The 12 best washing machines you can buy in 2022

When it comes to stain-busting, this very competitively-priced 9kg Hotpoint machine is a powerhouse.

Its clever Active Mousse technology mixes the detergent with water before it even touches your laundry and the result is clothes that are squeaky clean from the inside out.

It has every program you'd expect from a top-end washing machine and one of our favourites is the Steam Hygiene cycle, which uses steam to remove 99.9% of the most common bacteria from your wash load.

Despite its superior cleaning, it's also energy efficient and constantly monitors the amount water used and the length of cycle. The Rapid Green option lets you customise each program to reduce energy consumption.

Another nifty extra is the Final Care program, which keeps your wash fresh for up to six hours after a cycle has ended if you don't have time to unload right away.

For a washing machine with major cleaning power and an excellent-value price tag, it doesn't get much better than the Hotpoint NM11 945.

Capacity: 9kg Max spin speed: 1400 rpm Energy rating: B Hand wash cycle: Yes

How do I choose a washing machine?

Capacity / drum size:

Consider the size of your household and how many loads of washing you do to choose a capacity to suit your needs.

Capacities tend to range between 5kg and 12kg but you likely won't need the upper end of that scale unless you're washing for a very large family.

Energy consumption:

Energy ratings are also important: most home appliances in the UK will be rated A+ or above, but you can still aim for A+++ (the highest rating) if you want to cut down on your electricity bill.

Since March 2021, this system has had an overhaul and new models are also being rated on a simple scale from A to G.

Features, programmes and spin speed:

Ensure the machine you choose suits your needs in terms of the programmes you usually use - such as hand wash or quick wash programmes - and the spin speeds you'd ideally like.

Also, look out for special features that might make your life easier such as  Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to monitor your cycles from your phone.

Types of washing machines explained

Freestanding washing machines

Freestanding washing machines aren't integrated or incorporated into an in-built kitchen.

A freestanding machine usually just sits under a kitchen worktop or against a wall.

Integrated washing machines

An integrated washing machine will be completely hidden in the kitchen - it will have a kitchen cupboard door on the front so it's not visible at all.

To achieve this, integrated washing machines are designed differently from conventional freestanding machines.

Semi-integrated washing machines

A semi-integrated washing machine also has the cupboard door on the front but you can still see the control panel at the top of the machine.

Washer-dryers

A washer-dryer is a washing machine and a tumble dryer in one.

Although it seems like a no-brainer to combine these two machines into one, studies have shown that washer dryers are often less reliable than traditional separate washing machines and tumble dryers.

Washing machine programmes and features explained

Quick wash: Many machines offer a quick wash programme that takes less than 30 minutes.

Economy: An economy cycle lowers the washing temperature to help reduce energy consumption.

Hand wash: A gentle programme at a low temperature and minimum spin speed to avoid damage to delicate items.

Hot wash: Usually at 60 degrees or higher for clothes with tough stains that often have higher levels of bacteria.

Extra rinse: This will add another rinse cycle to ensure as much dirt and detergent is rinsed out of your clothes as possible, which can be particularly useful if your skin is sensitive to laundry detergent.

Delay start: If you wish to set your washing machine to start later you can 'delay start'  - for example if you don't want it to be noisy while you have a baby napping in the daytime.

Smart control: Smart washing machines can be connected to WiFi and you can then control your machine from your phone or home technology such as Alexa or Google Home.

Sensor technology: Some new washing machines have load sensors so the amount of water and cycle time can be adjusted based on the weight of the laundry in the drum.

What brand of a washing machine is the most reliable?

Which? Magazine has a for washing machines and found that Miele, Samsung, LG, Bosch and Siemens came out on top for dependability.

However, you should expect a machine that works properly whichever brand you buy. In most cases, you're entitled to a minimum two-year manufacturer warranty when you purchase a new washing machine.

Some brands will offer extended warranties when you buy for further peace of mind.

How to wash trainers in a washing machine 

Forget smelly trainers caked in mud, a quick soapy spin in the washing machine will get your shoes looking brand new again, but it's best to follow these rules: firstly, get your trainers prepped by removing laces and any loose insoles.

Scrub away any surface dirt with a brush and some cold water, pop your trainers and laces into a wash bag and put them in the machine.

To avoid your trainers banging against the drum and damaging your machine (and making a major racket at the same time), put some towels into the machine as well.

To prevent colours fading, go for a cold cycle – the coldest one you can find.

Once washed, don't dry trainers on the radiator or in a tumble dryer as the heat can damage them.

Instead, pop them out in the sun to air dry.

How long do washing machines last? 

According to the the average lifespan of a machine has dropped from over 10 years to just under seven years.

Sadly, it's now not unusual for cheaper appliances to last only a few years.

To make sure your machine lasts longer, get one that is adapted for your needs.

For example, if you're buying a machine for a family of five and you need to do a wash every day, it's better to spend a little more and opt for one that will have more Mean Time Til Failure (MTF).

The lowest grade of washing machine will have an MTF of 600 hours while the highest will easily exceed 10,000 hours of use.

How do you clean a smelly washing machine? 

There are a few things you can do to clean your machine if it starts to pong.

According to consumer group Which?, to stop odours building up in the drum you should run a service wash - a very hot wash without any clothes - every month.

Make sure you also give your seal a quick wipe clean with a damp cloth if dirt starts to build up, as it can turn into mould.

Don't forget to also wash out the detergent drawer. In order to do this, you'll need to remove the drawer after a wash and wipe clean its entirety, including its housing.

Lastly, clean the filter regularly. It can usually be found at the front of the machine on the bottom right-hand side.

All you'll need to do is drain any excess water using the hose and use a shallow tray to catch the water.

How to disconnect a washing machine 

Whether you're moving house or getting rid of an old washing machine before a new one turns up, chances are you'll need to know how to disconnect a washing machine at some point.

Firstly, pull the machine out so you can access the back connections.

Turn off the hot and cold water valves that supply the machine – these are usually located on the wall and are coloured red and blue.

Unplug the washing machine to disconnect power then place a bucket under the hose connections.

Remove the hot and cold water hoses from the back of the machine and from the wall, then disconnect the drain hose.

Your washing machine is now ready to be moved.