Last week I had to replace the washing machine because the old one didn't work anymore.

The old model was an Electrolux Rex Jetsy with these specifications:

• load capacity: 6 kgs.
• maximum spin speed: 1200 RPM (revolutions per minute)
• energy class: A
• front load
• led display
• very simple programs' setting
• colour: silver
• cycle duration/water and power comsumption proportional to the load
• pre-wash option
• extra rinse option
• delayed start

Not bad for a washer I bought 19 years ago!! During its long life, this excellent appliance has never had any problems, except for an episode about two years ago: a limescale blockage prevented the washing machine from filling with water. The technician, a very kind man, solved the problem, charging me only a few euros.

So last week I called the same technician to be sure that the washing machine was definitively broken before we got rid of it. It turned out that the problem was within the motherboard so it wasn't worth trying to fix it.

Instead of buying a new washing machine online or at some random store, I went to the shop where a friend of mine works. He suggested to me to buy a refurbished washing machine (it's not a brand-new model but the pieces inside are guaranteed). He showed me a Siemens-brand machine and he offered me a 1 year guarantee. The price was only 150 euros, so we made the deal!

I've been using it for over a week and I must say I'm satisfied. It has the same features as the old one and, in some respects, it's even better. For example:

• the energy class (A+++) is better
• it's water-saving (as all the new machines are)
• the spin cycle is more silent (the old one had consumed shock absorbers)
• the load capacity is up to 7 kgs. (more than enough for our needs)
• it has a powerful program (turbo wash) that allows the same effective results in less time
• it has an ecological program (eco wash) that is the most energy-saving

Maybe it's not the top brand (I heard good things about "Hotpoint" and about the German company "Miele"), but it's OK and works well.

The old one was better for the design and, obiously, for its extraordinary longevity! I think that, year after year, many household appliances are not built to last, ensuring that they have to be replaced more often.

To conclude I must say that this record longevity might have been possible because we are a small family (we were a family of three until last year, now we are only two of us left because my husband's dauther moved out and got a place with her boyfriend) and we don't have pets. It's probably also because I add an anti-limescale product to the detergent every time (mostly because in my region we have very calcium-rich water from the tap).

And what about you? How are you getting on with your washing machines? What's their average longevity? Do you take care of them (adding an anti-limescale product every time and cleaning the filter on a regular basis)?

Now I'll say goodbye to you because I have to do a load of laundry!