smol's suds in schools.

25 Jun 2025

Want to learn all about the smol Suds in Schools programme?

How it works, why it matters, and how you can support this grassroots initiative helping families across the UK?

Well you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get you all caught up…

what is Suds in Schools?

Suds in Schools is smol’s ongoing initiative to tackle hygiene poverty where it impacts children the most: in their education.

We install free-to-use washing machines in UK schools and supply smol laundry capsules throughout the year at no cost, so families in need can access clean school uniforms without stigma, shame, or stress.

It all started in 2021, when we teamed up with our long-time partner, The Hygiene Bank, to pilot our first in-school laundry site. Since then, the idea has grown into a national programme across the UK. And we’re just getting started.

“The very first Suds in Schools happened in Blackpool with one of our projects. smol donated the washing machine, and all the detergent. That pilot’s now been replicated across the UK with over 100 machines in place.”

Amy Harris, Head of Brand and Corporate Partnerships, The Hygiene Bank

why it matters.

Hygiene poverty isn’t just about toiletries, it’s also about not being able to wash clothes. It affects families everywhere, including those in work, and it can have a serious impact on children’s education and wellbeing.

Children without access to clean uniforms are more likely to be bullied, miss school, and suffer from low self-esteem. As one teacher put it:

“It makes me feel for them as they have to fend for themselves and go through so much more just to get to school in the morning compared to other people, and then would be made fun of for little things.”

We knew we had to do something. And as a laundry brand, we were in a unique position to help, not just with detergent, but with the machines themselves.

what schools are saying.

Unsurprisingly, the Suds in Schools sites are making a real impact.

“The machine is used daily and has become an essential element in our welfare provision for our learners.”

"Very grateful for the machine. It is used regularly by both staff and parents. We do coffee mornings to encourage parents to get over the thoughts of using it."

"I hope you could see what a positive impact the washing machine has already had at our school, and we plan to encourage more opportunities for families to make the most of this resource."

how YOU can support Suds in Schools.

So the work goes on. And while our original Crowdfunder campaign helped us get started, the need for new sites is still growing and our fundraising page remains open for anyone who wants to donate at any time.

“I believe there’s so much we can accomplish together. We want to keep raising awareness and sparking conversations, particularly around the idea that hygiene is a basic human right, not a luxury.”

Ruth Brock, CEO, The Hygiene Bank

But it’s not always about donating and there are other ways you can help too: