Points to consider re:-The purchase of a new washing machine. This may sound a silly title and purpose for a Hub Page but believe me an efficient and economical washing machine can save you:-

• Time
• Money
• Energy

IN THE PAST

When I was a child my Mum had a washing machine that had a hand operated mangle or clothes wringer on the top. This was what she used to wring out the laundry, so that it would be dry enough to hang on the line to complete the drying process. No such thing as a tumble drier let alone a spin drier.

She did have an old defunct dolly tub, in the back yard, which she would use occasionally for such items as my Dad's filthy work clothes. He worked on a building site, and the cement and dust, was deemed to harsh for our modern electric washing machine.

In time she purchased a separate spin drier, to work along side her washing machine and which put her a cut above neighbours. She thought this was the bees knees. Ultimately Dad purchased a twin tub washer and Mum was in seventh heaven. A twin tub had a washing machine at one side and a spin drier at the other. At the time this was the height of labour saving as far as laundry went but most of us these days would class it as labour intensive.

MY FIRST WASHING MACHINE.

When I first married in 1972 I had a twin tub washing machine. It was purchased for the grand sum of £1, second hand, which included the delivery charge. It last nearly five years by which time things had moved on and automatic washing machines were more common place and much cheaper.

However my twin tub was a pain in the bum. I worked full time and each Saturday the Twin Tub was dragged out into the middle of my tiny kitchen and filled with water. The machine's heater was turned on to keep the water hot and my Saturday chore began. The washing took pretty much all day even though there was only two of us.

Each load needed to be lifted into the spinner, spun and then hung out to dry. Winter was a nightmare and I would have wet laundry all over the house, in an attempt to get it dry. After the final load was washed and spun the machine needed emptying, rinsing, cleaning and drying before moving back into its storage place.

Of course, to previous generations these machines were wonderful, but not to me.

MY FIRST AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINE

Of course there is no such thing really as an Automatic washing machine. The user still has to separate the laundry, fill the machine, add the washing powder and the like, but to me it was bliss. In common with many other people, at the time, this new washing machine was fascinating to me. The first maintenance wash with simply powder added, to remove manufacturing dirt, was wonderful. I practically sat and watched the whole cycle complete.

The advantages, though, with an automatic machine soon proved to me so many.

• Less space was needed
• You could leave the machine running and get on with something else, or even go out.
• Clothes were cleaner and smelled so much better.
• Each load of laundry received fresh clean water.
• The laundry spun more and less wet.
• You could wash a small load, which was not viable with a twin tub.
• The machine filled and emptied itself. Well with little input.
• It saved time. Gone were those whole Saturdays spent washing. Now I could use the washing machine as often as I liked, any day off the week. Quick as flash the laundry was twirling around inside my machine and would sit patiently in there waiting for me to un load it.

And more..........

So for those of you who did not already know, doing the laundry has come a long way in the last 60 years or so. For me, just in those 37 years of marriage, this chore has become much easier. Laundry still require some input but on the whole this is minimal these days.

Of course, with all of the advances in such technology, the choice becomes almost endless and a difficult one to make. Should you buy an automatic washing machine that has a tumble drying facility also? Should you buy one that has the largest drum capacity available?

And more......

So much will depend on You, Your household members, Your home, Your way of life, what is important to you and the money you have available for purchase. Here are a few hints and tips which will hopefully help you to purchase the perfect machine for you.

ADVICE

BRAND

The manufacturer's name is important to me when I purchase an automatic washing machine. Normally I am not one of those consumers who are brand conscious but I am in this case. Perhaps it because over the years some brands have proved themselves better than others.

My worst performing automatic washing machine was my first purchase which was a cheap Indesit model. Its working life was all too brief and the bill for necessary repairs meant this option was not viable. Still you live and learn. My best performing machine was a Zanussi. However you have to bear in mind that, over the years, the ownership of companies may change. This means that a brand which you think you know quite well, may only retain its original name and really be a totally different company.

Good washer brands in the UK, to my mind, currently are Smeg, LG and I would still say Zanussi, now called Zanussi Electrolux. This means that it is essential that you:-

Do your research before purchase.

TYPE OF MACHINE

Decide whether you want a straightforward machine or one with a combined Tumble Drier. When these combi-washers were made they could be problematic. The drying facility would often wear out quickly. Also whichever needed repair would prevent the other function working. I understand that these days these combi-washers are much better and have a good working life. Although the machines are sometimes a little larger overall a combi-washer will take up less space than a separate washing machine and tumble dryer.

However Tumble Driers do use a lot of power and in these energy conscious days most of us try to limit there use. For one thing tumble drying will increase your energy bill. If you live in a wet climate and have a large family, or maybe wear a uniform for work, a tumble drying facility could be essential.

SPECIFICATION

White Goods these days are energy rated. The higher the rating the more energy efficient the machine will be and overall this will make it cheaper to run. In the UK the most efficient models are rated A +++. The more pluses the better. Lower rated machines may be an F or a G.

Lower rated machines tend to be cheaper to buy however bear in mind that, in the long, run, they will cost you more. They will also cost the environment dearly.

The specification of each washing machine these days varies greatly. Much depends on your needs. These variations include:-

• Size of the drum. Larger drums will take a larger load. Many will easily accommodate a large Duvet. Aim for 6kg at least
• Spin Speeds available. The faster the spin speed the drier the laundry will be. For me 1600 rpm is minimum standard.
• Ease of operating. If you find it hard learning how to operate new appliances you need one that has easy to understand instructions and is easy to operate.
• Front or Top loader?. If you have mobility issues you may need to consider purchasing a top loading machine. Look at where the filter is located, for example. If these are at floor level they may cause you problems.
• Temperature selection. My new washer will wash at very high temperatures but will even wash in cold water. This is useful for use with modern fabrics and with energy conservation in mind.
• Colour. You can buy different colours of machine these days. The choice may not be large but it is there. However ,think carefully before you splash out on a bright red machine, that matches your decor. If the machine has a good life span it could look out of place well before it needs replacing.
• Wash cycles available. Most machines have far more wash cycles everything.anything. However if you want to use the appropriate washing cycle make sure that the machine has your needs covered.
• Delay wash. This function can be handy for those that like to set a timer for their wash to start when they are not at home. This can mean that the laundry is ready to take out in the morning, or when you return from work at night, for example.
• Economy options. Good machines these days offer you the option of selecting more economical washing cycles. Mine also offers a half load that uses less energy, wash powder and water.
• Noise levels. Some machines are still very noisy when in use. Others operate as quietly as a mouse. Check out the specification just to be sure.
• Check out the latest models. An older model may be a better price but make sure that it offers what you need. Later models may have the extras which you are looking for. I have read recently of waterless washing machines which are set to the next big thing.

SITING OF MACHINE

Do you want a freestanding washing machine or one that is an integrated part of your kitchen? You may want the machine to be fitted in a utility area or be enclosed with a matching kitchen unit door.

Think about your working area. It may be that your machine is best sited next to your kitchen wash basin. You may want to have a small laundry area set aside from your cooking area.

Bear in mind the logistics of the plumbing. If pipes are not already in place they will need fitting.

OVERALL SIZE OF THE MACHINE

This may sound obvious but it is often forgotten. It is not much good buying the perfect machine if you cannot get it through the door. Check the outside measurements of your new washing machine. Then make sure that it will fit where you want to site it. Also ensure that you have enough space in your kitchen or utility area to move the machine into place. Remember to check the measurements of you doorways.

RETAILER

There are so many retailers these days. With the current economic climate it is easy to bag a bargain. Usually on-line prices are better than those in the high street. However you need a reputable supplier, that will have an after sales service for any problems that may arise.

Use a Cash-back site in order to increase your savings.

PRICE

The most expensive machine is not always the best. You may be paying extra for gadgets that you will never use. Assess your requirements first and research the machines that fit your personal specification.

Having said that a very cheap machine may not have a very long working life.

Still try and stick within your budget, and be careful of taking out expensive loans which may mean that your machines costs far more in the long run.

EXTRAS

These could be:-

• Delivery charge
• Installation cost.
• Plumbing
• Removal of old machine.
• Insurance.

I used to always take out the product's insurance but do not these days. It is a chance you take. However the insurance is usually quite expensive and increases each year so make sure that you do not get stung.

FINALLY

With the machine sorted the next big hurdle is what product to use for washing. Once upon a time there were a couple of different washing powders. These days there are liquids, biological, non-biological, powders with added conditioner, sensitive powders and more. As far the brands go, endless springs to mind.