Everyone in the UK with a washing machine issued warning - and it could save you a fortune

Experts are urging people to carry out a simple check before putting their clothes in the wash

UK residents with washing machines have been given a crucial reminder that could save them money in the long run. Washing machines are one of the most frequently used appliances in our homes, playing a vital role in keeping our clothes, sheets, and towels clean and fresh.

It's widely known that you should check the label on each item to determine the best way to clean it, to avoid potentially damaging your clothes. However, experts are now advising people to perform another essential check before throwing anything into the wash, which could end up saving you money.

The consumer experts at Which? have provided a useful guide to help people reduce their laundry costs, and one of the tips involves quickly checking your clothes before cleaning them. They suggest that it's always worth inspecting your dirty clothes carefully before putting them in the machine, to see if they really need to be washed or if a simple spot-clean will do.

This is particularly helpful if you've just spilled something on a T-shirt. Instead of running it through a full cycle, treating the stain separately might be the better option, reports the Express.

The experts stated: "Overwashing can lead to a shorter life for clothes, so to keep them looking good for longer it's better to wear an item multiple times between washes. This also means you're not wasting energy, water and detergent unnecessarily."

Experts recommended spot-cleaning clothes with a stain remover or washing up liquid to target marks directly, hence avoiding the need for a full wash. Yet, if a complete clean is necessary, it's crucial to separate and loosen laundry before adding it to the machine; this helps detergent penetrate each item effectively.

According to the specialists: "If your clothes are tangled together into a ball they won't be washed as well. If you have a washer-dryer, laundry will also take longer to dry, driving up running costs."

Moreover, when washing bedding, it’s advised to examine duvet covers closely to ensure no smaller items like socks have been inadvertently enclosed. This practice allows your appliances to operate more efficiently, ultimately conserving energy and reducing expenditure—a welcome benefit given the current cost of living climate.