that you put your washing machine through a cleaning cycle once a week or bi-weekly, depending on how often you use your machine. And don’t forget the drawer at the bottom that collects the excess water and grime. If washing machines aren’t cleaned, over time they can start to smell musty and even negatively impact the quality of the clothes that are being washed.

The washing machine is often a fundamental part of our weekly routines, with the average household doing five loads of laundry per week. Any issues with the appliance can have widespread impacts, so a short-term loan could help you afford necessary maintenance to minimise any disruptions, or fund a replacement if it’s beyond repair. But make sure you are comfortable with the repayment plan if you decide to go with this option.