Buying a washing machine, a beginner's guide

Washing machines
Buying the right washing machine will not ensure a great life after divorce but it's good way to start.  Choose a front loader if your washing machine is to go under a counter top. Compact machines are available for homes short on space or for those who only require a small wash facility.

Make sure that you measure the space available for your washing machine carefully before you order one. The standard width is of a machine is 600mm.  All washing machines can be plumbed into a water supply and drainage, so it's important to site the machine close to these services.

Washing programmes
The number of programmes on a machine will vary depending on the sophistication of the model.  To be honest the less programmes the machine has the better.  You really don't want anything but the basic stuff unless you have lots of silk underwear so you will want a 'delicates' programme.

Some machines have variable temperature controls so that you can set a load that is not very soiled at 30°C rather than 40°C.  Lots of machines also have an economy setting which will automatically reduce the wash temperature without reducing the length of the cycle.  These are good thing as they save energy and reduce cost. 

Beware!
This lovely photograph of washing is a tad misleading as it breaks the fundamental rule of washing - never mix strong colours with whites.  In this case a totally pink set of whites may well be the result!

Back to washing programmes
Nearly all washing machines have a rinse/hold facility which will hold the garments in the final rinse water prior to spinning thereby reducing the likelihood of creasing if you are not at hand to unload the machine.  All machines can drain water without a spin cycle in case you have something that needs to be drip dried or you need to rescue something from the drum such as a pair of red knickers mixed up with your best white t-shirt.

Spin speed
The majority of washing machines have two spin speeds; 1000-1800 rpm for cottons and 400-800 rpm for synthetics and delicates.  Most machines automatically select the spin speed based on the chosen programme but on some models you can select the spin speed independently of the programme.

Choose a machine with a high spin speed, 1600 rpm is good, especially if you are likely to use a tumble dryer regularly as you will use less energy extracting water in a spin cycle than tumble drying.

Price
Washing machines can be bought very cheaply but if you have a family or someone in the household who insists on wearing something only once before they want it washed then your washing machine is going to be your hardest working appliance.

Buy the best one you can afford. The very best brands will give you good service even if they cost more initially you will save money on expensive repairs and will they be more energy efficient and use less water – important if you have a meter. 

Washer dryers
If you do not have the space for a separate washing machine and tumble dryer a washer dryer is a practical solution. Washer dryers have the usual functions of a washing machine but are limited in their drying function because of the size of the drum which will normally, but not always, restrict you to drying half the wash load at one time.  Not very practical and really not worth bothering with.