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Original poster

Downstairs toilet or dishwasher, what's more useful?

151 replies

trailerpark · 27/04/2015 19:57

We are in a small house and there is a tiny room downstairs that could be turned into a downstairs loo potentially, or we could move the washing machine in there and get a dishwasher in the space it creates in the kitchen.....
Which do you think would be more useful?....we have two smallish children...

OP posts:
PeaceOfWildThings · 27/04/2015 20:38

Do you ever leave the dishes to wash up the next day? If so, get a dishwasher. If not, get a downstairs loo!

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/04/2015 20:38

I'd choose the dishwasher.

we hardly use the downstairs loo.

Koalafications · 27/04/2015 20:39

Dishwasher.

It isn't an inconvenience to walk up stairs to go to the toilet. It is very annoying having to wash loads of dishes when you have had guests round/can't be bothered etc. The kitchen worktop space is saved too.

Original poster
trailerpark · 27/04/2015 20:41

I grew up in a house without a downstairs loo as well, though by the time we were teenagers there was another bathroom in the loft. We do have a split bathroom - I mean the toilet is separate from the bathroom - so at least someone can have a poo while someone else is in the bath.

OP posts:
scarletforya · 27/04/2015 20:41

Dishwasher. No contest.

Moln · 27/04/2015 20:41

Any chance of getting both into the small space? I know some people can get icky about anything to do with clothes and loos being in the same room but it's an idea (and changes are they aren't people living in a small house!)

Janethegirl · 27/04/2015 20:41

Loo definitely. If there are more than 1 person in a house a second loo is a good idea, more than 2 people a second loo is essential!
Dishwasher not so essential.

calzone · 27/04/2015 20:43

Dishwasher

Original poster
trailerpark · 27/04/2015 20:44

At the moment I can spend all day washing up and there still seems to be more to do.....drives me nuts. I don't think I 'm very efficient. Perhaps its because I never dry. I have been trying to dry up this week to see if it makes a difference if I see the whole job through...wash...dry...put away....I never do all of these things in one swoop. That might be where I'm going wrong. Or perhaps I need a dishwasher.

OP posts:
OttiliaVonBCup · 27/04/2015 20:45

Loo.

You have four people and one loo.

icklekid · 27/04/2015 20:45

Loo = extra cleaning
Dishwasher = less cleaning

Win win situation in my mind! If house is tiny buyers won't expect 2 loos.

chocolatemartini · 27/04/2015 20:48

Dishwasher essential. Downstairs loo? Honestly why do people care about this so much?!

pigsinmud · 27/04/2015 20:49

Dishwasher.

middleagedbread · 27/04/2015 20:49

OP, as someone who has a dishwasher and no downstairs loo, I would prefer a downstairs loo if only to have a separate loo for visitors. Then again, I don't use the dishwasher every day so would't really miss it if it went.

Bakeoffcake · 27/04/2015 20:52

If you've only got one loo, I'd definitely say loo downstairs.
As the dc get older you'll need it.

Is there any way you can put the washing machine in your bathroom and then dishwasher in the kitchen?

BasinHaircut · 27/04/2015 20:52

I've just had to choose between downstairs loo and utility room. Utility room won.

Like others say, bet most of us grew up in houses with only 1 loo and if yours is already separate to the bathroom then that's a bonus!

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/04/2015 20:54

You can stack washing machines on dw, it ain't pretty but my god washing up is the devils own work.

Bakeoffcake · 27/04/2015 20:54

When you have teenagers you will want another loo!

SwedishEdith · 27/04/2015 20:58

What about a worktop dishwasher?

I never realised how much time I spent washing dishes until I got a dishwasher.

DownWithThisTypeOfThing · 27/04/2015 20:59

We got an extension a few years ago and now have a downstairs loo and a dishwasher. They've both been life changers. I think I might love my dishwasher more than most family members. On the other hand living with all boys, the second loo is very, very useful.

OH GOD I DON'T KNOW!!!!!!!!!

Original poster
trailerpark · 27/04/2015 21:04

Hmmmm, this is all very interesting. I am now thinking about the airing cupboard in the bathroom....no I think it is too small...I am going to measure up.

Icklekid that was what I was thinking just today - another toilet means more flippin cleaning.

Worktop dishwasher might be a thought - the kitchen is not massive but not tiny either. Do they hold enough to make them worthwhile?

OP posts:
Original poster
trailerpark · 27/04/2015 21:06

Boys here too. It seems the answer is I need both.....whatever it takes!

OP posts:
ToomuchChocolatemeansBootcamp · 27/04/2015 21:07

I would definitely vote dishwasher for saving time and space (you can out the dirty stuff in it until you have enough to run it, saving space on your worktop/sink). I LOVE my dishwasher!!

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/04/2015 21:08

No, they don't hold much. Can you lose a kitchen cupboard?. A bit of a clear out might sort it.

Most of us have stuff we don't really need.

Devora · 27/04/2015 21:11

I don't think either are that essential (was in my mid-40s when I got a downstairs loo; have never had a dishwasher) but I realise I'm a creature of a bygone age...