3 best washing machines that make cleaning your clothes affordable and efficient

FAQs washing machines

Things to consider when buying a washing machine

A washing machine is a big purchase for most, so we understand you don’t want to dive in unprepared. So, before you start shopping, make sure you know what you’re after.

Energy efficiency and water use: Check the energy label of the washing machine for its energy efficiency rating, ranging from A to G (previously the rather more confusing A+++ to D), but do keep in mind this says nothing about its water use. So don’t purchase a washing machine based on this rating alone. All washing machines should come with this label, which also shows the KWh usage and how many litres of water it uses per year.

Drum capacity: If your clothes can’t move around properly, they’re not washed as thoroughly as they should be. Overloading your machine can also affect its performance, so be mindful of the capacity of your drum and the size of your load. The average washing machine can hold around 7-8kg, but there’s also options for 6kg which are ideal for those washing four times a week or less and want quicker cycles. For large, active families a bigger 10kg drum capacity might work better, being ideal for around six washes a week and allowing you to do less, bigger loads rather than extra, smaller loads – thus saving on energy.

Spin speed: The spin cycle works to remove as much excess water from the load as possible. The normal speed for a washing machine is about 1200rpm to 1400rpm. Overall, you don’t really need to worry about spinning speed too much. This is really only of importance when washing delicate fabrics, such as silk, where you’d ideally want to change your settings to a lower spin speed (sometimes even as low as 400rpm).

Wash settings available: Washing machines come with all types of special settings nowadays, and most of them you’ll probably rarely ever use. The most important ones to look out for are: quick wash (good for small loads of lightly soiled clothes), cotton (a hotter, more aggressive setting specially for this fabric), synthetics or easy care (ideal for polyester), delicate (the machine equivalent for hand washing), sports clothes and easy iron for less creasing.

How to maintain a washing machine

There’s some things you can do to make the most of your machine and make sure it lasts a long time. Show it a little love every now and then with these tips and trics.

Firstly, how do you clean your washing machine? You’ll need to do a maintenance wash every now and then, meaning you do a deep-clean cycle with some cleaning solution to rinse the machine of bacteria, stains and mould that might’ve been building over long-term use. You can tell it’s time for a wash when you see little spots building behind the seal of the door.

All you need to do is make sure the machine is empty, add the special washing machine cleaning product and then start the cotton cycle on the hottest possible temperature. The detergent drawer can be cleaned by simply removing and washing in the sink, while the filter – located at the bottom of the machine – should be removed and rinsed with hot water about every four to six weeks.

What are the different types of washing machines?

There are lots of different washing machine types out there, all catering to different homes and requirements. They’re either top-loading o front-loading. Top-loading washing machines have a door on the top, and aren’t as common anymore. Front-loading machines have a door on the front that opens for you to dump your laundry in. They’re usually more energy-efficient and can handle bigger loads.

Integrated washing machines: These washing machines are designed to be built into the cabinetry of your kitchen or utility room. They’re usually front-loading machines and help save you space, plus look minimalistic and out of the way.

Free-standing washing machines: Pretty explanatory, free-standing washing machines are washing machines that can be placed anywhere with access to plumbing. They offer more versatility in terms of positioning.

Stackable washing machines: These are washer and driers that are stacked on top of each other. Think of the old-school launderette or your university halls.

Smart washing machines: These are the most modern (and usually most expensive) type of washing machine. They let you control your washes from your phone and keep an eye on them using an app.

The verdict: Washing machines

Out of a round-up of extremely impressive washing machines, we’ve decided to name the Indesit washing machine our best buy. While there’s no doubt that some of the higher end machines, such as the Samsung WW10M86DQOA, have fancier features and higher specifications, we felt that Indesit’s washer did everything the average household could need it to, fantastically well. Larger households may need to look for a machine with a bigger maximum load, but for many users, we think the Indesit will turn out to be the ideal washing machine.

Try our pick of the best clothes steamers or the best steam irons to keep your clothes smooth and crease free