There’s nothing like the steady rhythm of a busy Aussie household; school bags by the door and a load of laundry that never seems to stop multiplying. With kids and pets always on the move, our laundries have quietly become one of the busiest rooms in the house. So, when a major safety update rolls out across new washing machines in 2026, it’s worth knowing what’s changing before your next upgrade. From 2026, all new front load washing machines and washer-dryer combos sold in Australia and New Zealand must feature what’s commonly called a “2-button start”. It’s a small change to how a wash cycle begins; but it’s one that’s been designed to make laundry safer for families, without changing the convenience and quality outcome of your load. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into understanding: what is the “2 button start” rule, why it’s being introduced, which models are affected, and most importantly; why it matters. At Betta, we stock a wide range of 2026-compliant frontload washing machines and dryer-combos from a range of trusted brands including BEKO, CHIQ, EHP, Haier and more; so, you can wash with confidence and compliance. What is the 2-Button Start Washing Machine Feature? The new 2-button start feature didn’t appear overnight. It’s a thoughtful addition to laundry safety derived from an update to the Australian/New Zealand household washing machine safety standard (AS/NZS 60335.2.7:2020 Amendment 1:2024). In plain language, this update means that a compliant washing machine needs two deliberate actions to begin a wash cycle, rather than a single button press. This typically looks like selecting your cycle, then pressing a separate start button. It’s a tiny shift in how you kick off a load with a big payoff for safety. Importantly, the change is only about how a wash is initiated. It doesn’t change how well your machine washes, how long your cycles run, what programs you have to choose from, or any of the smart features you already rely on day-to-day. Why Has the 2-Button Start Been Introduced? The primary goal of the 2-button start initiative is to improve child safety across every Australian home and laundry room. Front load washers and washer-dryer combos are air-tight when their door is closed; that creates a real safety concern that top loaders simply don’t have. There have been incidents of young children climbing into the drum and accidentally starting a cycle, with serious consequences. By requiring two deliberate actions before the machine can run, the standard introduces a meaningful pause. It’s a small extra step for adults, but enough to make accidental starts far less likely in a busy family home. What Type of Washing Machine Does the 2-Button Start Apply To? It’s important to know that the new requirement only applies to certain machine types, not every laundry appliance on the showroom floor. So, here’s a quick look at where it does and doesn’t apply: Front load washing machines All new front load washing machines sold in Australia (as of 2026) must now meet the 2-button start requirement. Front loaders are the most popular washing machine type in modern Australian laundries, so this change covers the bulk of new washers being purchased. At Betta, our 2026-compliant front load range spans Fisher & Paykel, Hisense, LG, Samsung, TCL and more; so you can trust compliant appliances across the range. Washer-dryer combos Washer-dryer combos must also meet the new standard, since they share the same air-tight front load design. They’re a popular pick for apartments and smaller laundries, or for growing households who want one space-saving appliance instead of two. Betta’s combo range from LG, Samsung, Haier, Hisense and CHIQ now features 2026-compliant designs; so, you can enjoy the same quality, with more safety. What Washing Machine’s Aren’t Affected? As we’ve touched on, this new standard doesn’t apply to every laundry appliance. The requirement only focuses on washing machines that pose a high risk to child safety. As such, front loaders and washer-dryer combos are the only machines affected, because they’re the only ones with an air-tight drum that creates the safety risk this update was designed to address. That means if your laundry is built around a top loader, a twin tub, a stand-alone dryer or a similar set-up, there’s no compliance issue and nothing you need to do. Your existing machine will continue to work exactly as it always has. How Does the 2-Button Start Feature Work? The 2-button start is a simple yet effective measure that makes you pause and think by asking you to perform two separate and deliberate actions before a wash will begin. In practice, this usually means selecting a wash program first, then pressing a dedicated start button as a clear second step.That extra step takes only a moment for adults running a load, but it’s enough to stop a young child from kicking off a cycle by accidentally pressing a single button. It’s important to note that different manufacturers have implemented the feature in slightly different ways; some use a press-and-hold start while others use a two-touch sequence, yet the safety outcome is the same. Safer laundries, same results. Benefits of the 2-Button Start Safety Feature The biggest benefit of the 2-button start is peace of mind. For families with young children or visiting grandkids, knowing that washing machine can’t be set off by a single accidental press is a genuine load off your shoulders. However, beyond child safety, it also reduces the chance of unintended starts from everyday bumps, like leaning on the control panel while reaching for the laundry powder or a curious toddler swiping across the buttons. Best of all, it doesn’t compromise performance or usability; it simply adds another layer of safety, not a limitation. Other Safety Features to Look for in a Modern Washing Machine The 2-button start is one of several safety features worth keeping in mind when choosing your next washing machine. Modern models are packed with clever layers of safety and convenience for busy households like yours. These are just a few of our favourites: Child lock A child lock is designed to disable the control panel so settings can’t be changed mid-cycle. This is a quietly useful feature in family homes where curious little hands can reach the buttons. Door lock and auto door release A washing machine door lock keeps the drum sealed during a wash – so little hands (or impatient ones) aren’t able to disrupt the cycle. Some newer models also include an auto door release that pops the door open at the end of a cycle, improving drying and ventilation. Leak and anti-flood protection Many new washing machines include automatic leak detection and water shut-off, which is designed to protect your laundry and the surrounding rooms if something goes wrong. This is particularly important for apartments, helping to save the homes downstairs from an unexpected soak. Smart diagnostics and app alerts Wi-Fi connected washing machines can send real-time notifications straight to your smartphone, letting you know when a cycle ends or when the machine needs attention! This means you can go about your day with one less load to worry about. Brands like LG, Samsung, Haier and Hisense all offer popular app-connected models for convenience you can trust. Choosing the Right Washing Machine for Your Home The right washing machine for you really depends on the size of your household, the layout of your laundry, your usual load size, and how often the machine is running. Beyond the new 2-button start standard, it’s worth weighing up your laundry load capacity, wash program range, energy and water ratings, and how the noise levels can impact your day. For example, front loaders generally use less water and tend to be gentler on fabrics, while top loaders offer faster cycles and easier loading from up top. On the other hand, washer-dryer combos are designed to suit smaller homes, apartments, granny flats, or anyone who wants a single space-saving appliance instead of two. With a variety of benefits across the range, your decision comes down to your personal preference. Explore our full washing machine range from leading brands to find the machine that perfectly suits your home. Shop Washing Machines at Betta At Betta, we offer a wide range of laundry appliances built to meet the latest 2026 Australian safety standards. Our featured line-up includes a variety of the top trusted laundry brands including; BEKO, CHIQ, EHP, Fisher & Paykel, Haier, Hisense, LG, Samsung, TCL and more; each blending compliance with the everyday performance Aussie families can count on. From front load washers and washer-dryer combos through to top loaders and dryers, our laundry range accommodate every laundry layout and household size. Pop into your local Betta store for personalised advice or shop the full range online for fast home delivery; and get ready to lighten your load! Will I need to replace my older washing machine model? No, you don’t need to replace your existing machine. The 2-button start requirement only applies to new front load washing machines and washer-dryer combos sold from 2026 onwards. Which washing machines need the new 2-button start requirement in Australia? The 2-button start requirement applies to new front load washing machines and washer-dryer combos sold in Australia and New Zealand. Top loaders and twin tubs aren’t included, and neither are stand-alone dryers. Why have washing machine safety rules changed in 2026? The safety standard was updated to reduce the risk of young children accidentally starting an air-tight front load machine, including instances where children have climbed into the drum. As a result, the 2-button start adds a deliberate pause that helps to prevent accidental activation. Do top load washing machines need the 2-start button feature? No, top loaders aren’t subject to the new requirement. Since they aren’t air-tight in the same way as front loaders, they don’t pose the same safety risk that the update was designed to address. Are all new front load washing machines fitted with the 2-button start? Yes, all new front load washers and washer-dryer combos sold in Australia from 2026 onwards must include the 2-button start feature. At Betta, we stock a wide variety of compliant models from leading brands to suit. How do I use the 2-button start on my washing machine? You’ll typically select your wash cycle first, then press a separate start button as a deliberate second action. Some models use a press-and-hold start instead, so check your machine’s user manual for the exact steps.
