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The best washing machines for fresh, clean clothes
Which is the best washing machine to buy? It’s important to choose well. The right washing machine or washer-dryer will make laundry less of a chore, keep your clothes smelling fresh and help lower your electricity bill, which is more important than ever in the current climate. (For another way to make laundry easier, read our guide to the best heated clothes airers.)
But what should you look for? We asked the experts. “The first thing I would say is buy cheap, buy twice,” says washing machine repair engineer Stephen Neale, also known by his moniker the Spin Doctor. “If I go to repair a machine and I can’t fix it for whatever reason, I tell customers to go for a high-end brand but a mid-range model, as the most expensive ones have features you won’t end up using, but you’d be lucky to get five years out of the cheap brands.”
Lauren Clark, large appliances expert at AO, agrees that the main advantage of top-of-the-range washing machines is smart tech: “They have Wi-Fi connection via a smartphone and more technologically advanced programmes such as auto-dosing, steam washing, allergy cycles or quirky features such as slots to add items to the wash even after the cycle has started.” These are nice to have, if your budget stretches to it, but as Clark says, “there are plenty of great entry-level models available.”
To help you out, I’ve asked Neale, Clark and buying experts from Robert Dyas and John Lewis to recommend the best washing machines below and there are some answers to frequently asked questions too. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at their top five:
The best washing machines: At a glance
How long should a washing machine last?
“Generally speaking, you should expect it to last between seven and 12 years,” says Louise Lee, buying manager at Robert Dyas. “To make it last as long as possible, avoid overloading it and clean it regularly, including the filters.”
Becca Hargrove, category lead for large electricals at John Lewis, adds: “Make sure there is always enough room at the top of the drum to push your hand in and pat down your laundry.”
In terms of other tips for extending longevity, Hargrove says: “Every so often, I clean my own washing machine door seal and detergent drawer with an old toothbrush and wipe them clean to stop product building up there. And I’d also recommend carrying out an empty high temperature boil wash occasionally to flush out any accumulated dirt in the pipes.
“If you live in a hard water area, it’s a good idea to use an appliance descaler from time to time, too. This will really help to clean your clothes better, keep your machine in great condition, and make it last longer.”
How I chose the best washing machines
I spoke to buyers at AO, Robert Dyas and John Lewis about the washing machines they rate most highly, and asked how they choose which washing machines to sell at their retailers.
There are three deciding factors: drum size, which should match the amount of laundry you expect to wash each time; energy rating, which tells you how much it will cost to run; and spin speed, which determines how dry your clothes will be at the end of a wash.
You can find more advice from our experts in the frequently asked questions section at the bottom of this page.
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