Horse Chestnut Soap? Part One...

 The weekend was wet and windy, it finally cleared up on Sunday afternoon so I took the kids out to hunt for conkers and to blow off some steam. 

The tree in a field near us had none on them so we went to a friends to see what we could find.  

New Washing Machine Needed - Advice Please!

I've had the washing machine on it's back so many times over the last month that the wife thinks we're having an affair! 

But believe me when I say that these aren't amorous advances and a quick fondle over the kitchen worktop. 

It's just the bloody thing keeps breaking down.

It's mainly to do with it draining, the machine spins the washing but nothing is dry. I've had it apart, removed blockages, and put the ball float back in place (which doesn't stay there long) - but I think after 9 years of service I'm going to admit defeat and invest in a new one, not the ideal time for us to be doing this but then when is?

This machine has a number of problems anyway for our large family, it doesn't spin fast enough so clothes are damper than they would be out of another machine and it doesn't have a huge capacity drum meaning I end up doing at least wash a day if not many more over a week 

I like the look of the large drum, high capacity machines that are energy efficient (although I don't the prices!). I'm hoping that less washes and a higher spin would make life slightly easier.

Does anyone have any recommendations when it comes to washing machines for a young family? Or should I just persevere with my washing machine affair?