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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dishwasher or washing machine in holiday let?

702 replies

dontdillydallytoolong · 21/02/2021 23:42

Hi. We are in the process of converting our annexe into a holiday let. There is one double bedroom and a smaller bedroom with bunk beds. There is space in the kitchen for either a washing machine or a dishwasher. Which would you prefer if you were staying? My husband is saying washing machine, but I am thinking dishwasher. Would like help to decide. Thanks.

YABU - washing machine
YANBU - dishwasher

OP posts:
CatalinaCasesolver · 22/02/2021 10:26

If you
Could possibly do both, you should do both!

ThePricklySheep · 22/02/2021 10:27

@PickAChew

Absolutely a washing machine - life saver for a family.

Who the hell does lots of messy cooking in a holiday let? (to paraphrase a pp)

Toast plates? Mugs? Plates for lunch? Glasses?
Clymene · 22/02/2021 10:28

@RoomOfRequirement

Reading this feels like I'm in some alternate universe where washing dishes is on the same level of difficulty and as time consuming as brain surgery.

Unless you're cooking a full Sunday roast with all the trimmings, dishes take just a few minutes! It's not that much more effort or time than having to load and reload a dishwasher.

I never used ours when we had it because of that.

A washing machine on the other hand makes a difficult job much easier! Can you get a combination washer/dryer?

It's taken me 10 minutes to load and unload the dishwasher of:

8 mugs
6 bowls
9 dinner plates, 3 side plates
3 baking trays
1 roasting pan
7 glasses

Loads of cutlery and cooking utensils.

Everything has been washed at 60 degrees which is way hotter than you'd ever be able to do by hand.

In my experience, crockery and utensils at houses without dishwashers are always slightly grubby. In a holiday let, that's a big no.

Onjnmoeiejducwoapy · 22/02/2021 10:29

Depends on target audience. If you are having small groups for 3 nights, then dishwasher. If you are renting it for a month then a washing machine is essential, although TBH in that case I wouldn’t rent if it also didn’t have a dishwasher

BadLad · 22/02/2021 10:31

Dishwasher

I'd never do washing on holiday. I take as many clothes as I think I'll need.

Like a previous poster, I'm astonished that it's apparently unusual to own a week's worth of clothes.

cordelia16 · 22/02/2021 10:33

@ClarkeGriffin

Dishwasher. Who the hell doesn't take enough clothes for their holiday? And would prefer to wash dishes? No thanks, dishwasher definitely.
We're a family of 5 and often cannot take enough clothes for a full week because then we would need too many suitcases and would have to hire a larger car, pay more on airlines, etc. So we take enough for half a week and then wash halfway through the holiday. A few hours of washing the clothes is better, in our opinion, than paying so much extra for luggage and car hire.

And we always wash our dishes as we go. Most rentals we have stayed in didn't have dozens of each item, so if our glasses from breakfast sat in the dishwasher, then we wouldn't have any for lunch, etc.

Different people/families have their own reasons for choosing a washing machine over a dishwasher. Neither choice is right or wrong.

BertieBotts · 22/02/2021 10:33

Washing outdoor gear?? The mind boggles.

Surely you just leave it to dry and wear it again. I wash my coats once a year at the end of the winter season.

Kids' rain stuff when it gets so abominably muddy it could stand up by itself - that's hardly going to happen in a week even if you're out all day every day.

Scottishskifun · 22/02/2021 10:33

My DH looks for a dishwasher, I look for a washing machine as we have a toddler.

I think it depends on who you are targeting it to if it's couples then a dishwasher, if families then washing machine.

LeaveMyDamnJam · 22/02/2021 10:35

Dishwasher. It will be needed everyday and will ensure that plates are cleaned properly.

I wouldn’t ever use a washing machine in a holiday let.

hollyandkit · 22/02/2021 10:35

I'd rather have a dishwasher. But this is MN where people wash their pyjamas and towels after one use so maybe go for both

tracker222 · 22/02/2021 10:38

washing machine!

I don't have a dishwasher at home, but couldn't be without a washing machine.

MrsDoctorDear · 22/02/2021 10:38

And we always wash our dishes as we go. Most rentals we have stayed in didn't have dozens of each item, so if our glasses from breakfast sat in the dishwasher, then we wouldn't have any for lunch, etc.

Different people/families have their own reasons for choosing a washing machine over a dishwasher. Neither choice is right or wrong.

Agree with @cordelia16

Twospaniels · 22/02/2021 10:40

A washer / dryer combi

We have stayed in no end of holiday cottages and as we have dogs and do lots outdoors, a washing machine is more useful to me than a dishwasher.

Doing the dishes after a meal is not difficult and takes only a few mins.

bruffin · 22/02/2021 10:40

Dishwasher
I dont mind cooking on holiday but i dont have a dishwasher at home, so its a nice luxury on holiday

SaltyTootsieToes · 22/02/2021 10:41

Dishwasher

If I’m on holiday, I’m on holiday. I don’t want to be doing the dishes thank you very much.

Clothes washing can wait until we get home. Everyone should pack enough for their stay. we usually hand wash our own bathing suits and hang dry anyway.

TheSoapyFrog · 22/02/2021 10:42

Washing machine. The kids require at least one outfit change a day and clean pyjamas every night. Then we get messy as a result. We have to pack a huge amount of clothes and a washing machine would mean we don't have to do that. On holiday we don't tend to cook elaborate meals that require lots of pots and pans, or we go out to eat, so washing up isn't a big deal.
But I'd say it depends on who you're looking to have stay there.

womaninatightspot · 22/02/2021 10:43

Dishwasher, I've got a holiday let and dishwasher (pre corona) was used all the time. Washing machine was rarely used (the laundry detergent was untouched).

I did stay in a holiday place once where they'd put a washer/ dryer in a shed outside. Maybe that's an option for you?

someonelockthefridgealready · 22/02/2021 10:45

Well who knew that world could be divided into those who wash clothes on holiday and those who don't. I read the OP and thought, who on earth washes clothes on holiday, this is only going to go one way. Well!

To answer the question, we always self-cater and I wouldn't book anywhere without a dishwasher. Not only do I not want to do dishes while on holiday, the places I've been without a dishwasher invariably have had plates and cups with little stuck-on bits on them. No more.

PurplePi · 22/02/2021 10:47

Just a thought... Our local Morrison’s has a Revolution Laundry setup in the car park. You may have something similar nearby? If so, then the washing machine is less important.

Sparklingbrook · 22/02/2021 10:50

Maybe this thread will convince some of the ‘I’m not doing laundry on holiday’ people to have a go. Put washing in shut door switch on. Huge huge effort but so worth it. Grin Live dangerously!

donewithitalltodayandxmas · 22/02/2021 10:50

Also never been on a 2 week uk holiday , normally only make it a week as a week of crap weather we can maybe find enough to do , 2 weeks would be a struggle , so easy to take enough clothes for a week, plus I wouldn't be as comfortable using a washing machine someone else has maybe put their shifty clothes through

BasiliskStare · 22/02/2021 10:57

I agree with @QuentinInQuarantino - so it sounds like you have had the kitchen done but what I would do ( if you can ) is get a slim line dishwasher & then a washer dryer. - so you have lost perhaps half a cupboard there but you could put one of things up where you can hang the pans. Or a cupboard elsewhere for e.g. glasses - mugs

If I am honest - you need both. For me & for Dh - dishwasher but then my DC are older. It seems obvious those with younger Dcs would really appreciate a washing machine.

Can you give a hint as to where you are - not because I am nosey - just it might make a difference to the choice - e.g. sand etc. Or to be fair - little children may require more washing . I would not book anywhere where I have to "do the dishes" - May very well make me a crap person - but just would not - unless you have the most spectacular and unusual rental ever in the world in space - or v cheap. Ah - Just to say - I am sure your rental is lovely but - well - you did ask @dontdillydallytoolong
I do hope it all works out for you , Basilisk x

Mumof1andacat · 22/02/2021 10:58

Targeting the holiday let at families then yes a washing machine. If you do decide on a dishwasher, is there at least a local launderette to use. If you have no machine, are you going to be able wash the holiday let bedding at your house?

minipie · 22/02/2021 10:59

Just one thing OP, if you don’t provide a washing machine please do provide spare sheets (and use mattress protectors) in case of bed wetting.

anxiouscrazymum · 22/02/2021 11:00

Dishwasher, holidays are not for doing your washing!!

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