Despite it being one of the most regular household chores, it turns out that not everyone is properly equipped with the knowledge of how to use their washing machine.
Capital FM DJ Roman Kemp, took to Twitter last week to reveal that despite being 29 years old, he still doesn't understand what goes in each of the three drawers in his washer.
And thousands replied to the son of celebrity Martin Kemp to admit that they're in the same boat and have been completely winging it the entire time.
Read more: Cost of living crisis forces people to swap shampoo for washing-up liquid
The Mirror reports that alongside a snap of his washing machine drawer, baffled Roman confessed: "I’m Roman. I’m 29 years old; and I still have no idea what I put in each of these…"
And the broadcaster's tweet quickly racked up in excess of 51,000 likes - with a cleaning expert taking the time to explain exactly how the system works, and what households should do to make the most of their loads. The post was also shared to the Family Lockdown Ideas Facebook Group by one user, who revealed she had been using hers incorrectly for the past 30 years.
She wrote: "Had to share as just discovered that I’ve been putting the detergent in the pre wash drawer for the last 30 years. Always thought it illogical to put the fabric conditioner in the middle but always put the detergent to the right, never once thought it could all be backwards.
"*goes to shop to buy pods, adulting is harder than it looks…..".
Another user admitted that she puts detergent in all three, adding: "I just put a little bit of something in all of them and hope for the best! I’m just grateful I’ve put the wash in and hope I don’t forget about it." One mum also noted that for her machine, washing powder goes in the left tray, fabric softener in the middle, while the right is for a 'pre-wash' - which sent Facebook users into even more of a frenzy.
"I’ve just realised I’ve put the fabric softener in the pre-wash for years!!!" one person responded.
Other people suggested buying 'straight to drum' liquids or tabs, while a few others urged that people check their instruction manuals for answers - should they still have them.
Roman's viral post on the other hand, caught the attention of cleaning expert Laura de Barra - author of Gaff Goddess: Simple Tips and Tricks to Help You Run Your Home. She outlined her tips on Twitter to give the radio presenter, and the rest of the nation, a helping hand.
Laura replied: "Ok. Listen up: There are usually 3 compartments: prewash, detergent, softener. Not knowing what is what can make clothes smellier, scratchier and actually not last as long or do what they should.
"Also, how doesn’t the machine wash all there down at same time?? Let’s learn…Sound manufacturers make it easy. L-R in order. So L is prewash, middle is detergent, R is softener. But as it’s not always the case… it’s also imperative that the right sh*t hits your clothes at the right time…
"Pre wash will have more surfactants to help remove heavy soiling so will need a lot of rinsing to remove, she needs to enter early doors. Softener is designed to linger, so needs only a rinse stage and detergent would never come off & clog fibres if it wasn’t followed by rinses.
"Many machines aren’t in order. So suss your symbols!... I (sometimes 1) is prewash. II (2) is detergent and the flower (3) is softener."
Do you know how to use your washing machine correctly? Let us know in the comments.
Read next:
- Gateshead man living on vegetable juice and refusing to use his oven after having Universal Credit slashed
DWP: When the second cost of living payment will be paid into bank accounts
Basic shop test shows supermarket has gone from cheapest to most expensive
Martin Lewis warns of 'bleak' winter with 'cataclysmic' energy crisis to drive bills up to £3,000
