A utility room is much more than just a space for your appliances; when planned carefully, it will help your home run more efficiently. Essentials include a Belfast sink, plenty of storage, separate laundry baskets for whites and coloureds, and a place where the ironing board can be left up permanently to save you time. The utility room is also a good spot for bins for recycling.

WASHING

Machines are now packed with labour-saving technology. From intelligent programmable machines to which you can entrust the finest cashmere to foolproof four-button designs, there's never been a more extensive choice available.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT WASHING MACHINE
Remember that your washing machine gets used roughly 270 times a year, so it's worth choosing one with an excellent guarantee as it's a sure-fire sign that the company has faith in its own products. Miele designs all its machines to last a minimum of 20 years and offers lifetime guarantees on some parts. Gorenje and De Dietrich offer a five-year guarantee as standard, while companies such as AEG-Electrolux, John Lewis and Siemens offer two- and three-year guarantees.

CAPACITY
Standard under-counter washers measure H85xW60xD60cm and while traditionally a 4-5kg load capacity was considered spacious, there are now larger models, such as the Bosch Logixx WAS28760, around £669, that can squeeze in 8kg. In a utility room, dimensions will be less important so a large family could consider the 9kg-capacity LG F1402FDS5, £634, or the even bigger 10kg professional laundry Whirlpool HDW1011, around £650.

EFFICIENCY
Choosing the most efficient appliance makes sense, so look out for A-rated models. Washing machines are rated according to energy, wash and spin – a model that is labelled AAB, for example, is A-rated for energy and wash performance and has a B-rated spin cycle.

WASH PROGRAMMES
However many your machine has, programmes are split into four groups:
• Cottons
• Synthetics or Easy Care
• Delicates
• Woollens
According to Stefan Pichetta, Miele product manager for laundry, specialist programmes are worth paying extra for. “Choose a washing machine that can look after individual garments, from denim to silk, and your clothes will stay looking good for longer,” he says. “The best designs use just the right amount of water, spin and rhythm to get different fabrics perfectly clean.”

TEMPERATURE
Many modern laundry detergents can clean clothes at much lower temperatures, saving electricity and money. Turning the dial down to 30ºC will still get all but the dirtiest of clothes clean; Ariel's new concentrated Excel Gel is designed to be used at just 15ºC or even in cold water (but it isn't recommended for wool, silk or hand-washing).

According to Murray Simpson of the Textile Services Association, not all clothes should be cleaned cool. “Some garments should be washed at 70-90ºC in order to kill off any bacteria and germs,” he warns. “This is especially important for people washing their work uniforms at home – or items used in the kitchen, such as tea towels.”

USEFUL FEATURES
• Spin Speed - The faster the spin, the more water is removed from clothes. Look for 1,400rpm, 1,600rpm or 1,800rpm to help cut time on the washing line or energy use in the tumble dryer.
• Fuzzy Logic - Also known as Sensor Washing, this advanced technology monitors conditions during the wash and makes adjustments to get the best from the water and detergent. These machines are usually AAA rated on their energy, wash and spin performance.
• Quick Wash - Some cycles are super fast and can take just 14 minutes. These are ideal for a quick freshen-up of clothes, rather than the deep clean needed for grubby sports kits.
• Pre-Wash - For especially dirty fabrics, a pre-wash will help remove the majority of surface stains before the standard deep-clean cycle begins.
• Rinse Hold - A great way to avoid creases, this ensures the machine holds its contents in the final, clean rinse water before spinning them. When you are ready to unload, you can activate the final spin and remove your clothes from the machine immediately.
• Steam Cleaning - This is great for those suffering from allergies. Instead of clothes and bedding being just soaked in water, steam is injected into the fabrics, which improves the washing performance and removes more of allergens such as mites, pollen and pet hair. Steam particles penetrate garments more efficiently, so less water is needed to get the detergents working efficiently.


DRYING

CHOOSING A TUMBLE DRYER
• Vented models - These take the damp air produced by drying clothes and expel it through a wall vent or flexible hose hung from a window. They're the most affordable and use less energy than condensers.

• Condenser models - Moist hot air is cooled inside the machine and the water is collected in a reservoir, which you can empty, or goes straight into the drain. Spend as much as you can, as cheaper designs can still release damp air, which could cause mildew.

• Heat pumps - The most efficient way to dry inside. Working just like a fridge in reverse, these take heat from the air and use it to dry clothes. They can be positioned anywhere and use around 46 per cent less energy.

EFFICIENCY
There are A-rated heat pump designs that use half the energy of a condenser. Consider the AEG-Electrolux T59800, £599, and the Miele T8626WP EcoComfort, £1,000.

WASHER DRYERS
Remember to check the washing and drying capacities because they may be different. The Hotpoint Aqualtis has 6kg wash and 6kg dry load capacities and costs around £599.

DRYING CABINETS
Maytag's washing and drying package includes a 6kg washer, condenser dryer and a separate cabinet with 16m of drying space. It can heater-dry up to 4kg in two to three hours. The MDE1100ARS cabinet costs around £599; the complete package is available for £1,989 from John Lewis.

CREATE THE PERFECT UTILITY ROOM

BUILDING ESSENTIALS
• Location - The perfect place for a utility room is between the garden and the kitchen.
• Water supply - Check how easy it is to extend the pipes from the kitchen rather than install a complete new set.
• Drainage - A single waste drain in the centre of the floor will protect from appliance flooding. It will take planning, as all the floor surfaces must slope gently towards the middle.
• Ventilation - Washing and drying will create humidity that could cause damp. Install a simple air vent.

WHAT TO INCLUDE
• Sink - A deep double sink makes hand washing easier and will double as a place to scrub hands after gardening.
• Cupboards and units - Cleaning products, tools, buckets, mops, dustpans and irons all need a home.
• Recycling - Help make recycling as simple as possible by planning plenty of waste storage space.
• Laundry - Separate baskets for whites and coloured items will mean it is easier to sort washing.
• Wall storage - Make the most of wall space with well-designed shelving brackets, holders and hooks.

WALLS, FLOORS AND FINISHING TOUCHES
Choose hardwearing materials and easy-clean surfaces. Large tiles on the floor with minimal grouting make cleaning easier. Avoid wooden work surfaces as they can stain and scratch if not looked after. Opt for tough, easy-clean materials, such as composite stone, glass or stainless steel. 

WHICH DETERGENT?

• Biological (bio) - This is the best for getting clothes clean, especially whites, thanks to cleaning enzymes, optical brighteners and bleach. However, it will fade colours and can cause skin irritations.
• Non-biological (non-bio) - An all-round cleaner with most of the biological enzymes removed, making it better for colours and sensitive skin.
• Delicate - Non-bio and eco-friendly versions are available. Harmful enzymes and brighteners are removed for a gentle clean. Added scent gives clothes a “just-washed” smell.
• Colour care - A powerful detergent with bleaching agents removed, so it won't fade colours.
Eco cleaners Made using plant-based natural ingredients, these detergents often won't shift heavy stains. They are, however, great for freshening up clothes that don't need a really deep clean.

DIRECTORY
Admiral, www.admiral-appliances.co.uk.
AEG-Electrolux, www.aeg-electrolux.co.uk.
Ariston, www.ariston.co.uk.
Baumatic, www.baumatic.co.uk.
Beko, www.beko.co.uk.
Belling, www.belling.co.uk.
Bosch, www.boschappliances.co.uk.
Candy, www.candy-domestic.co.uk.
Caple, www.caple.co.uk.
CDA, www.cda.eu.
Creda, www.creda.co.uk.
Crosslee, www.crosslee.co.uk.
De Dietrich, www.dedietrich.co.uk.
Electra, www.electra.uk.com.
Electrolux, www.electrolux.co.uk.
Fagor, www.fagor.com/uk.
Frigidaire, www.frigidaire.co.uk.
Gorenje, www.gorenje.co.uk.
Hoover, www.hoover.co.uk.
Hotpoint, www.hotpoint.co.uk.
Indesit, www.indesit.co.uk.
John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com.
LG, www.uk.lge.com.
Maytag, www.maytag.co.uk.
Miele, www.miele.co.uk.
Neff, www.neff.co.uk.
New World, www.newworldappliances.co.uk.
Samsung, www.samsung.com/uk.
Servis, www.servisuk.co.uk.
Siemens, www.siemensappliances.co.uk.
Smeg, www.smeguk.com.
Stoves, www.stoves.co.uk.
Teka, www.tekauk.com.
Viking, www.viking-europe.com.
Whirlpool, www.whirlpool.co.uk.
V-ZUG, www.vzug.co.uk.
Zanussi, www.zanussi.co.uk.

See more top tips for creating the perfect laundry room.

WORDS CHRIS HASLAM
MARCH 2009