If the washer has a minor failure such as a bad lock on the lid or door, it's usually better to repair the washer instead of replacing it. Completing a minor repair on a well-maintained washer with more than 8 years of expected useful life remaining is typically more economical that replacing the washer.
Front-load washers last about 10 to 12 years, while top-load washing machines usually last up to 14 years.
If your machine is approaching its maximum life expectancy, it may be time to replace it. Dryers, fridges, and electric ranges should last for approximately 13 years. Washers can be expected to function well for a decade, and dishwashers and microwaves have a lifespan of about nine years.
If you spent $650 on your washer seven years ago and you're doing seven loads per week (a lot of wear and tear), a new washer purchase makes sense. But if the machine is 3 years old and you spent $1,000 on it, a repair may be the better financial choice.
Once your machine is more than six years old, a major failure usually means you'll need to buy a new one because any repairs will be expensive. And with older appliances you'll need to weigh up the risk that, after paying to fix one problem, something else may break.
Consumer Reports recommends replacing any appliance that's more than eight years old, unless it's a high-end model and has a particular appeal to you. Others suggest replacing any top-loading washer manufactured in 1999 or earlier.
That being said, it's still possible to find good washing machines that have been built to manage thousands of loads – which, depending on usage levels, can last as long as 20 or 30 years. But today's cheaper models can often only manage hundreds of loads before buckling under the pressure.
Washing Machine Lifespan: 10-13 years
Pro tip: Wipe a front-loader's gasket after you've finished doing the laundry, and leave the washer door ajar between loads, so it can dry out. To reduce residue build-up in any washer, use low-sudsing HE (high-efficiency) detergent if your washer calls for it.
Older Appliances Were Designed to Last
Another reason that older appliances tend to last longer is that they were designed to be repaired, rather than replaced. The parts were simple and easy to fix, so people could keep their appliances running for much longer than they can today.
Older machines are heavier and were built to last. Because they were constructed with greater quality materials, they typically have a much longer lifespan than the new washers built today.
Washers and dryers last 10 to 13 years on average.
The motor slogs heavy loads of wet clothing and linens around and around at high speeds and whisks away the grit and dirt that comes off of them.
With regular use and ongoing maintenance, a washing machine will last about 10 to 15 years before it shows signs it needs to be replaced. Though, it should be mentioned that during this time, the washing machine may also require minor repairs to keep it working.
On average, washing machines last ten years, while dryers have a longer lifespan of 13 years. If your washer or dryer goes out, you may want to replace them at the same time for the sake of appearance. A few ways you can tell if your washing machine may need to be replaced: It's approaching or has exceeded 10 years.
What brand of washing machine is most reliable? Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung are the most reliable brands of washers. Yale Appliance found that less than 7% of the sales of these units required servicing.
It isn't cleaning your clothes very well
If your clothing isn't getting as clean as it once did (check the bottom of your socks), your machine may be on its way out. Do you need to run the same load for multiple cycles? You shouldn't—and you shouldn't brush off this problem because it's a big one.
Best for Reliability: Front-Load Washer
Although top-load washers last longer than front-load washers on average, a front-load will likely need repairs less often over the course of its life. The repair costs typically will be higher, though, due to the many optional wash cycles and extra features.
Speed Queen claims their sturdy machines last up to 25 years and provide various warranty options that cover all parts and in-home labor to choose from. They currently produce top load washers, stacked washers and dryers, dryers, front load washing machines, and machines for commercial use.
James King in 1851 created the first washing machine to use a drum, Hamilton Smith in 1858 patented a rotary version, and in 1868 Thomas Bradford, a British inventor, created a commercially successful machine that resembles the modern device.
The durability of washing machines is directly related to how often you use them. In fact, the unit will fail very quickly if you don't let it rest. It is not uncommon for washing machines to have technical issues after being used continuously for several hours. Long-term use of its electric unit can damage its parts.
"The average lifespan (of a front loader) is just five years, regardless of make. The average lifespan of most top loaders, on the other hand, is about ten years."
Average washing machine lifespan
Well, this figure obviously varies depending on lots of different factors - including brand, model, how you use it, and how well you maintain it. But generally, if you look after your washing machine properly you should it expect it to last anywhere between 7 and 12 years.
APPLIANCE LIFESPAN How long have you had your appliance? The average useful life for appliances range from 10.6 - 11.5 years1.
So repairing your washer when it's only a few years old typically pays off — it should have many years of service left. Conversely, replacing a 15-year-old washer makes sense, because if you repair it, odds are that it could need another repair soon.
It's recommended to replace your washer and dryer together, especially if you originally purchased them around the same time. This way you can make sure you are getting the most out of both appliances and can take advantage of all the benefits of a matching set.
Inspect the washer's hoses monthly and replace them every three to five years. See if you need a drain vent. Make sure the door gasket stays dry between loads. Leave the door open for air circulation when the machine is off.