Birmingham City University in Britain is teaching students how to wash their clothes - not as part of their studies, but because many of them cannot do it.

It says 60% of new students have 'rarely' or never' done their own washing.

The findings contrast sharply with 68%, who say they can cook 'well or very well'.

The college is offering lessons in how to work a washing machine, sorting your clothes by colour, setting the right the water temperature, using detergent and how to read the instructions on labels.

The university's guide to a good wash | Image: Birmingham City University

They also advise to check to see if your pockets are empty, before turning on the machine.

Assistant director of student services at the university, Sian Howarth, said: "It's good that programmes like The Great British Bake Off and Masterchef have helped young people to know their bed of celeriac from their apricot jus, but the domestic chores like washing clothes still need to be done."

"From the survey findings it looks like the dull but necessary tasks might not have been allocated equally in all households, but now is the time to learn," she added.