Space solves: Energy-saving washing machines and paint on a chimney breast

The hunt for an energy-efficient washing machine, plus how to strip a chimney breast of unwanted paint: our experts solve readers' domestic dilemmas
A washing machine with clothes in it and the door ajar
Looking to make your washing more efficient? An energy monitor is a good place to start. Photograph: Getty Images

We use solar panels for our hot water, but can't find a washing machine that can use this. They all seem to be cold fill, which is then heated up. What can we do?
Sadly, hot and cold fills are no longer made, and secondhand machines are potentially less efficient than new ones: manufacturers would argue that their machines are so efficient, little power is required to heat the cold water. For more info, visit or Of course, what manufacturers don't say is that it's cheaper for them to make machines with one fill, not two. A plug-in energy monitor (£12.99, from will help you gauge how much electricity you use when washing.

Our stone chimney breast has been covered in matt emulsion. How can we restore it to its original appearance?
"Hard graft, I'm afraid," says DIY expert Julian Cassell. "Try a wire brush on a test area – you may have to be quite vigorous, but you will also need to take care not to score the stone surface too much. Next, apply an all-purpose paint stripper by brush, leave to react, then scrape off. In your case, you'll need a stiff brush to remove the stripped residues, and probably more than one application, interspersed with cleaning down with water. It will be messy, so use dustsheets, and wear goggles and protective clothing as directed."

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