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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Nsky · 22/02/2021 20:49

Washing machine

LimaFoxtrotCharlie · 22/02/2021 21:32

Definitely no to a tabletop dishwasher which wouldn’t be large enough to take pans. A slimline dishwasher is useless too.

Clymene · 22/02/2021 21:53

Statistically more fires are caused by fridge freezers than dishwashers. So perhaps you should refused to stay in a holiday let unless there's no fridge.

VinylDetective · 22/02/2021 21:57

A slimline dishwasher is useless too

It does us fine. It’s perfectly adequate for two people.

2020iscancelled · 22/02/2021 22:05

DISHWASHER

washing machine is handy but I don’t want to do dishes on holiday man, that’s a depressing thought

Standrewsschool · 22/02/2021 22:07

Dishwasher.

I’ve never done any washing on holiday - always takes enough clothes with me.

Standrewsschool · 22/02/2021 22:09

Ps. Don’t have a dishwasher at home, but would prefer that in a holiday home to a washing machine

NuttySlacker · 22/02/2021 22:29

Dishwasher

bloodyhairy · 22/02/2021 22:34

My personal view on holidays (especially UK 'breaks', which I don't even consider a proper holiday) is that the accommodation has to be better than where you have come from (ie home), or at least equal it.
I have a dishwasher at home, so going on holiday to somewhere without one would be totally shit.
A washing machine is different, as normal people don't spend their time on holiday doing laundry. So I wouldn't expect one.

Frannibananni · 22/02/2021 22:48

I only take 3 sets of clothes for each person when going on holidays, won’t stay anywhere without a washing machine.

LimaFoxtrotCharlie · 22/02/2021 23:05

I wear clothes more than once so don’t need to wash anything when I’m away.
I’m astounded at people wanting to wash sandy towels (just shake them) or needing clean pyjamas every night. What a waste of time & effort all that washing must be, not to mention the environmental impact

drspouse · 22/02/2021 23:10

I also wear clothes more than once but often my DCs' clothes aren't fit to wear again.

clary · 22/02/2021 23:58

normal people don't spend their time on holiday doing laundry

See, we used to go away in the UK for a fortnight with three DC (appreciate this is unlikely in the Op's offer!) in one car with no space (bc of three DC). To avoid having to fit a roof rack, we used to pack minimally.

I challenge you to fit 15 days of clothes for three small children, in the UK where it may be rainy, muddy or cold, along with body boards, wetsuits, various sporting items, some kitchen stuff, many beach towels, windbreak, waterproofs, walking boots... into the back of a Citroen Picasso.

Luckily because I am not normal Grin and do laundry on holiday (hardly an onerous task especially if there is also a tumble dryer) we were able to take three sets of clothes plus one hoody each and didn't have to leave one of the kids behind in order to fit their luggage in.

Maybe some of you just go on holiday for four days. Or only have one child. Or drive a huge estate.

Anyway OP you have your answer - both! We want both!

tenlittlecygnets · 23/02/2021 00:04

Both would be best, but if we can only have one, dishwasher.

No nice holiday cottages have no dishwasher!!

ArchbishopOfBanterbury · 23/02/2021 00:21

Dishwasher. We have at least 2 meals a day in the holiday let. That's a lot of work saved.

I'd only run the washing machine once in a week, if that, and you can always point out a local launderette/laundry service.

Matildalamp · 23/02/2021 00:40

I wouldn’t book a holiday let with no washing machine.

montysma1 · 23/02/2021 01:05

My kids always get soaked/filthy and we run out of clothes, so I would do a clothes wash.

In all honesty I don't have a dish washer at home, can't see the point of them.
But even if I did, I dont go on holiday to cook massive meals. Prob more likely to eat out and just snack at the accomodation so wouldn't generate enough dishes to warrant a dishwasher

pictish · 23/02/2021 06:49

“I challenge you to fit 15 days of clothes for three small children, in the UK where it may be rainy, muddy or cold, along with body boards, wetsuits, various sporting items, some kitchen stuff, many beach towels, windbreak, waterproofs, walking boots... into the back”

Well quite. Add bikes into the mix as well. I have been smiling at the posts saying ‘surely you just take enough clothes’ and ‘who does washing on holiday?’
Those posters maybe don’t get muddy, wet or sweaty or require specific kit for their activities. There are 6 of us and we pack minimally on the clothes taking only that which we specifically need and kit that can be washed and dried overnight ready to be reused the next day. We’d need to hire a van for all the clothes otherwise. We take two cars packed to the gunnels as it is!
No laundry facilities? No booking. A dishwasher is way low on the list of requirements for us. Between 6 of us, the dishes are not a concern.

I think the OP will have got a lot from this thread and how wide ranging the holiday needs of her guests will be. The simple answer is, she should incorporate both.

I hope that each and every one of us, whether scrambling up the side of a mountain in the rain, sauntering round a gallery after a nice brunch or days out with the kids to the beach, get a break this summer. I know this thread has put me in the holiday space in my head.
Fingers crossed all.

surreygoldfish · 23/02/2021 07:05

100% dishwasher.
3 kids, barely ever done any clothes washing on holiday but no way would I want to be washing up every day. Dishwasher is largely standard in holiday accommodation.

Iggly · 23/02/2021 07:11

Both and I wouldn’t stay somewhere without a washing machine.

The worst is places that don’t provide spare bedding - which is the main reason I’ve had to use the machine! Kids have accidents 🤷🏻‍♀️

uytp · 23/02/2021 07:11

Dishwasher

Dustyhedge · 23/02/2021 07:24

It depends on your setting really abs the activities people might be doing. A small annexe is unlikely to appeal to large families so might reduce need for washing machine but if you’re by the sea, I’d have thought a washing machine would be essential. Your set-up wouldn’t be top of my list with small children (would worry about noise) but if I was self catering I’d definitely want a dishwasher and ideally a washing machine in case of vomit, wee accidents. I’d maybe have a think about your target market abs whether your set/up works.

treeeeemendous · 23/02/2021 07:55

@bloodyhairy agree with everything in your post. If I go away I don't cook, I don't clean, I don't do washing.

People saying we dont cook heavy meals it's only breakfast and some cups/glasses. Yes but I wouldn't wash that up at home so why on earth would I want to whilst I'm away!

toconclude · 23/02/2021 07:56

@Tankflybosswalkjam

Dishwasher! Who the hell does washing on holiday??
People who go on holiday to go walking?
treeeeemendous · 23/02/2021 07:59

@toconclude I go on walking holidays. Admittedly usually only 5 day ones.

Never washed anything whilst away. I take enough clothes with me!