A study to mark the first ever National Quiet Day has revealed the washing machine as the biggest noise-nuisance appliance in the UK home.
In a national survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by Whirlpool to highlight the problem of noise in UK households, it was discovered that over 47% of people consider the washing machine to be the noisiest kitchen appliance, and nearly a quarter of people felt that the most annoying noises happen in the home.
The first ever National Quiet Day took place on Wednesday September 14, and recognised the importance of setting aside time from the noisy hustle and bustle of modern life to seek a little sanctuary in silence.
Queen Mary University professor of psychiatry Stephen Stansfeld said: “There is increasing evidence from research that the ubiquitous exposure to environmental noise is bad for our health. Not only annoyance and sleep disturbance but also effects on blood pressure and heart disease.
“At the same time the importance of quiet is underestimated; in a busy world quiet and tranquillity may have beneficial effects on our stress levels and wellbeing. Psychological restoration through being in quiet surroundings can relieve annoyance and stress and lead to better overall health.”
In order to respond to the increasing need for quieter living, Whirlpool developed noise-reducing technology in its washing machines, with its ZENTechnology in the Quiet Mark-endorsed Supreme Care machines operating a 68 decibel spin cycle.
Whirlpool senior brand manager Jennifer Taylor commented: “The home should be the sanctuary, a place where the noise and commotion of daily life can be left behind, and a spinning washing machine that sounds like an aeroplane taking off, is exactly the last thing that people want to have to put up with in their homes. National Quiet Day was the perfect opportunity to evaluate the importance of quiet in our lives, as we see more and more people choosing quiet appliances for their homes, and the Whirlpool Supreme Care range of quiet washing machines offers the ultimate in appliance relaxation.”
Other irritating noises in the poll of 2,000 people included noisy neighbours, barking dogs and car alarms, with snoring seen as the most bothersome noise overall, with over 61% of people finding it annoying.
