With a second wave of lockdown landing, it seems shacked up couples in London are taking out their tensions at home on their partner’s clothes. New research released today by Colour Catcher, finds that 1 in 5 couples have said they have damaged their partner’s laundry as payback during lockdown disagreements; and 42% are having arguments over clothes sabotaging.
Top causes of squabbles between couples includes mixing colours in the wash that is causing colour run (63%); clothes fading in high temperatures (58%); torn and ripped (55%), and shrinkage (29%). 1 in 5 partners in London have also gone two to three days not speaking after their clothes were damaged; 26% four to five days; and 18% of couples have spent up to a week not speaking.
Looking at wastage thanks to washing machine disasters – Londoners are spending a whopping £969.2 million a year replacing clothes that have been damaged – with white T-shirts topping the list for substitute buys. Meanwhile, a whopping 53% of Londoners admitted that they only fill half of their washing machine when doing laundry, and 42% of have actively avoided washing an item that might leak.
When restrictions lifted – the top occasions when clothes got damaged by a partner (just beforehand) included – a night out with friends; job interview; a sports game or match; and birthday celebration.
With colour run being a top issue, notorious offenders included:
| Top colours to run are: | Top clothes causing colour damage: |
| 1. Red – 55% | 1. Jeans – 40% |
| 2. Black – 37% | 2. Socks – 23% |
| 3. Blue – 28% | 3. Underwear – 19% |
| 4. Purple – 21% | 4. White T-shirts – 19% |
| 5. Orange – 18% | 5. Shirts – 17% |
To help save time and money – and for those who like to mix your lights, darks and colours in one washing load – Colour Catcher stops colour run and is available to purchase at all major retailers, with prices starting at £1.50 (RRP). Visit www.colourcatcher.co.uk for more information.
