It’s true. The sooner you realise that, the better. Otherwise, my friend, your life will just be one disappointment after the other.

You know, come to think of it, I can’t recall what I bought last that DIDN’T break. Look, some things you have control over and you learn over time that certain products require ongoing care and maintenance. Like keeping your outdoor furniture undercover, and flossing. But then you get electronics and household appliances. I refer to these types of products as ‘San Andreas products’. That’s because, like the inevitable monster earthquake that Los Angeles will one day suffer, due to it’s geographic position in relation to the San Andreas fault, ‘it’s not a question of IF, it’s WHEN’.

I’m a big fan of the phrase, ‘reassuringly expensive.’ It’s the same concept that my great-grandmother used to explain, when she said that she “can’t afford to buy cheap”; the idea that it’s less expensive in the long run if you pay more for a higher quality product. And it’s not just with regards to whether the thing will break or not (because everything eventually breaks), but also how painless or painful the experience will be when that moment arises.

I once bought a Ryobi lawnmower from Takealot. That thing lasted about a year before it packed up (just after the warranty expired). I took it to three different lawnmower repair shops and none of them could find parts or fix it. I should have known it was ‘worryingly cheap’ (the opposite of ‘reassuringly expensive). I spent a bit more and bought a Wolf lawnmower after that – we’ll see how that goes.

The same thing happened to a mate of mine when she bought a Samsung washing machine. It also died after the warranty expired and they had no more parts available. But if you pay a little bit more and get an established washing machine brand, like Bosch or Defy, I can’t imagine parts will ever be a problem.

I got a Bosch washing machine a couple years back from owner-run A&A Furnishers on Kloof Street. I must say, it was an effortless exercise – they use their own guys to deliver and they install it for you (and take away the old machine) for free. The thing has worked brilliantly for a long time. But there was an electrical short at my house the other day and the machine started misbehaving. Some dudes came and fixed it in 20 minutes – a truly satisfying experience. Check out these Bosch options.

The Bosch 8kg Inox:

And the very affordable Bosch 6kg Inox:

If you’ve reached this far in my story, then this issue of ‘San Andreas products’ is clearly close to your heart. It also means that you would be appreciative of some tips I received during this fairly painless washing machine ordeal I endured. Most adults will know that maintenance tips are right up there with Netflix / Showmax series tips!

Listen up:

• When doing renovations, you must keep the builder, cabinet maker and the floor/tiler in the loop, as San Andreas items need a clearance of at least 86cm height and 61cm width.
• For new washing machines, run a hot wash without detergent as there could still be old stagnant water from factory tests (residual water).
• Most people think a quick wash is the most economical but ‘eco wash’ uses less water, even though it takes longer. If it’s super-eco you’re after, try the Siemens IQ700.
• Condenser tumble dryers are the way to go because you can place them behind counter doors, or even in a cupboard. They don’t blow hot, moist air into the room, but rather they condense the air. The captured water can then be used for plants (or photographing and WhatsApping to your mates). Here’s a beauty if you’re looking for a condenser dryer.
• Never overload washing machines – the load doesn’t wash properly as the clothes cannot move within the drum.
• After washing, leave the door open a little to dry the rubber ring around the door. This makes it last longer and prevents it from perishing.

Very good. I have some extra tips of my own to do with WHERE you actually buy the products from in the first place. My go-to is obviously A&A Furnishers, and this is why:

1. They use their own men for delivery, personally trained by A&A’s legendary owner, Willie.
2. Staff are trained in old-school customer relations. The customer is number one and that is why you’re employed in the first place.
3. They unpack products and remove shipping bolts, which prevents the drum from spinning.
4. They will connect the machine if possible, or inform the client why they are unable to (might require an electrician, plumber or handyman).
5. They will remove your old product for recycling at no additional charge.

Last, but not least – A&A Furnishers have just launched their new online shopping website – check it out.