What is the average life of washing machine

The rubber used in water hoses, belts and seals can wear out and crack over time, no matter how many or how few loads of laundry you do. This means that doing half as many loads per year than the average will probably not double the lifespan of your washer, though it would extend it.

When thinking about the costs and benefits of replacing an older washing machine, be sure to remember that newer washing machines, particularly front-loading washers, use significantly less electricity, water and detergent than many older top-loading models. Squeezing another couple years out of an older top-loading washer may actually cost you more than it would to simply replace it.

If you want it to last longer, then follow some of the manufacturer tips:. Another duo on our list Maytag , Whirpool , and one which manufactures great washing machines, but how long do they actually last?

Another manufacturer which expects their washing machines to last for 10 years. As long as you are cleaning the machine regularly and using the self-clean cycle, you can expect it to last long-er.

Last, but not least, Samsung. They produce high-quality machines which can compete with the others on our list. Again, they suggest that their washing machine will last for 10 years if used correctly. Following the maintenance guidelines will go a long way to accomplishing this. You never want to have to do it, but there will come a time when you need to buy a new washing machine.

If you have followed my tips above, then that will not be for a long time but that time always comes all too soon. Before you go out and buy a new washer, you need to make sure that you need to buy one. So, how do you know when it is time to bite the bullet? If you have a leak, then it may be time to buy a new washer.

Before you do, check the main culprits to find out if it is an easy fix. Check the hoses to make sure there are no cracks or holes. Check the connections too and ensure that they are tight. Have you been overfilling the machine when washing a load? That could be a culprit too. If you have investigated and not found the source of the leak, then it could be the tub.

A crack in a tub can be expensive to fix, and you are better off replacing the machine, especially if you have had the washer for a long time. Yes, washing machines make noise and move, but you may notice unusual noises or movements. They can happen together or separately and they could be caused by the same problem or different ones.

If you think that something is wrong, first check that you have not overloaded the machine and that you are using the right setting. You can also check that the washer is level and there are no obvious loose parts.

If that fails, you should call out a professional. And, be sure to call one out early. This approach is not exclusive to the white goods industry — it has been adopted by many businesses across all consumer goods industries. On top of this, washing machine repairers are also having a harder time of it too. So while a washing machine will go through a few repair cycles, there reaches a point when it starts to be more financially reasonable for customers to consider buying another washing machine rather than have an older, failing model repaired.

If you are putting on a wash once a day, your machine could be past its cycle life in just a couple of years. Washing manufacturer Indesit say that they expect their products to last years.

As Indesit also owns the Hotpoint brand, it is fair to say that this standard likely applies to these machines too. On the other end of the scale, Miele say that their machines are tested to last for 20 years. Yet, with the exception of some Miele models, most washing machine manufacturers offer warranties that last just one year.

If you've covered those bases and the washer still leaks, you may have a crack in the tub. This is a major fix, and in most cases it would be more cost-effective just to buy a new washer, especially if it's getting close to its 11th birthday.

If you have an older front-loading washer, you may have found it gets a certain Some Whirlpool, Kenmore and Maytag front-loading washers made between and may fail to adequately self-clean themselves. This can lead to mold or mildew growth inside of the washer that causes a stink. The companies that make these potentially defective washers settled in a class action lawsuit. You can check to see if your machine is one of those affected here. If you have an affected washer, you may need to upgrade to something else.

Give these cleaning tricks a try first, though. A defective part may cause certain top-load Samsung washers manufactured between March and April to break apart. The company is offering a free in-home repair or a rebate that can be used for buying a new washer from any manufacturer you choose.