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Haven't we all been there. Your old washing machine has gone wrong and flooded the floor for the third time and the repair guy has taken a sharp intake of breath (or just laughed in my case) at the suggestion that he might like to repair it! So, you think that you will go and get another one instead but what washing machine do you go for? What can be so hard about choosing a new washing machine? Let's get down to the store quickly and buy one before the washing takes over the house.

Soon you are stood in front of rows of gleaming new machines. You wonder which one would be best for you. The salesman can smell your desperation and you just know he is going to try and sell you the most expensive one there. How can you avoid this situation? I have put together the following to help you think about what washing machine might suit you the best. Most people have a fixed idea about how much they want to spend so the next important decision is about what other features you want.

How often do you wash?

A simple enough question, but it will make a big difference to the questions that might follow. For example, if you do a lot of washing you might want to think about what washing machine is going to be more reliable rather than one that is 'all singing and all dancing' machine. Or, if you only do a couple of washes in a week or you live somewhere with no place to dry laundry, you might want to think about a combined washer/drier. More expensive machines seem to have more features and options, but are you ever going to use them?

Are you worried about the environment?

Some washing machines on the market offer short cycles or 'quick wash' (to save on energy.) Some of them offer half washes with only half the water normally used, all of which have less impact on the environment. To me, the short cycle is a blessing in many ways. With limited leisure time, the last thing I want to do is stay in because the washing machine hasn't finished! However, if your work means that you have a lot of dirty overalls or clothes, the short cycle is not good enough to get clothes really clean. It is wonderful for freshening up though.

Do you want a machine that is economical to run?

Check the energy rating. All machines have a sticker on the front which shows which level they have been judged at for economy. 'A' is the most economical, the further it is down the alphabet, the more electricity it will use and therefore the more expensive it is to run. Be warned however, I bought a washing machine that seemed to be economical to run, but when I started using it I found the normal wash was 2hrs long! There was no 'quick wash' cycle either. In one way I was saving money, but I wasn't saving any time. In my busy life, time is important for me. I should have paid more attention to what washing machine would wash the quickest instead of which one was the most economical.

I hope this helps you decide what washing machine suits you and I'm sure that you will think of more questions to ask (don't forget to think about the answers) ' the more the merrier in fact, as that way you will end up with the washing machine to suit you best.