Average lifespan of a washing machine?

Hermia

I don't have a machine, but my mum's have all lasted around 7-10 years. She lives in an area with very hard water so started using those Calgon thingies on the advice of a plumber years ago. She definitely feels they help.

moomoomama27

My washing machine is now 9 years old, but I've had 3 reapirs on it (circuit board). I always take out insurance on washing machines/cookers. Works out far cheaper than the cost of a new one, plus I have the reassurance of it being protected!

euronorris

Well, OH got the machine when he first left the UK, which was about....9ish years ago now. Still going strong, though it isn't used heavily.

It did stop working at some point, but it was just a small part that needed replacing, which OH did. Oh, and I check and clear the filter fairly regularly. Found €3 in there once! lol And I often do a wash with just some white vinegar in it, to help keep limescale away.

If you bought the part required, would your hubby be able to fix it? Or a family friend maybe? Seems such a waste to throw it out so soon.

LandyAndy

I found the receipt for our washing machine.

A Bosch WFF 1800 bought on 9 March 1996 for £450, so 16 years old almost to the day. We do 6 or 7 washes a week, every week.

It has never been repaired. (And still works perfectly:)).

My mother bought a similar model (WFF2000 I think) just afterwards and replaced it late last year (it was still working).

Nicki

My first washing machine lasted about 8 years, but every one since then has lasted between 2 and 4 years before being declared beyond economic repair (and have had repairs to keep them on the road before reaching the point of being scrapped). My last one, I forked out an arm and a leg to get a Miele because it came with a 10 year parts and labour guarantee, and I was just sick of the hassle value of the machine breaking down every 18 months or so and having to lug washing for a family of 5 to and from the laundrette until it could be fixed and replaced (one of the downsides of living in central London is that you can't get the car close to a laundrette due to parking restrictions, so have to cart heavy bags around on foot). Finger crossed so far the Miele hasnt gone wrong though I have had it under a year I think.

pinkladyof66

ours too is about 12 years old is old but works well use it every day now we have a little one - seems to be going strong I would like to get a new one but hubby say no

xbrenx

Hermia wrote: »

I don't have a machine, but my mum's have all lasted around 7-10 years. She lives in an area with very hard water so started using those Calgon thingies on the advice of a plumber years ago. She definitely feels they help.

Calgon does what it says.. stops the build up of limescale. But, it's not often that limescale is the cause of break downs. So, while it does what it says, there's not necessarily a need for it.

Anyway, my first washing machine lasted 18 years, was a wedding present from inlaws. In the 7 years since then I've had 2 more, so they're definitely not built like they used to be.

WestonDave

Ours (Bosch) is roughly 11 years old. At one point it stopped suddenly and tripped the electrics. A bit of online research suggested the carbon brushes in the motor had probably worn down (if you imagine a big bit of pencil lead acting as the contact between the wire and the motor core, you'll see why it wears away). Took it to bits using videos I found on the internet and put some £15 new brushes in from a local parts shop - its been fine ever since. A number of the online parts sellers have videos on their sites - this makes sense as you are more likely to buy a part if you feel confident to fit it!

FatVonD

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Tell him to get off his arsë and fix the one you have got. Otherwise, he needs to hand in his man card and buy a pink tutu.

euronorris wrote: »

Found €3 in there once! lol

I had a friend many years ago who was a washing machine repair man. He would carry a bent penny with him as the majority of times he was called out it would be because there was a £1 coin in the filter, he'd produce the bent penny, say 'there's your culprit' and pocket the £1!

Thanks all for the responses, I'm going to try to find a local serviceman (rather than the one from the main dealer) and try to keep it going a little longer.

I recall moving my very first washing machine (a Zanussi bought as a second due to a dent in the side) through several house moves and then replaced it with a Hoover and then an Indesit which was still working when I had a new kitchen fitted at my last house with integrated appliances (so that was 3 washing machines in 25 years.)

The current one is a Hotpoint which has been okay though the tumble drier (bought at the same time) has already been repaired once (we took out warranty on the day rather than pay the bill but I begrudge paying the equivalent of twice for the same appliance.)

jojo_2012_2

I would expect one to last at least 5 years. Also don't send it to a landfill, sell it to the scrap yard