An ablutionary appliance such as a mixing valve has an actuator (102) that projects from a fascia (106) of a casing in an operative position in which the actuator (102) is manually rotatable to control the mixing valve. The actuator is retained in an inoperative position within the casing in which a front surface (104) of the actuator (102) is substantially flush with the fascia (106) and moves to the operative position when released. A blade formation (110) is pivotally mounted in the actuator (102) and extends from the side wall (108) of the actuator (102) in the operative position. The blade formation (110) enhances the user's grip of the actuator (102) in the operative position. The blade formation (110) is withdrawn into the actuator (102) when the actuator is returned to the inoperative position and is extended when the actuator moves to the operative position.