grumph

As an ex washing machine repair man, a few pointers. The machine doesn't care what temperature the input water is, hot or cold. It will only heat if the temperature is below the chosen program setting. Most clothes will wash "clean" at about 15 degrees. You can reduce by half whatever the soap powder manufacturer tells you to put in. (They will always tell you to use far more than you need, its a bit obvious). Stains tend to set if put directly into hot water. Its better to put them in cold and then heat to lift the stains out. Long wash cycles seem to be a German influence, Germans won't buy a machine unless its going for 3 hours - this also seems to be where cold fill only machines originated eg Miele Boshe AEG(Zanussi). The old Hotpoints used to be done and dusted in about 20 mins with good results. A high temperature wash every now and again helps clear the crud out of the machine. Clothes can be sensitive to temperature (usually marked) if put in hot water directly they will shrink, colour run or just be unwearable. If the clothes are hot after spin you have the pipes the wrong way round. If you read this http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2050239/How-washing-machines-familys-health-risk-Low-temperatures-mixed-loads-spreading-dangerous-bugs.html you'll be going back to bizzard's copper. ps Hotpoints are now Indesits, Hoover's are Candy's etc etc

Monday 1pm and following days - Narrow Boat Afloat - the travels of Dover. Freeview Quest 38.

When looking for a chair you first need to know your measurements. Height, width and depth of the seat are 1st priority followed by back height and arm height. Your weight is important when assessing the different foam densities and even fabric texture can be relevant. If you are going for a seat that "moves" you need to be aware there are different actions available that can make a significant difference. After getting the right size, flexibility is key. Something like a waterfall back where the cushions are accessible to change the stuffing is really important, multi way actions will work not just for today but for next years problems as well. Car seats can be brilliant, Volvo's are one of the best. Retain as much of the variable actions as possible - it doesn't matter what colour it is or what it looks like, if it works for you ! You need to sit in a chair for at least a few hours, preferably a few days or a week before deciding. Remember that over time the chair will adjust to you and you will adjust to the chair making everything very comfy. If you get the sizes and shapes wrong those adjustments to the chair will make you worse. All I do is chairs for the disabled, so if you need more info just pm Clive