Appliance buying advice

What size washing machine do I need?

Choose the right drum capacity and check the fit for your kitchen.

Drum size

Capacity: The kg rating is the maximum dry laundry weight for a specified programme.
Your loads: Choose for how much and how often you wash, allowing space for bedding. Only go larger if you need it.
Programme limits: Quick, wool and delicate washes may take smaller loads than cotton programmes. Check the model’s programme table.

Appliance type: Freestanding washing machines and washer dryers are designed to stay visible. For a cupboard door, choose a compatible integrated model and check the cabinet, door and hinges. Similar dimensions alone do not confirm a fit.
Measure the opening: Check clear internal height, width and usable depth. For integrated models, measure behind the cupboard door, not the door itself.
Check full depth: Similar-width machines—even 8 kg and 9 kg models—can differ in depth. Quoted measurements may exclude projecting doors, handles or controls. Check what the exact model’s dimensions include.
Rear space: Allow the specified clearance for hoses, connections and ventilation.
Need help?: Bring your measurements, current model number and a photo. Browse our range for features, dimensions and availability.

Quick washes: Best for lightly soiled laundry. Use a full programme for heavier soiling or larger loads, following its load limit.
Avoid overloading: Do not pack clothes tightly. Overloading reduces movement, cleaning and rinsing, and repeated overloading strains the drum, bearings, suspension and motor.
Eco cycles: Lower temperatures and controlled water use allow longer washing with less energy spent heating water. Eco 40–60 is for normally soiled cotton labelled washable at 40°C or 60°C; it is not a guaranteed sustained 60°C wash.

More washing & care advice

Short, cool washes: Used correctly, quick washes are not inherently damaging. Frequent cool washes without maintenance, excess detergent and trapped moisture can lead to residue, mould and smells. A 30°C wash can suit everyday laundry but does not replace machine cleaning.
Eco temperatures: Heating the same amount of water from 15°C to 40°C takes less energy than heating it to 60°C. Eco savings are not simply slower heating, and there is no fixed 60°C–40°C reheating cycle. Follow your manual for a specific temperature or hygiene result.
Maintenance washes: Use a normal 60°C cotton wash for suitable laundry when care labels allow. For empty-drum cleaning, use Drum Clean or a 90°C cotton cycle only where the manual permits, following its cleaner instructions. Aim for at least three maintenance cleans yearly, or more if recommended. Eco 40–60 is not a substitute.
Door seal: Remove debris from the folds, then wipe and dry the rubber. Leave the door and detergent drawer ajar between washes where safe.

Dosing: Soft water generally needs less detergent. Follow packet guidance for hardness, load and soiling. Excess detergent or softener can cause foam and poor rinsing; avoid extra splashes and never exceed the drawer’s maximum line.
Powder, liquid or pods: We recommend measured powder or liquid for soft water and smaller loads so the dose is adjustable. Pods are not automatically too strong: follow their load, dosing and placement instructions. Never cut or split a pod.

Common mistakes & simple checks

Shaking after installation: Transit bolts must be removed before use. Keep them for future transport, and have the machine levelled correctly. Ask the installer if unsure.
A quick wash is not always a full load: Check the programme’s own weight limit. A large drum does not mean the shortest cycle can wash it full.
Foam or poor rinsing: Check the detergent dose against load size, soiling and water hardness. Extra detergent does not mean cleaner clothes.

Follow your exact model’s manual. If a problem continues, contact the shop with the model number and any error code.

Sources & manuals

For fitting, programme limits and clearances, follow the instructions for your exact model.