Which? Don't Buy washing machines

Don't Buy washing machines leave your clothes dirty – wasting energy, water and your money. 

​Some also leave detergent on your clothes, which isn't ideal if you've got sensitive skin – so steer clear.

What makes a Don't Buy washing machine?

We know just how let down you can feel when you end up with a bad washing machine, and that doesn't get any better when your clothes emerge from the drum time after time coated in streaks of detergent and leftover staining rather than squeaky clean.

Something might look like an amazing deal in store or online, but inflated claims and confusing tech specs can often lead to people parting with their hard-earned cash for a product that just won't cut the mustard (or remove it, in this case).

Every year we wash more than 1,750kg of clothes in washing machines to uncover amazing value products that won't let you down.

• The worst washing machines struggle to remove a variety of tough-to-shift stains including coffee, wine, grass and blood, while the best ones manage the job with flying colours.
• We measure how much water and energy each machine uses to give you the estimated running costs. We've encountered models that are impressively low on energy use but very poor at their main function – washing.
• Our specialist equipment to measures how much detergent is left on the laundry and how much water is left in the clothes at the end of each cycle, so we can identify those that don't do a good job of rinsing and spinning.

Thankfully, our extensive tests have uncovered the best washing machines that do everything you need them to do and won't let you down. Steer clear of the duds and buy with confidence by following our impartial, expert guidance.

Join Which? to find out which washing machines we've named as Best Buys and Don't Buys

How we test washing machines

Which? reviews almost 100 washing machines every year, including models by Beko, Bosch, Miele, Samsung, Hotpoint, Indesit and many more brands. Our rigorous testing puts them through their paces so we can recommend those models that offer excellent stain removal and warn you off of any that will ruin your favourite outfits.

• Our lab experts repeat every washing machine test three times so you can be sure that its performance - whether good or bad - is a certainty rather than a fluke.
• We give each washing machine a Which? test score so you can see straight away which are the best and worst, plus compare models based on features and specifications.
• Our tests cover a range of brands, prices and washing machine sizes; from modest 7kg models all the way up to hefty 12kg offerings.

Find out more about how we test washing machines