Latest news with #washingmachine
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
You're washing your clothes at the WRONG temperature says top TV doctor - he pinpoints setting needed to 'kill bugs'
If you think cleaning your clothes is as simple as bunging them in the washing machine, you're mistaken—and you might not be killing bacteria lurking in the fibres. Dr Chris van Tulleken, 46, was a guest on BBC Morning Live when he warned that some people are likely wearing clothes which are crawling with microscopic nasties. He explained that temperature is key when it comes to eliminating germs, but hotter isn't always better when it comes to our wardrobes. Dr van Tulleken—who is best known for his hard stance on modern diets and penned a best selling book called Ultra Processed People —said that even though a standard washing machine can reach temperatures of 90 degrees, it's not suitable for most loads, and pushes up energy bills. 'That [temperature] will kill everything. It's almost boiling it. It's bad for the clothes,' he said. He added that if people think their clothes are so grimy that they need a super hot wash, 'you gotta get new clothes at that point'. Dr van Tulleken then explained that if you or a family member has been unwell, a wash at 60 degrees is needed to kill the germs responsible, echoing the official advice shared by the World Health Organisation. He said: 'Certain bugs will be killed, and that can be quite good. 'So if you've got an infection going around your house, particularly, think of something like norovirus. 'Put it up at 60 along with the mechanical cleaning and the detergent, that's quite good.' But when it comes to every day laundry, he scoffs at the notion of setting the machine to 40 degrees, saying that it's a lukewarm no man's land which ends up costing you more money. He said: 'Personally, I don't see the point in 40 degrees, because it's it's too hot to be cheap, and it's too cold to kill anything. 'Commit to one or the other. Either go hot or go cold. 30 degrees, that gets the job done. It is much cheaper. 'Going from 40 to 30 saves you almost 40 per cent in energy costs. It's quicker.' Dr van Tulleken then said that he personally opts for an even lower temperature—a relatively chilly 20 degrees—unless he's cleaning his gym kit. He said: 'I've got to say I'm a I'm a 20 degrees guy for everything except my workout clothes, which go in saves 62 per cent of your money compared to 40 degrees. So that is a big deal.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by BBC Morning Live (@bbcmorninglive) However, he was keen to stress that he uses a detergent designed for use at lower temperatures, and is also very strict about the hygiene of his washing machine, which is something many people overlook. He said: 'You've got to think about cleaning your machines. 'The detergent tray, where all the mould grows, can be a real nuisance to clean. 'I put it in the dishwasher and then mechanical cleaning of the drum, just a cloth, some vinegar wiping is really good. 'And if your machine has a cleaning cycle which runs it at a high temperature, do that according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then air it out.' A good rule of thumb for cleaning your washing machine is to empty the filter every three to six months, clean the detergent drawer monthly, clean the rubber door seal every week, and leave the door open when it isn't in use. A dirty washing machine can cause clothes to take on an unpleasant mildew smell, especially if damp clothes are left in the drum for long periods of time.
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Amazon slashes Calgon washing machine tablets from £28 to £13 for Prime Day – save 54%
BARGAIN hunters are racing to Amazon to claim an incredible Prime Day deal on Calgon washing machine tablets. The retail giant has discounted a 75-tablet 'XL Pack' from £28 to just £12.99 - that's just 17p per tablet. 1 Calgon 4-in-1 Washing Machine Cleaner and Water Softener Tablets x75, £12.99 (was £28) BUY FROM AMAZON The impressive Prime Day deal has already caused a rush to buy the tablets, with thousands of shoppers flocking to Amazon to take advantage of the exclusive offer. If you're meticulous about keeping your washing machine in tip-top condition, this is one deal Prime members won't want to miss. The offer becomes even more impressive when you compare it to supermarket prices. Tesco's largest pack of Calgon is a 30-tablet box for £10.50, which works out to 35p per tablet. Asda offers a slightly larger 45-pack, which currently costs £11.98, making each tablet 26.6p. At just 17p per tablet, this Amazon Prime Day deal is unbeatable. Those who remember Calgon's famous jingle — "washing machines live longer with Calgon" — know that this product is nothing short of essential for those living in hard water areas like London, the South East, and East Anglia. Hard water can cause limescale to build up in your washing machine, leading to unpleasant odours, reduced efficiency, and costly repairs. Calgon tablets help your washing machine in four ways: They remove limescale and other harmful hard water deposits They soften water, protecting your washing machine and clothes They prevent rust They neutralise bad odours Reviewers have highlighted how effective Calgon is at keeping their machines in working order. One customer wrote: "Third time ordering. UK water is hard, so it makes your drum in your [washing machine] smell, this helps a lot and it also softens the water for softer washing. Good value for money". A second said: "I bought a new Bosch washing machine in January 2011, have used a Calgon tab in every wash for the last 15 years and it's never missed a beat, still going strong — brilliant price for 75 tabs, can't be beaten anywhere." And a third shared: ''Wouldn't be without Calgon Washing Machine Tablets. I always use these to keep my drum and machine clean. Good price for 75 tablets.'' Hunting for more Prime Day deals? We've got you covered. BUY FROM AMAZON
The Sun
02-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
DIY whizz proudly shares her £3 washing machine makeover – but everyone's pointing out to the same unfortunate blunder
ALTHOUGH essential, washing machines aren't necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing feature in your home. This is exactly why one woman decided to spruce hers up - however, people then pointed out to a rather unfortunate blunder, so can YOU spot it? 4 4 Desperate to give her basic washing machine a brand new look, Maddison Curle painted the white surface black. The fresh look was achieved without forking out a fortune either, using nothing but a can of spray paint for £3 from Wilko. This is significantly cheaper than forking out for a new black washing machine online or in-store, where it will set you back around £300 to £350 depending on the model. What's more, not only was this method wallet-friendly, using spray paint also saved Maddison time and ensured a more seamless result. Once the speedy makeover was over, the old washing machine was no longer an eyesore and fit perfectly with the sleek tile backsplash that was also black. Sharing snaps from before and after the quick glow-up, Maddison took to DIY on a Budget page where she wrote: ''Can of spray paint was 3 pound odd from wilko.'' The post has since taken the internet by storm, winning Maddison close to 175 likes and dozens of comments. But while plenty of people were left inspired to give their own features a makeover, many also pointed out to an unfortunate blunder. As the whole washing machine now appeared to be fully black, confused Facebook users wondered how the woman would be able to pick the right cycle. ''Looks gd [good] but how do you know which wash cycle to put on if you need to change?'' one person wondered. Doctor shares why you must never wash clothes at 90 or 40 degrees & the right temperature for 'everything but gym gear' Someone else chimed in: ''How do you know what program to use?'' ''I like it and I can get why you did it because white is so horrible, but how are you going to know where all the different washing cycles are?'' a third was baffled. Another commented: ''Nice, How will you know the programmes?'' ''Love this!! I vinyl covered my fridge freezer years ago, still looks good,'' a fan of the makeover said. 10 DIY hacks for under £1 each These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money Homemade Air Freshener: Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh. Upcycled Tin Can Planters: Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants. Custom Phone Stand: Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint. DIY Lip Scrub: Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container. Personalised Bookmarks: Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch. Decorative Mason Jars: Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders. Easy Cable Organiser: Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape. Magnetic Spice Jars: Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage. Handmade Coasters: Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters. Natural All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home. STENCIL FAIL 4 4 We previously shared how another woman attempted the viral stencil trend - but it went horribly wrong. TikTok user @lifeatthelma showed how she had picked out a gorgeous sage green paint and had then taped a decorative stencil to the wall. She thought everything had gone swimmingly, until she peeled back the stencil to reveal her hard work. To her horror, the paint had spread until the stencil and it looked messy and not like the design she had wanted. On her video, which has over 1.6million views, she wrote: "Unfortunately I think stencilling may be too advanced for me lol. 'This bedroom really has been testing me.'
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I'm a washing machine engineer who has fixed thousands of household appliances: Here's the models I'd buy myself – and the popular makes you should avoid
Buying a new washing machine often involves hours researching models and reviews online. But if you are looking for advice on which washing machine is the most reliable, who is going to know better than the expert mechanics who fix them?
CTV News
26-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘We could have all died': 2 Ontario families horrified after washing machines suddenly catch fire
Two Ontario homeowners contacted CTV News after their washing machines caught on fire, almost burning their homes down. Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) says they investigated over 670 fires involved dryers and washing machines over a five-year period. While most of those fires involved dryers, two Ontario homeowners contacted CTV News after their washing machines caught fire, almost burning their homes down. 'We could have all died,' said Chandra Lake of Brampton. It was last fall when Lake's three-year-old LG washing machine caught on fire. Lake told CTV News her daughter had been doing laundry and was about to leave the house to buy groceries when she noticed smoke coming from the basement. The family called 911 and firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze. 'They determined the drum might have seized and the motor was running and the friction might have caused the fire,' said Lake. For Lake's family, it was a traumatic experience. 'Just doing a load of laundry could have killed everyone in the house. When CTV News reached out to LG Canada on Lake's behalf, a spokesperson said in a statement, 'LG has been directly in touch with the customer. The unit was purchased 'as-is' and LG was not able to confirm the condition of the unit, or whether the unit was ever serviced previously. LG has since taken the unit back and sent it to our headquarters team to analyze. No fault was found, nor has any other incident of this nature been reported. The unit was replaced with a brand-new product at no expense to the customer.' But, another homeowner told CTV News they had a similar experience. 'Before the load was finished, it essentially burst into flames,' said Domenic Tetro of Cambridge. Tetro said his four-year-old LG washing machine also caught on fire in April. Fortunately, his family had two fire extinguishers and were able to put out the blaze. He said it's a lesson to never leave your washer or dryer operating unattended. 'You would never think you need to keep your washing machine attended at all times, but now I have a new life long fear. We will never leave them unattended again,' said Tetro. In Tetro's case, LG Canada told CTV News, 'This issue has been resolved. The customer was contacted, and a replacement unit was provided.' Uncommon, but can happen 'It is uncommon but washing machines can catch on fire. It can happen,' said Melissa Cicceocelli, Acting Division Chief for the Public Education and Professional Development Division with Toronto Fire Services. According to the OFM, between 2019 and 2023 there have been 22 washing machine fires and 648 dryer fires in the province. To avoid fires in the laundry room, the OFM recommends checking the washer and dryer cords for damage and making sure outlets have ground fault interrupters (GFCIS), inspecting and cleaning the lint trap after each load, checking the outdoor vent to ensure its unobstructed, and always turn the washer and dryer off if you leave home or go to bed. It's also recommended to never overload the machines as it can wear them out faster, and never use extension cords to avoid overheating. 'We want to make sure we are installing our smoke alarms and testing them and having a fire escape plan as well,' said Cicceocelli. While both washing machines in these instances were LG models, there were no indications as to whether the fires were connected. In the end, both Lake and Tetro were satisfied to get replacement washing machines, but they are hoping for more answers too.
