How long does a washing machine last? The average lifespan of a washing machine is around 11 years. But, certain factors can affect the average life of your washer and may cause it to die sooner.
Washing machines are divided into two categories: top load and front load. The top loaders can last up to 13 years on average, while the front loaders can last up to 10 years.
A washing machine’s estimated life is highly dependent on its usage and other factors like size of the load, detergent quality, cleaning of the tub and pipes, regular maintenance, etc.
In this post, we will also let you know how to make your washing machine last longer and what is the right time to replace it.
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Table of Contents
- How to Make Your Washing Machine to Last Longer
- When to Replace Washing Machine
- 1. The machine is making loud noises
- 2. Not cleaning your clothes properly
- 3. It is not efficient anymore
- 4. Increase in the electricity bill
- 5. Constantly dialing to a repairman
- Conclusion – How Long Does A Washing Machine Last
- Steven Settles
How to Make Your Washing Machine to Last Longer
Many people have complained that their washers have broken before they have even completed half of their expected life.
Several things affect a washer’s longevity, such as taking care, washing cycles per year, and timely maintenance.
Check the following 5 tips on prolonging the life of your washer.
- Do not overload your washer beyond its capacity
- Keep your washing machine at level
- Clean your machine and the lint filter regularly
- Wipe off the detergent and fabric softener drawers periodically
- Use a quality detergent and don’t use too much of it.
Indeed, a washing machine is one of the most used home appliances. Therefore, it is essential to maintain your washer very well in order to prolong the expected lifespan.
Furthermore, the quality of a brand also matters. If you have a poor-quality washing machine brand, most probably it will die sooner.
When to Replace Washing Machine
When your washing machine hits the estimated life of 11 years, you may start noticing several problems, such as poor wash cycles, clothes getting wrinkled, improper cleaning, constant dialing to a repairman, and many more.
These issues are clear indications that your washer has reached the end of its useful life and is on its last legs.
So, you need to check the following signs before replacing your washing machine.
1. The machine is making loud noises
Usually, these heavy appliances make noise. If you have suddenly started hearing strange noises coming from your old machine, it may be a warning that its days are numbered.
Sometimes machine also makes noise if it is not balanced. You can check the machine’s feet and level them with adjustable feet underneath if they are not balanced.
However, if your machine is new, you need to contact a professional repairer as soon as possible.
2. Not cleaning your clothes properly
Despite using quality detergent, your machine is not cleaning the load properly as once it did and taking longer wash cycles to work effectively. Your appliance may be nearing the end of its useful life.
You can reduce the load size, as the washing machine gets older they start losing its efficiency.
If reducing the load size does not solve the problem, there may be a more severe issue that requires the attention of a professional repairer.
3. It is not efficient anymore
It means your washer is consuming too much water during the spin cycle and leaving extra leftover water in the drum.
Also, you might be putting too much detergent to clean the normal stains with long wash cycles.
All of these signs mean that the washing machine is approaching the end of its useful life.
4. Increase in the electricity bill
Usually, these heavy appliances tend to consume more energy than other household items.
Today many companies are producing models that are energy-efficient, which helps in minimizing electricity bills.
However, if your energy bills have skyrocketed for no apparent reason, a malfunctioning washing machine could be to blame.
To keep your energy costs down, you must replace your appliance right away.
5. Constantly dialing to a repairman
If you have a repairman on your speed dial, it is another indication that your washing machine’s days are numbered.
When your appliance completes its lifespan, you will start noticing various problems more frequently, from minor to major.
Your repair person might be able to fix these issues in the short run, and it will cost you a lot of money in the long run to prolong the lifespan of your washer.
Therefore, it is wiser to rely on the new model instead of shelling big bucks on the old models.
Conclusion – How Long Does A Washing Machine Last
Regardless of how durable your washing machine brand is, most models start to deteriorate after reaching their projected lifespan.
However, you can extend your model’s life by cleaning it well, doing regular maintenance, and taking good care of it.
If your washer is still not performing well, you should consider replacing it with a new one rather than paying for maintenance on an older model.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.