The Washing Machine Debate That Got Twitter In A Spin

You might have noticed there's been a lot of washing machine chat on Twitter this month. Well, it's because it turns out people can't agree on where the machine belongs. Although most Brits would opt for the kitchen, people are debating about whether a washing machine belongs in the kitchen... or the bathroom!

The fierce debate kicked off on Twitter after a user under the handle @biebersgrills revealed that the bathroom is a more natural place for a washing machine.

In Germany it‘s the MOST NORMAL thing that washing machines are placed in bathrooms and not in the kitchen where it definitely doesn‘t belong???? IM- pic.twitter.com/s5evTPwgap

— melis (@biebersgrills) May 29, 2019

With over 60,000 likes and 17,000 comments, people from all around the world have weighed in on the debate.

Still, this is nothing new.

In 2017, Kirstie Allsopp sparked outrage when she suggested it's "disgusting" to keep a washing machine in the kitchen. In response to a journalist's comments about Americans finding us Brits placing a washing machine in the kitchen confusing, she said she would make it her "life's work" to get them moved elsewhere in the house.

Cue outrage.

Realising her comments had provoked such a debate, she later responded: "I was joking, although getting the machine out of the kitchen *when possible* does free up kitchen space. Clues in "life's work" comment."

But was Kristie right after all?

In several parts of the US and Europe, washing machines are placed in the bathroom or separate rooms, but in most British homes are found in the kitchen. This is due to the fact most bathrooms could not fit a washing machine. Not to mention the lack of space and electrical sockets.

For those of us who live in the UK, we might not have given a second thought to keeping a washing machine in the kitchen. But, to Americans, this is the same as us Brits discovering that most Americans don't own an electric kettle!

However, there seems to be an argument for and against keeping a washing machine in a kitchen. So, here are our top three advantages and disadvantages to keeping a washing machine in and out of the kitchen.

Those FOR Keeping a Washing Machine in Kitchen

• Have no fear With most appliances whose sole requirement is water, there's a risk of them leaking. If in the unfortunate event this happens with a washing machine, it's easier to deal with if the machine is on the ground floor. Not to mention the trouble getting it down the stairs would cause!
• Hello, rest and relaxation! Having a washing machine in the kitchen, if on the ground floor, means there will be close to no noise disruption. To reduce noise as much as possible, look for models with technologies like inverter motors and anti-vibration. A washing machine with an inverter motor, like all Ebac Washing Machines, use less moving parts than other models. Because a washing machine with an inverter motor uses magnets instead of brushes, there is less friction per wash. This allows the machine to run much quieter and smoother, perfect for open plan living! You could even have it running during the night, and won't affect sleep.
• Location, Location, Location It's hard to make a washing machine look good. The solution? Get creative. There are some great examples of how to hide a washing machine in a kitchen without compromising decor; something that would be difficult to achieve in a bathroom. From bifold doors, curtains and cupboards, there are some innovative ways to hide a washing machine that are both stylish and thrifty. And not just that, built-in appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers can be quieter behind a door or cupboard!

Those AGAINST Keeping a Washing Machine in Kitchen

• Not quite "disgusting" but... Large numbers of bacteria can be found in a washing machine, including e. Coli and salmonella. Keeping a washing machine in the kitchen can become a hygiene issue if you and your home are not clean.
• Too loud to ignore? In a similar ilk, noise could also be a problem. However loud or quiet the machine is, could be distracting. For those looking for a quiet washing machine, there are machines out there that are as quiet as 40dbm! But, as a general rule, a decibel level between 40 - 50 is considered quiet. Other features to look out for include anti-vibration and inverter motors, which help reduce noise.
• Practical versus Acceptable When it comes to how practical having a washing machine in the bathroom or kitchen is, the bathroom wins hands down. Whenever we go get a bath or shower, where do we take our clothes off... The bathroom, right? It, therefore, makes sense to have a washing machine in the bathroom so we can put them straight in the wash. Not to mention reducing potential contamination in the kitchen.

Still, when it comes to the final word on this washing machine debate, it all depends on space. If there is enough space and somewhere to plug a washing machine in, who's to say it can't go in the kitchen, living room, bedroom or bathroom?