Fairy given a rinsing by concerned councillor over its latest advert
Mags MacLaren says company’s advice raises fire risk
A politician has warned of potential fire risks after a controversial TV advert appeared to endorse hazardous practices.
Paisley councillor Mags MacLaren says the Fairy dishwasher tablets promo seems to suggest allowing the machines to run overnight and has vowed to report the company to the Advertising Standards Authority.
The ad has been blasted by the SNP politician, who sits on Renfrewshire Council’s Police, Fire and Rescue Sub Committee.
The Paisley Northwest councillor said: “The implication from the TV advert for Fairy dishwasher tablets is that you should run your dishwasher overnight, but this could lead to electrical fires within homes when people are asleep.”
Councillor MacLaren says her role on the committee, which handles direct reports and feedback from the emergency services, means she is fully aware of the dangers of using electrical appliances in the kitchen when unattended.
The offending advert, which promotes Fairy Platinum Plus, claims using a dishwasher saves water versus hand-washing as only 12 litres are used per eco cycle.
But crucially, the popular brand - owned by detergent giant Procter and Gamble - claims washing by hand uses the same amount of water in two minutes as a dishwasher does in a whole cycle, prompting the company to recommend running the dishwasher every night, regardless of whether it’s full.
The ad has already prompted a backlash from fire service personnel, with the Devon and Somerset Brigade warning it goes directly against its advice.
Councillor MacLaren added: “The advert for these dishwasher tablets goes against the advice by all fire and rescue services that everyone in your household could be put in danger as dishwashers – as well as tumble driers and washing machines – can cause electrical fires.
“Such equipment should only be used when you are awake and at home.”
The councillor continued: “I’ve contacted the Advertising Standards Authority regarding my concerns over this advert and would encourage everyone to ignore the sales pitch by Fairy which could cost you your home or your life.
“Fairy claims that running a dishwasher at night is environmentally friendly, but what use is that if your house – and potentially everyone in it – burns down?”
Her concerns were echoed by Bruce MacFarlane, SNP candidate for Paisley Southeast at May’s council elections, who said: “I was appalled when I first saw the advert and contacted Councillor Mags MacLaren for advice as I knew of her role on the Police and Fire and Rescue sub-committee.
“I’m delighted that Mags has contacted the Advertising Standards Authority.
“Her experience and knowledge highlights the teamwork we have within the SNP group which I am hope to join after the election.
“If people were to follow the implications within that advert, it could cost them their home or much worse. The advert has to be stopped.”
Fairy claims that running a dishwasher at night is environmentally friendly, but what use is that if your house burns down?
Councillor Mags MacLaren