Today our expensive six-month old washing machine broke* down. Of course, it was full of water and clothes and in the rinse cycle.

Lesson of the day. Before you rant and rave and spend an eternity on the phone to the service centre, read this, the Washerhelp site.

We had a broken bra strap** and a 20p piece blocking our pump impeller.

*washing machines are the most likely appliance in the home to break.

**bras are the number one enemy of washing machines - get a small net laundry bag to put them in before placing them in the wash.