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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:
NobbyButtons · 24/02/2021 16:20

Washing machine - we always use it on holiday. I prefer a dishwasher, but don't mind washing up if there isn't one.

Alexandernevermind · 24/02/2021 17:00

Interesting to see the split. A dishwasher is nice, but a washing machine is essential with an outdoorsy family. Kids do the washing up on holiday if there is no dishwasher Grin

abc31 · 24/02/2021 17:01

Dishwasher for me. I do enough washing at home that I'd avoid it on holiday unless total disaster struck.

PurpleWh1teGreen · 24/02/2021 21:48

@BlankTimes

I stayed in a complex of 4 cottages on a farm. There were dishwashers in every kitchen and there was separate outbuilding with 3 washing machines and 3 tumble driers and a few lines outside, so basically a mini launderette area which meant you weren't bothered with the noise of the washer and drier in a small living space.

Could you put a washer dryer in a garden shed OP?

That would be my option.

I'd take plenty of clothes and hope not to wash them, but this is the UK & if everything gets wet through, I'd like the option to wash & dry.

Dishwasher pretty essential for family s/c though, and I'm not keen on places without them. It's not just the extra work, it's not knowing how well the previous hirers washed up...

SparklyShoesandTutus · 24/02/2021 22:21

100% dishwasher. We go annually to holiday with 4 adults, 2 children and a dog. All have had a washing machine but I can count on my fingers the times we have used it. However we have always used the dishwasher daily. I am happy to pack a week's worth of clothes but I do not want to be washing dishes on holiday. We actually booked the last place because it had 2 dishwashers and we were away for Christmas so lots of pots pans etc. It was also a lovely place

Whirlwind14 · 25/02/2021 07:55

Dishwasher- washing dishes isn’t a holiday.
Neither is washing, you take it home with you!

Coulddowithanap · 25/02/2021 09:14

We've never owned a dishwasher so not having one doesn't bother me.

Washing machine and dryer would be good to have though.

LST · 25/02/2021 09:31

@Whirlwind14

Dishwasher- washing dishes isn’t a holiday. Neither is washing, you take it home with you!
Not if you don't have to. It takes 5 mins to shove it in the washer and 15 mins to put it to dry. Prefer that than taking it all home
drspouse · 25/02/2021 10:05

I was reading on another thread how someone's STBXH spent a whole day on a 4 day break in the holiday cottage doing washing.
If people think that's how you do washing on holiday then I'm not surprised they are fed up with it! and the STBXH
It's either shove the muddy clothes in when you get home and then on to dry when they are done (last place we stayed had a washer/dryer) or put them on when you go to bed and hang up in the morning (it also had an airer for inside and a rotary dryer outside - 100% necessary for wetsuits/swimsuits anyway).

Chemenger · 25/02/2021 12:32

I often stick a load of washing on while on holiday, it’s not exactly backbreaking or time consuming. However if there isn’t a washing machine it doesn’t worry me. No dishwasher is a dealbreaker.

ExTeacherNowJustMom · 25/02/2021 12:43

We go on cottage holidays every year. I have found most have a dishwasher and then it’s 50:50 for a washing machine. If I had to choose, I’d go with a dishwasher. Who wants to wash/dry clothes on holiday? As long as it’s no longer than a week, I can’t see how you’d run out of clothes if you’d packed properly.

Also, cottages with dishwashers mean the previous family/owner will have washed the cutlery/plates etc properly and hygeinically. I don’t tend to use the washing machine even if they are there, it’s my holiday, a break from the drudgery!! If I was desperate I’d handwash in the sink.

Can you resign the layout and squash in a slim dishwasher with a small washer/dryer? That would be your ideal scenario.

Ariela · 25/02/2021 13:08

I'd want a washing machine. Chances are I'd have got mud all over my favourite jeans, or got wet feet in a puddle, you an wash dishes by hand but you'll not get clothes wrung dry enough by hand to hang to dry.

Any chance of a slimline dishwasher and washing machine/washer dryer? Or a counter top dishwasher? Or a washing machine in a lean-to shed outside?

starsinyourpies · 25/02/2021 13:11

Dishwasher

LST · 25/02/2021 13:16

@ExTeacherNowJustMom

We go on cottage holidays every year. I have found most have a dishwasher and then it’s 50:50 for a washing machine. If I had to choose, I’d go with a dishwasher. Who wants to wash/dry clothes on holiday? As long as it’s no longer than a week, I can’t see how you’d run out of clothes if you’d packed properly.

Also, cottages with dishwashers mean the previous family/owner will have washed the cutlery/plates etc properly and hygeinically. I don’t tend to use the washing machine even if they are there, it’s my holiday, a break from the drudgery!! If I was desperate I’d handwash in the sink.

Can you resign the layout and squash in a slim dishwasher with a small washer/dryer? That would be your ideal scenario.

Literally half the posters on this thread have said they wash on holiday. Maybe try reading a few responses
Nearlyhalfterm · 25/02/2021 13:20

I never used to wash on holiday so would have said dishwasher, however I have a child who is incontinent and can run out of clothes very easily so would never go anywhere without. I take my own waterproof sheets and blankets to protect those of the owner but still need to be able to wash them.

foodtoorder · 25/02/2021 13:24

I would go for a dishwasher, no one wants to wash up on holiday.
Is there some way of housing a small laundry room
/shedwith external plumbing/electric?

SkepticalCat · 25/02/2021 13:36

Haven't read all the responses, but my first instinct is definitely dishwasher. As others have said, some level of washing up is a certainty on holiday (even if only breakfast bowls, tea/coffee mugs, plates - it all adds up!) whereas you don't have to do laundry on holiday.

If there is a washing machine provided, would there also be drying facilities? Its one thing to be able to wash clothes on holiday, but if you can't get them dry quickly, its a bit pointless.

The only exception I guess I'd make is if you were targeting your holiday let at walkers/cyclists etc. In which case people might appreciate a washing machine (and dryer!) to get their possibly muddy, wet or smelly clothes clean.

ExTeacherNowJustMom · 25/02/2021 14:49

@LST obviously loads of people do wash on holiday, I have read responses but I actually said who wants to?? Do they do it through choice or necessity? Maybe no washing machine would give people a break from the norm of laundry for a week. I get that for some people it is as normal as brushing their teeth or walking the dog, but I’m sure I’m not alone in seeing it as a chore I could do with a break from.

BalancedIndividual · 25/02/2021 14:58

Absolutely washing machine.

But if its a washer dryer, will cost you more electricity.

Needmoresleep · 25/02/2021 16:12

More in electricity, but less in condensation and damage from wet clothes being hung on radiators and furniture.

My experience as a holiday let landlord is that people with small children really like a quick wash/dry programme. Quite different from at home and a big weekly wash.

WithMyOldCockLinnet · 25/02/2021 16:23

Dishwasher.

olivo · 25/02/2021 16:27

Washing machine......every time. I would t book a holiday let without one.

Chanjer · 25/02/2021 16:34

Whilst I've never checked to see whether a holiday let has either I could imagine using a dish washer. I can't imagine doing laundry on holiday. In one place we stayed the owners who lived next door offered to do washing if we left it out

tubbycustard1 · 25/02/2021 16:49

Don't know if this has been mentioned - we use cloth nappies so would have to immediately disregard anywhere that doesn't have a washing machine. I would also feel a lot more comfortable knowing we could wash DDs clothes if needed - you never know how much a toddler will get through!

LST · 25/02/2021 16:52

[quote ExTeacherNowJustMom]@LST obviously loads of people do wash on holiday, I have read responses but I actually said who wants to?? Do they do it through choice or necessity? Maybe no washing machine would give people a break from the norm of laundry for a week. I get that for some people it is as normal as brushing their teeth or walking the dog, but I’m sure I’m not alone in seeing it as a chore I could do with a break from.[/quote]
I want to or I wouldn't do it. I don't want to take it home with me.