It's one of the most used items in our households, the humble washing machine is an item we can't afford to be without.
With the average age of a washing machine in the UK just over five years, EU environment ministers are welcoming the proposal of a new ‘right to repair’ scheme.
The proposed scheme will force manufacturers of small and large home appliances to make goods that last longer and are easier to repair.
Hopefully reducing the number of appliances that are sent to landfill when consumers inevitably replace ones that can't be fixed.
But if you do need a new machine there are plenty of new, energy efficient models now on the market - at all budgets.
Most modern machines also come with quick, easy wash settings that will save you time, money and water if used correctly - which is better for your bills and the environment in the long run.
Best washing machines for 2019
1. Miele WDB038WPS
Miele WDB038WPS
This Miele washing machine has a 7kg drum, so is great for large loads, but it's A+++ energy rating means it's efficient and more environmentally friendly.
It weighs each load and adjusts the settings to make sure you're using the right amount of water and energy for great results every time. Plus it's been tested for the equivalent of 20 years' use, so you know it's going to last.
Price: £649, John Lewis
2. BOSCH Serie 4 WAN28080GB
BOSCH Serie 4 WAN28080GB
Looking for a super smart machine? This is the one for you, the Bosch Series 4 is packed full of sensors to calculate exactly how much water is needed for each load, so water isn't wasted.
You can even postpone a wash so it's ready for the perfect time for you - no more sitting in the drum all night. Save the environment and your water usage with smart ActiveWater technology.
Price: £369, Currys
3. Zanussi Lindo300 ZWF01483WR
Perfect for large households, this Zanussi's generous 10kg drum means you can fit a lot in.
It showers your washing with 'Aquafall' technology to get the very best from your detergent, to thoroughly soak and clean your clothes. There's also a brush-less Invertor motor to make sure it does all this quietly.
Price: £329, A0
4. Hotpoint Activecare NM111045 WC AUK
The Hotpoint ActiveCare technology, is a 10 kg washing machine which is tough on stains and kind to clothes, taking care of laundry and removing more than 100 stains at just 20C.
They're big on stains, and keep your clothes looking better for longer. There's a motor which can power 10 different drum motions in a single wash, and Active Load which helps to take care of the wash time and how much water the washing machine uses per cycle. This keeps water and electricity usage to a minimum, while making sure the very best cleaning performance is achieved.
Price: £369.97, Appliances direct
5. Indesit My Time EWD71452W
The Indesit is great for medium sized households. There's six 'My Time' cycles to choose from too, all of which promise amazing results in less than an hour without damaging your clothes thanks to dedicated washes.
There's also 'Water Balance Technology' to weigh each load and adjust for a tailored wash.
Price: £219, Amazon BestHome Appliances
6. BEKO WTB1041R4A
BEKO-WTB1041R24JPG
This Beko washing machine is perfect for those with busy lives, with an extra large draw and drum clean function to keep your machine in optimum condition.
Not only that, it can quickly and efficiently wash a full load in only 28 minutes.
Price: £329, Currys
7. SAMSUNG QuickDrive WW6800
(Image: Samsung)
This Samsung machine combines a number of features to help you cleverly clean and tackle hard stains. The super speed setting means a daily load of laundry can be done in 39 minutes and QuickDrive technology reduces washing time by 50% and energy use by 20%.
It'll choose the right wash for you based on colour, fabric type and there's an AddWash door so you can add extra bits as it washes. All in all, a very smart washing machine.
Price: £699, Samsung
8. Bosch WAT28371GB
This Bosch washing machine is perfect for big households as it has a large load capacity of 9kg - and A+++ rating.
The EcoSilence revolutionary brushless motor has been designed for a powerful wash without using a lot of energy, and it is quiet and cheap to run.
There are also a number of clever features like the WaveDrum which 'gently agitates the water just enough to clean your laundry' and the Allergy+ function to make sure those with sensitive skin are looked after too.
Price: £419, John Lewis
9. AEG 8000 L8FEC946R
AEG 8000 L8FEC946R
This AEG washing machine is fast and efficient, but also makes sure it protects your clothes.
The ÖKOMix technology guarantees 'that every fibre is cleaned and cared for' by making sure 'every trace of detergent and softener is mixed with water, dissolving and activating it completely before it even enters the drum'.
The Anti Crease technology also helps you reduce ironing times by adding steam at the end of a wash cycle.
Price: £749, Amazon
Should your existing washing machine need repair, call us at RepairPro on 0800 779 7458 or Appliance repairs Bromley
NOTE: We claim no right or title to this article which appears in mirror dot co dot uk.