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Households Myths - The facts that are actually false
You’ve probably heard them. You might even swear by a few. But a lot of so-called “facts” about how to run a home are, frankly, rubbish. Whether it’s miracle cleaning hacks that don’t work or rules we’ve followed for no good reason, we’re calling them out—myth by myth. Let’s sort the legit from the laughable.
For those seeking clarity on appliances rumours, look no further. Gwil Snook, appliance expert has debunked appliance myths and provided some handy tips to getting the most out of them. He said:
“It’s no surprise that many Brits are setting energy-saving goals for the year ahead, with almost half prioritising keeping their energy bills in check during the winter months.”
“With the average household spending over £2,000 a year on energy it’s always worth knowing quick and easy ways to save around the home. That’s why if you’re looking to upgrade or switch out your appliances, it’s worthwhile paying attention to the energy rating to save money in the long run.”
“Among the most energy-efficient appliances, air fryers led the pack, showing no signs of slowing down with over a third of people recognising them as the most efficient option when it came to cooking.”
MYTH: Appliances don’t use power in standby mode
A common misconception is that appliances do not consume power while in standby mode. However, research from AO uncovers 1 in 6 Brits incorrectly believe this to be true, even though devices continue to draw electricity when plugged in.
Appliances like TVs or microwaves still use a significant amount of energy when in standby. To prevent this, you can either turn off the plug at the switch or unplug the device entirely. Alternatively, consider investing in smart home technology, which enables you to control your devices with the click of a button. By managing standby mode effectively, you can see a positive change in your electricity bills.
MYTH: Dishes need to be rinsed before being placed in the dishwasher
Modern dishwashers are designed to clean effectively without the need for pre-rinsing. In fact, pre-rinsing can be counterproductive. Many modern dishwashers feature sensors that detect how dirty the dishes are. If you pre-rinse everything, it may run in a lighter wash cycle, potentially leaving your dishes dirtier. Simply scraping off large food bits is enough rather than pre-rinsing.
Not only is pre-rinsing unnecessary, but it also wastes water. Between a dishwasher and washing the dishes by hand, there is only one cost-effective winner: the dishwasher. According to the Energy Saving Trust, hand-washing dishes accounts for 4% of the average household’s water use – whereas dishwashers make up just 1%.
MYTH: Microwaves emit harmful radiation
Microwaves do emit radiation, but it is not the same as ionising radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays. The design of microwaves ensures that this energy is contained safely, and as long as the appliance is used correctly and the door seals are intact, there is no health risk.
MYTH: Dishwashers clean themselves
While dishwashers do a great job cleaning dishes, they do not clean themselves. Over time, food particles, grease, and limescale can build up, leading to unpleasant odours and affecting performance. To keep a dishwasher running efficiently, it’s important to regularly clean the filter. Simply pull out the bottom rack and use a cloth to wipe away any food debris that collects at the bottom, especially around the filter. This helps prevent unpleasant odours and keeps old food particles from circulating during wash cycles.
