Following Kirstie Allsop’s recent outbursts in the media suggesting that it’s “disgusting” to keep a washing machine in your kitchen, we have decided to join in the debate over whether or not it’s acceptable to house a washing machine in the same place you prepare your food.
Firstly, we would like to point out that we are not in any way suggesting that it’s wrong to keep your washing machine in your kitchen. People have been doing this for decades, many of them because they simply do not have enough space or sufficient power outlets anywhere else in their home. Whilst it’s not ideal keeping your washing equipment in the same place you prepare your food, it does have its benefits and if you follow basic hygiene precautions it shouldn’t be a problem. Here are just some of the pros and cons to keeping your washing machine in the kitchen:
Pros
- If there’s a problem with your washing machine and it leaks, it is easier to deal with if the washing machine is on a ground floor, especially as kitchens often have tiled or easy clean floors.
- Following on from the point above, kitchens are built with plumbing in mind. Not only do you already have a sink in the kitchen, you will most probably have a dishwasher as well.
- If your kitchen is downstairs you can have the washing machine going at night and the noise won’t affect your sleeping routine.
- You can have your washing machine unit integrated with the rest of your kitchen units so it’s hidden from view.
Cons
- It can become a hygiene issue if you’re not clean and tidy. Bits of food can get into clean washing or dirty clothes may get left on the side etc.
- If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen then the noise can be distracting.
- If you keep your washing machine in a utility room or somewhere designed for that purpose, it makes it easier to fold and put away clothes once washed.
As you can see the argument for and against keeping a washing machine in your kitchen is far from clean cut. Since making her statements in the media, Kirstie Allsop has been quick to come out and state that her comments were only made in jest; however it hasn’t stopped the majority of the UK public from labelling her a snob. Does the presenter have a valid argument? In other parts of Europe and across much of the US washing machines are often placed in the bathroom or separate utility rooms. Is the UK behind the times when it comes to our washing habits? What are your own thoughts on this argument? Feel free to comment below.
