Fairy Liquid Washing Machine Hack Backfires: UK Households Warned of Costly Damage
Thousands of UK households are being warned after a viral “money-saving hack” — using Fairy Liquid in washing machines — turned out to be a costly mistake. As detergent prices rise, many people tried replacing it with cheaper dish soap. But experts say it could damage your washing machine, void your warranty, and cost you £200 or more in repairs.
🚨 Why Fairy Liquid Is Unsafe for Washing Machines
Fairy Liquid (and other dish soaps) are made for handwashing — not for drum-based, high-speed washing machines. Using them creates excess foam, which:
Damages electronics inside the machine
Causes water leaks
Promotes mold buildup
Can lead to total machine failure
“It’s one of the top reasons machines break down unnecessarily,” says a UK appliance technician from Currys.
💸 You Might Save £2 Today, But Lose £200 Tomorrow
Households trying to save money during the cost-of-living crisis may not realise that improper soap use often results in:
£150–£250 repairs for pump and seal damage
£300+ for motor or electrical damage
In some cases: needing a full replacement
The money saved on detergent is quickly lost in repair bills.
✅ What Should You Use Instead?
Experts recommend:
High-efficiency (HE) laundry detergent
Powder detergent or Eco-pods
Running a monthly machine cleaning cycle to prevent damage
Avoid dish soap or DIY substitutes — they don’t work in modern machines and end up doing more harm than good.

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