Abstract: A washing machine (2) comprising a drum (4) for receiving a load of laundry to be washed, a detergent chamber (6) for receiving detergent to be used in the washing of the laundry, a water intake valve (8) for allowing a water intake into the washing machine (2), a pressure sensor (16) for measuring pressure signals, and electronic control means (12) for providing washing programs for the washing machine (2), and for detecting the quantity and type of the laundry in the load, characterized in that the electronic control means (12) which acts firstly to detect the quantity of the laundry in the load through counting the number of openings of the water intake valve (8) and which acts secondly to determine the type of laundry in the load by utilizing the timing of the openings and closings of the water intake valve and the water release properties of the laundry in the load.