Expert Shares How to Tackle the Christmas Laundry Mountain
Guest bedding, extra towels, festive table linen and even multiple outfit changes from parties or children’s events can quickly add up. It’s not just the food and drink that pile up over Christmas – the laundry does too.
With family and friends coming to stay at Christmas, households can often find themselves juggling far more laundry than usual. The average UK household already tackles around 260 loads of laundry a year, but over Christmas this naturally rises, with festive gatherings and more time spent at home. Families can find themselves doing up to four extra loads across the festive week compared to an average week.
The average washing machine cycle costs around 20p, depending on temperature and programme length – and that’s before drying. Adding a tumble dryer can increase costs by over 65p per load for higher heat cycles, bringing the total to nearly £2 per wash. For households mindful of rising costs, these small expenses can add up, so it’s worth making the most of your machine and planning washes efficiently.
We spoke with Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko UK, to share practical advice for staying on top of the festive laundry load.
5 Top Tips:
1. Larger Loads
Sun says, “where possible, combine similar fabrics and colours into larger washes instead of running multiple small loads – it’s more efficient and saves both energy and water. sticking to full loads also helps reduce the number of cycles you need to run.
“However, avoid overloading your machine, as this can affect cleaning performance and, over time, put strain on the appliance. A good rule of thumb is to leave a hand’s width of space at the top of the drum, so clothes have room to move freely.” He recommends.
2. Use the Eco Programme
“Modern detergents are designed to perform brilliantly at lower temperatures, so using the Eco programme can save energy without compromising on cleaning results,” says Salah Sun. “It’s the most water- and energy-efficient programme on your washing machine, making it ideal for everyday laundry.
“Reserve hotter washes for heavily soiled items or hygienic deep cleans. Eco cycles are also gentler on fabrics, helping to protect clothes and linens from wear and fading over time.”
3. Quick Wash Cycles
“When you’re short on time, the Quick Wash programme is perfect for refreshing lightly soiled items,” explains Sun. “For tougher stains, such as on tea towels or bedding, a longer cycle gives better results. Balancing quick washes with occasional deep cleans helps keep fabrics fresh and lasting longer.
4. Plan Ahead for Drying
“Drying clothes in winter can be a challenge,” says Salah Sun. “If you’re using a tumble dryer, choose a heat pump model – it’s more energy-efficient and gentler on fabrics.
“Avoid overloading, as clothes need space to dry evenly. For indoor drying, use racks in well-ventilated areas rather than placing clothes directly on radiators, which can lead to damp.
“Starting washes earlier in the day also gives clothes more time to air dry before the colder evening sets in.”
5. Don’t Delay
“The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove,” says Salah Sun. “Blot spills as soon as they happen and try to wash stained fabrics promptly. Even leaving them overnight can allow stains to set, making them much tougher to remove later.”
Festive Laundry Survival Guide:
With a little planning, even the Christmas laundry mountain can be tackled with ease. Here’s how households could stay on top of washing during the festive week:
Pre-Christmas Eve
“Wash and prepare guest bedding, towels, and table linen ahead of time,” says Salah Sun. “Avoid last-minute laundry stress by washing festive favourites, from cosy jumpers to party outfits, a day or two before the celebrations. Use the right settings for each fabric so everything looks its best when it’s time to celebrate.”
Christmas Eve
“Focus on refreshing any last-minute essentials,” advises Sun. “That might be Christmas morning pyjamas or outfits for the big day. Keep washes quick, saving larger loads for after the festivities when you can run full, efficient cycles.”
Christmas Day
“Avoid overloading yourself with chores and enjoy the day. Take a break on big washes and focus on blotting and spot-treating any fresh stains, like wine spills or gravy splashes, so they don’t have time to set.”
Boxing Day
“Tackle the heavy-duty wash and load up the machine with tea towels, tablecloths, and napkins from Christmas dinner. Using longer cycles helps deal with grease and food or drink stains, while washing everything in one go saves time and energy,” Sun says.
Post-Boxing Day
“Use the next few days to go through guest bedding, leftover laundry, and your household’s usual loads like school uniforms, gym wear, and work clothes. Spreading this across several days prevents a backlog and means you’re ready to head into the New Year with a clean slate.” Sun tells us.
Christmas laundry can quickly pile up, but with a little planning and smart washing habits, it’s easy to stay on top of. By running full loads, using Eco programmes, and drying efficiently, households can save time and energy while keeping festive fabrics looking their best.