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Eight in 10 Brits worry about ruining clothes when washing

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 14:55 · Archive

Eight in 10 British adults suffer from laundry anxiety, with nearly half avoiding washing certain clothes for fear of damage.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that eight in 10 Brits suffer from 'laundry anxiety', with adults holding an average of four wardrobe items they are worried about putting in the washing machine. Knitwear is the most commonly avoided garment type at 28 per cent, followed by embellished items at 26 per cent, coats and cashmere both at 24 per cent.

The anxiety has prompted different coping strategies. Just over half of respondents, 51 per cent, have resorted to hand-washing clothes in the sink. A third have paid for costly dry cleaning rather than risk machine washing, while 29 per cent have simply worn items again without washing them. Additionally, 52 per cent have experienced 'first wash anxiety', prompted by confusion about which fabrics and garments are actually washable at home.

The concerns appear partially justified. Just over half of respondents, 51 per cent, have previously ruined an item of clothing during a washing cycle. When this happens, 65 per cent report feeling more anxious about cleaning other wardrobe items. The most common problems cited are shrinking at 56 per cent, misshaping at 33 per cent, and colour fading at 31 per cent.

The anxiety has tangible financial consequences. Fifty-five per cent said concerns about garment care have stopped them from buying an item they really wanted. Vintage clothing is a particular worry, with 19 per cent concerned about damaging unfamiliar fabrics and 14 per cent worried about lingering smells, stains or marks.

Zeena Hill, a spokesperson for Samsung, which commissioned the research, said that 'most of us have items we love but leave hanging in the wardrobe because we dread the washing guesswork, or worry about shrinking a favourite piece'. She added that 'laundry anxiety shouldn't dictate what we wear'.

Eight in 10 Brits worry about ruining clothes when washing
Image: Croydon Guardian

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In this story: Samsung · Zeena Hill · Britain

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