Difficult neighbour

You have to be able to use your appliances without buying new items. It's always difficult being an upstairs flat as the noise does sound extra loud below .. different but i m in a terraced house and when the kids next door run up the stairs it sounds just like they are in my house
Personally I wouldn't creep about afraid I d carry on as normal not making excess noise but living as you would expect to live If she has another go ask her what time would be the best to use your machine or if she's a married lady is it worth talking to another family member in case she does have a mental health problem but don't restrict yourself to being a dormouse she can't get you out because you used a washing machine don't be intimidated by her

Talk to your landlord, tell him your fears about this woman.You can't creep about in your own flat forever.Also talk to the other neighbours, and see if they had any trouble with her in the past.?

You sound perfectly reasonable to me Sluttygran( What a name, lol)
You have every right to live normally in your home, normally includes using appliances, listening to music and all the other things which go to make up a full life. You are not doing this in the middle of the night.

If I were you I would have stopped her right in her tracks, and told her that if she bothers me again I would report HER to the landlord, and would be taking what steps I deem necessary to stop her harrassment. ( I have no idea to be hionest what steps these would be) , but she wouldn't realise that.

The woman sounds a bully...never give a bully an inch or they will take a mile, nip it in the bud right now. Good luck, and let us all know how you get on

This behaviour has to be stopped in its tracks as 'Shanma' has said.
Firstly keep a diary of the events. Write down the time, what she said, and what the complaint was about every time it happens. This is vitally important when, maybe later in time, things might escalate.
Ask the other neighbours if they know why the previous tenant in your flat left. Was it to do with her?, and if she has been like this with them. Find out how long she has been living there too. Then if she is making your life hell you can show your landlord what has been going on if it is written down.
Secondly do not let her rule your life. If you are doing nothing wrong do not give her the attention, tell her you will report her if she continues this.
Thirdly ask CAB for help with this problem, they are very good with advice.

I agree with the previous advice. Speak to the other neighbours, she may have been this way with them too. You are not throwing wild parties way into the early hours after all, just living a normal life.

I agree too.

This time you'll be ready for her so brace yourself and after you've said your piece, quietly but firmly, just close the door on her, again quietly and firmly.

Live your life normally sluttygran otherwise her demands will become even more outrageous. Does sound like there is some sort of problem with your neighbour, talk to others and see if this has happened before. Take Anya's advice, you are doing nothing wrong so don't let her bully you.

Thank you everyone for your sympathetic and helpful replies. It's amazing how it helps to run problems past other people who seem to have more common sense than me! I spent a sleepless night feeling guilty and worrying what I should do, now I feel a bit better. I shall get my machine repaired, then ignore my grumpy neighbour. I will keep a record of any unreasonable complaints in case things get unmanageable.

Every time she bangs on the door, answer it and say"oh not you again, next time i am going to video your outburst" that will soon make her think twice, she is just trying to gain the upper hand because you are new. It is horrible when neighbours dont get on but some people can never be happy and it would seem your neighbour is one of them.