When it comes to washing your clothes, using a washing machine is very useful. However, despite how effectively it can clean your clothes, it can use up a lot of energy through electricity and water usage.

However, thanks to recent innovations and the development of technology, the use of modern washing machines means that you can use less energy than before thanks to green technology that these appliances now use. So what are these features, how are they used in your day-to-day washing and what terms should you be looking out for when shopping for a new washing machine?

Washing a 20°C or 30°C

Thanks to the advances in washing efficiency, you no longer need to wash your clothes at a high, warm temperature in order to clean them effectively. Most, if not all, washing machines you find at retailers today have a setting – or a range of washing programmes – that allow you to wash your clothes at 30°C.

Detergents and fabric softeners have been designed to work at 30°C too, meaning your t-shirts, trousers and dresses can benefit from a high level of cleaning without the need for your machine to warm up the water to a higher temperature.

Load Detection

A feature you can find on an increasing number of washing machines is load detection, which detects the weight of the laundry you put in your machine, and it adjusts the amount of water used accordingly. This is especially beneficial if you need to wash a handful of items but don’t want to use a disproportionate amount of water.

Saving the amount of water you use can help you save on water bills, and it also means you’ll be using up less water in general, meaning it’s better for the environment. It also means that your washing machine will need to heat up less water, allowing the appliance to use less energy.

Energy Ratings

Every appliance should come with an energy rating that allows you to assess how efficient each appliance is. In the UK, the energy ratings range from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least. The energy ratings used to range from from A+++ to G, however this has been changed due to advancements and developments in technology which have made appliances more efficient than ever. So, for example, appliances that used to be rated A+++ are likely now rated as B or C, A++ as D or E, and A+ as F or G.

Don’t Forget, Recycle Your Old Washing Machine

If you’re looking to buy a new washing machine, then there’s a decent chance that you have an old one that you’re looking to get rid of. You won’t have space for it and you won’t use it, so why keep it? No matter the reason for you getting a new one – whether it’s broken, run-down or still in decent working order – you should look to have it recycled.

There are many washing machine component parts that can be reused either as replacement parts or to serve a different function altogether. And even the raw materials can be broken down and repurposed to be used in something else.

Throwing your washing machine away outside can be ugly and also bad for the environment, so recycling is the best way to go. Many appliance retailers will include a removal and recycling service that will take your appliance away for a small fee to ensure the machine is out of your hands, freeing up space in your home and is also being recycled in the right way.

Steam cleaning is a natural and chemical-free way to keep your home clean and hygienic. When cleaning with a steamer, you can eliminate using harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment and you. In this article, we will discuss the top benefits of steam cleaning and why you should consider using a steamer for cleaning your home.

Kills Germs and Bacteria

The main benefit of steam cleaning is its ability to kill germs and bacteria. The steam’s high temperature effectively kills a wide range of germs and bacteria, including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria. Steam cleaning is an excellent option for homes with children and pets that might be more ill-prone.

All-Natural Cleaning

As previously mentioned, using a steamer for cleaning eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. Steam cleaning uses only water to clean and sanitize surfaces, making it an all-natural cleaning method that is safe for you. As a result of this, you can clean your house without being concerned about using dangerous chemicals.

Saves Time and Money

Steam cleaning is a time-saving method that can save you money in the long run. With a steamer for cleaning, you can clean multiple surfaces at once, such as floors, countertops, and upholstery. This eliminates the need for multiple cleaning products and tools, saving you money. Additionally, steam cleaning is a fast and efficient cleaning method, making it perfect for busy households.

Reduces Allergens

Steam cleaning can also help reduce allergens in your home. The high temperature of the steam effectively kills dust mites and other allergens that can trigger allergies. Steam cleaning can help reduce allergy symptoms and improve indoor air quality by eliminating these allergens.

Versatile Cleaning Method

Steam cleaning is a versatile cleaning method that can be used on various surfaces. It can be used on floors, walls, carpets, upholstery, and windows. This makes steam cleaning a great option for households with various cleaning needs.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Method

In addition to being an all-natural cleaning method, steam cleaning is also an eco-friendly option. Using a steamer for cleaning eliminates the need for harsh chemical cleaners that can harm the environment. Steam cleaning also uses less water than traditional cleaning methods, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Deep Cleans and Sanitizes

Deep cleaning with steam is an efficient way to get rid of grime, dirt, and stains from surfaces. The high temperature of the steam penetrates deep into the surface being cleaned, loosening and removing dirt and stains. Steam cleaning is also an effective sanitizing method, as the steam’s high temperature effectively kills germs and bacteria.

Safe for All Surfaces

It is safe for all surfaces. Unlike traditional cleaning methods that can be harsh and abrasive, steam cleaning is gentle on surfaces and does not damage or scratch them. This makes it an option for cleaning delicate surfaces such as hardwood floors, marble countertops, and delicate fabrics.

Easy to Use

Steam cleaning is a user-friendly cleaning method that is easy to use. All you need is a steamer for cleaning, and you’re ready to go. Simply fill the water tank, wait for the steamer to heat up, and you’re ready to start cleaning. Steam cleaning is also a low-maintenance method that requires little to no preparation or clean-up.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

Finally, steam cleaning can also help improve indoor air quality. Traditional cleaning methods such as mopping and sweeping can kick up dust and allergens, causing them to circulate in the air. Steam cleaning, on the other hand, uses the power of steam to trap and eliminate allergens and other pollutants, helping to improve indoor air quality and create a healthier home environment.

Conclusion

Steam cleaning is an effective cleaning technique that has numerous advantages. It is an all-natural, eco-friendly, and versatile cleaning option that is safe for all surfaces and effective in killing germs, bacteria, and allergens. Steam cleaning is a time-saving and cost-effective method that can improve indoor air quality and create a healthier home environment.

Using a steamer for cleaning can eliminate the need for harsh chemical cleaners and enjoy the benefits of a natural and effective cleaning method. So why not use steam cleaning for your next cleaning task and experience the benefits yourself?

Emergency weather events are relatively rare in the UK, but not rare enough for households to ignore their incidences. With weather warnings appearing around the country for high winds and floods – and with the threat of additional climate-change-enabled weather crises on the horizon, now is as good a time as any to prepare.

Emergencies can happen at any time; It is crucial to have a pre-arranged tranche of essential items available in your household to ensure that you are well-prepared for the worst-case scenario. But what exactly should go in your home emergency kit?

Bare Necessities

First, we’ll start with the basic and easy-to-procure essentials. The first set of items that every household should have are:

• A first aid kit
• Handheld torches
• Spare batteries for your torches
• Non-perishable foodstuffs, like tinned or freeze-dried meals
• Water

In case of an emergency, these items will be nothing short of crucial for keeping you safe, watered and fed. Certain weather events can knock out basic utilities such as your water supply, making large amounts of bottled water a shrewd move. Your first aid kit, meanwhile, should have standard items such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers packed in it. Additionally and optionally, you may want to pack items like a portable radio and whistle for ease of communication.

Larger Items

Of course, in order to ensure safety in the worst case scenario, you needn’t stop with the above list. There are some more serious pieces of kit you can consider that may make things a little easier for the medium term. Generators can provide backup power in case of a prolonged outage, making cooking and charging your smartphones much less of a task.

Investing in a proper and hardwearing toolkit can ensure you are able to complete more complex tasks, such as the building of weather defences or shelters for vulnerable family members. A fire extinguisher would also be a wise purchase, keeping your encampment safe from fire until help arrives.

The Importance of Being Prepared

The importance of being prepared cannot be overstated. While we may not be able to predict exactly when emergency conditions can appear, being prepared with a ready-to-go emergency kit gives us indispensable peace of mind, and ensures that we have the necessary items to survive until help arrives. In addition to the practical benefits of being prepared, there is also the psychological benefit of feeling empowered and in control during an emergency situation.

Weather events are, practically by definition, beyond our control. All we can control is how we respond to situations, and preparation is absolutely the most effective kind of response. This is especially true in a country where precious resources are being irrevocably changed, and where national utilities are not as well-established as they once were.