How Long Does a Washing Machine Last?

The lifespan of a washing machine can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the brand, quality of the machine, usage frequency, and maintenance. Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision and potentially extend the life of your appliance.

Factors Affecting a Washing Machine's Lifespan

When you purchase a washing machine, it’s common to read the manufacturer’s warranty and base your expectations on that information. While warranties can give you a general idea, the actual lifespan of the machine often depends on usage and maintenance.

Regular Maintenance and Checkups

To ensure your washing machine lasts as long as possible, it’s crucial to follow proper maintenance practices. Regularly inspect the drum for salt build-up, which can occur over time and affect its performance.

Determine the correct amount of detergent to use and avoid overloading the machine. This not only extends the life of the washing machine but also helps in maintaining the quality of your clothes. Additionally, performing a hardwater test to ensure the machine is not affected by mineral deposits, and scaling the inside of the machine are also important steps in maintaining its performance.

Usage Frequency and Habits

The frequency of usage and the habits of the people using the washing machine significantly impact its longevity. A washing machine used by an elderly couple doing 4 loads per week might last much longer than one used by a family of 6 doing 4 loads per day.

Real-Life Examples

Based on personal experience, washing machines can last from 5 to 20 years, depending on the quality and usage. Here are some real-life examples to illustrate the range:

{{ user_turns_on_lights }}Quality and Usage:

Longevity of washing machines can vary based on their quality and usage habits. For example, I have been married for 45 years and have owned only two washing machines, both of which are still in good condition. The current machine I have is an LG, known for its durability.

{{ user_turns_on_lights }}Historical Machines:

Older machines often last longer. My parents' 1971 Whirlpool set and my in-laws' 1997 GE set still worked well in 2007 and 2023, respectively. Similarly, our 1998 Frigidaire front-loading set, which was mostly used in 2005-2014 and again from 2015-2018, continued to function well.

{{ user_turns_on_lights }}Family Usage:

Our family's washing habits also played a significant role. When our kids moved out, we switched from a larger 2005 Kenmore to our Frigidaire set, and our 2005 Kenmore eventually failed after 6-7 years, leading us to switch back to the Frigidaire. This highlights how usage frequency and habits directly impact the lifespan of the washing machine.

Modern Trends and Planned Obsolescence

Modern washing machines often have shorter lifespans, partly due to a desire to stay updated with new designs and features. However, some companies may also employ planned obsolescence, making machines last long enough for repeated purchases without lasting too long to rekindle the cycle of buying.

Industry Insights

Industry professionals warn that manufacturers don’t always thoroughly test new designs and parts for more than a few months before putting them into production, hoping that the product will perform well enough. This approach might result in frequent repairs and replacements over a short period.

Commonly Replaced Appliances

Looking at common household appliances, our experience shows that almost every appliance needed repairs or replacement within 9 years, with the oven, stove, refrigerator, and dryer being the exceptions that still function well.

Moreover, our 1989 countertop microwave, though a countertop model, still works, while the newer microwave lasted only 1.5 years before needing a part replacement. This again indicates the fluctuations in appliance lifespans due to various factors like planned obsolescence and usage habits.

Based on our experience and the broader industry insight, it’s important to prioritize regular maintenance, monitor usage patterns, and purchase from reputable brands to increase the lifespan of your washing machine, and other household appliances.