Dr. Beckmann Golden Leaves Campaign
New UK research finds 69% of 18-30-year-olds avoided the washing machine after leaving home, with many spraying deodorant on clothes rather than doing a load of laundry.
- A third (33%) of young people waited weeks or even months before doing their first load of laundry after moving out
- And one in five (20%) people aged 18-30 didn’t know how to use a washing machine when they left home
- 19% admitted they sprayed body spray or deodorant on clothes to freshen them up, rather than use the washing machine
- Meanwhile, 62% of parents with grown-up children still living at home said they continue to do their laundry
One in three young adults (33%) waited weeks or even months to do their first load of laundry after moving out of the family home, according to new research commissioned by laundry care brand Dr. Beckmann.
The findings highlight a gap in practical laundry skills among young adults navigating independent living, with some resorting to unusual workarounds to avoid using a washing machine.
The survey of 1,000 UK adults aged 18-30, who had moved out of home, found that 69% had avoided using the washing machine after leaving home. A third (33%) attributed this to having little or no experience of using one, while 32% worried about ruining their clothes.
More than a quarter (27%) of young people said they lacked confidence in using a washing machine, while 25% said nobody had taught them how to do their laundry before flying the nest.
How young adults avoid doing their laundry
Rather than put a wash on, some young adults admitted to finding alternative ways to keep their clothes wearable.
Dr. Beckmann’s research found that:
- 19% sprayed deodorant or body spray on clothes to make them seem fresher
- 16% wore their entire wardrobe before finally putting a wash on
- 10% avoided social plans because they had nothing clean to wear
What do young people struggle with when doing laundry?
Even when they get around to using a washing machine, many young adults struggle with the practicalities of doing laundry.
The survey revealed that 28% struggled to choose the right washing machine setting, a quarter (25%) did not understand washing temperatures and 23% did not know how much laundry detergent to use, while one in five (20%) did not know which drawer to put detergent in.
More than nine in ten young adults (91%) said they had experienced at least one laundry mishap since moving out. Common mistakes included leaving tissues in pockets (34%), colours running (30%) and having to rewash clothes because they had not been cleaned properly (29%).
The challenges extend beyond laundry. More than two in five young adults (43%) said they contacted a family member for advice on general household chores at least once a week when they first moved out. Cooking (30%), laundry (29%) and budgeting (27%) were among the main areas in which they wanted help.
Chloe Baker from Dr. Beckmann said: “Moving out is both exciting and overwhelming. Suddenly, you’re expected to know how to do all the things that used to just happen in the background.
“But putting off washing for two to three weeks isn’t the answer, and can lead to stains setting and smells brewing, which are harder to shift and can damage clothes if left untreated.
“With the right tools, you can take the worry out of washing. Our Laundry Detergent Sheets are pre-dosed, lightweight and easy to store, so all that's left to do is press start.”
Parents continue to help adult children with their laundry
In a separate survey of UK parents of children aged 18-30, who had moved out or were planning to move out, Dr. Beckmann found that the transition to independent living can be a concern for parents too.
Almost a quarter of parents (24%) said they were worried about how their adult kids would look after themselves. Among parents whose grown-up children still lived at home, 62% said they continued to do their child's laundry, while 45% said they were willing to wash their adult child's clothes when they visited home.
Dr. Beckmann launches the Sheets & Beats Launderette to boost laundry confidence
To help young adults build confidence in looking after their clothes, Dr. Beckmann launched the Sheets & Beats Launderette, a pop-up rave in Stratford, London, on 20th October 2026.
The event combined music and laundry with DJ Louis Bekk dropping beats while guests could spin their sheets. Visitors got their hands on free laundry loads, practical advice and free Dr. Beckmann Laundry Detergent Sheets and Fabric Conditioner Sheets.
Chloe added: “There’s a confidence gap when it comes to household chores, with many relying on family members for advice long after they've left home. We launched the Sheets & Beats Launderette to help people take care of their clothes and boost laundry confidence, as they start to live more independently.”
University preparation expert advises young people to practice practical things
Clem Wade, a university preparation expert who helps parents and young people navigate the transition to university, said: “Leaving home for the first time marks a huge shift from being managed to managing yourself, and it catches even the most academically able students off guard.
“Most young people have very little experience of laundry, cooking, or basic life admin, and I’ve helped people through everything from how to empty a black bin, to laundry lessons about separating whites and colours.
“If I could give one piece of advice to parents, it would be to help their kids prepare for moving out by doing run-throughs before they leave. One wash, one shop, one meal cooked start to finish, and send them off with the essentials they need to thrive.”
Dr. Beckmann’s Golden Leaves promotion
This autumn, shoppers who purchase specially marked packs of Dr. Beckmann Laundry Detergent Sheets or Fabric Conditioner Sheets could find a Golden Leaf inside. Fifty lucky winners will each receive £1,000.
--ENDS--
Notes to editors
Research methodology
The young adult research was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Dr. Beckmann, polling 1,000 UK adults aged 18–30 who had moved out of home between 26 August and 2 September 2026.
Parent statistics are from a separate OnePoll survey of 1,000 UK parents of children aged 18–30 who had moved out or were planning to move out. The survey was conducted between 12 and 18 August 2026.
About Dr. Beckmann
Preserving value is the most sustainable way to look after products. This has been the guiding principle of Dr. Beckmann since the early 1980s, with highly effective specialist laundry care, stain removal and household cleaning products.
The brand is part of delta pronatura GmbH, a fourth-generation, owner-managed German family company based in Egelsbach near Frankfurt am Main. The company operates internationally through the Dr. Beckmann Group®, alongside brands including Carbona, Bullrich and fess’nett.
Website: https://www.drbeckmanngroup.com/