Kirstie Allsopp sparks debate after saying it's 'disgusting' to keep washing machines in the kitchen

Kirstie Allsopp sparks debate after saying washing machines should not be kept in kitchens (Ian West/PA)

TV property expert Kirstie Allsopp has defended her claim that washing machines belong outside the kitchen, but her followers are still not quite convinced.

The presenter made headlines on Wednesday morning after saying that installing the appliances in the food prep room was “disgusting”.

After her bold statement caused uproar on social media, she took to Twitter to explain that she had been saying the same thing for 18 years. Moreover, she specified, she has been saying it on public television.

https://twitter.com/KirstieMAllsopp/status/885050738564575232

But opinions are still divided between those who think it is a logical idea, and those who point out that not everybody has the luxury of spare space to put the cumbersome machine.

One viewer protested: “I love having washing machine in the kitchen, so I don’t forget machine loads of washing,” but another agreed: “Will always prefer washing machine out of kitchen, if an option.”

… better keep kids and dogs out, and what about the dishwasher? How is it less disgusting than a clothes washer? I don't get it. Baffling.

— Andrea Gillies (@andreagillies) July 12, 2017

Buy a laundry basket? ?

— Dobo Bobo (@Dobo_Bobo) July 12, 2017

While British viewers are not so sure, it appears that Allsop has the backing of the rest of Europe, the US and Australia.

“Only in bathrooms here in Norway,” commented one follower.

G20 over, summertime, washing machines are a good fall back for news. Btw, only in bathrooms here in Norway.

— Midlife Migrant (@MidlifeMigrant) July 12, 2017

Ignore TV & stereotypes, here in America most of our washers are in the basement in a corner next to the water heater & furnace.

— Brooke Archer (@harbinger_01) July 12, 2017

Block of flats in Germany have a communal cellar room where everyone's washer & dryer are kept. If no cellar then in bath/utility room.

— Becca Husmann (@Beckstoere) July 12, 2017

It's customary in Australia to have a separate laundry room, occasionally in a bathroom.

— Ibu Benny (@ibubenny) July 12, 2017

The debate became so heated that some could not resist joking that it was time the matter was taken further, even suggesting that free laundry rooms should become part of political policy.

Perhaps you could get that thing Corbyn to add free utility room to the labour manifesto

— Mark Shortman (@B31Vespa) July 12, 2017

Start a petition, get 250,000 signatures and we could have our MP's waste time and money debating it in Parliament.

— Pentland Squire (@PSQ17266) July 12, 2017

But while it’s all fun and games for some, the issue appears to have got some people seriously considering how to organise their white goods.

Is really considering turning the boiler cupboard in the back door porch into a little laundry room, thanks to @KirstieMAllsopp #laundrygate

— Caroline (@Caroline79M) July 12, 2017

All in all, it looks like the jury is still out – for now!