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Average lifespan of a washing machine?

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  • heretolearn_2
    heretolearn_2 Posts: 3,565 Forumite
    Funny, our plumber said not to bother with Calgon, even though we live in a very hard water area. He said it might extend the life of a machine by a year or so, but you'd have spent more in Calgon than that saves you!
    Cash not ash from January 2nd 2011: £2565.:j

    OU student: A103 , A215 , A316 all done. Currently A230 all leading to an English Literature degree.

    Any advice given is as an individual, not as a representative of my firm.
  • Four_leaf_clover_2
    Four_leaf_clover_2 Posts: 124 Forumite
    edited 13 March 2012 at 6:33PM
    I have had my Bosch washing machine for 13 years. Its needed the door seal replaced twice, other than that it has worked perfectly. Despite the fact that in that time I have had two kids, so the household weekly wash has been at epic proportions, thanks to two messy little chaps.

    When I called someone out to get the last door seal fixed the bloke was surprised at the machines age. He said that nowadays white goods last about 3 years, 5 if you are lucky. Made me wish I had bought 2 machines all those years ago. If it is going to cost as much to replace as to fix then I would invest in a new one.

    *shuffles off thinking, god I sound like my nan going on about the good old days when things lasted* :o
    Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them ~ Albert Einstein
  • Ours is around 11 years old it's a hotpoint, I service it every two months with vinegar and bleach on the hottest wash to get rid of gunk n bacteria in the pipes to keep it running......touch wood never had a problem with it.
    I'd get someone to have a look at it rather than fork out for a brand new one.
    Ours is used nearly every day.
    Ds2 born 3/4/12 8lbs 8.5:j
    Ds1 born 28/4/07 9lb 8 :j
    Frugal, thrifty, tight mum & wife and proud of it lol
    :rotfl::j
    Make money for Xmas challenge 2014 £0/£270
  • P.s ours has never needed a repair either.
    Ds2 born 3/4/12 8lbs 8.5:j
    Ds1 born 28/4/07 9lb 8 :j
    Frugal, thrifty, tight mum & wife and proud of it lol
    :rotfl::j
    Make money for Xmas challenge 2014 £0/£270
  • bright_side
    bright_side Posts: 1,802 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    Ours is around 11 years old it's a hotpoint, I service it every two months with vinegar and bleach on the hottest wash to get rid of gunk n bacteria in the pipes to keep it running......touch wood never had a problem with it.
    I'd get someone to have a look at it rather than fork out for a brand new one.
    Ours is used nearly every day.

    Oh can you tell me the quantities you use of bleach and vinegar please? Or do you just bung some in??

    My first washing machine was a zanussi and lasted 13 years. In the last 9 years I've had 3 more, but must admit to buying the cheapest I can find with the best spin speed :o
    Some people see the glass half full, others see the glass half empty - the enlightened are simply grateful to have a glass :)
  • I don't actually measure pmsl I bung some vinegar in fabric softener compartment probably a similar amount as i would fabric conditioner.
    With the bleach I put a dollop in the powder draw.

    Sorry I'm not specific but I've done it for years and it's like second nature lol.
    This should get rid of nasty smells and bacteria in your machine and pipes, mould etc
    Ds2 born 3/4/12 8lbs 8.5:j
    Ds1 born 28/4/07 9lb 8 :j
    Frugal, thrifty, tight mum & wife and proud of it lol
    :rotfl::j
    Make money for Xmas challenge 2014 £0/£270
  • Also leaving the door slightly open should stop mould forming on the doors seal, my grandad was a plumber and told me to make sure I do this.
    Ds2 born 3/4/12 8lbs 8.5:j
    Ds1 born 28/4/07 9lb 8 :j
    Frugal, thrifty, tight mum & wife and proud of it lol
    :rotfl::j
    Make money for Xmas challenge 2014 £0/£270
  • SkintGypsy
    SkintGypsy Posts: 580 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    Mine is nearly five years old and has been repaired once, just last month, with a new pump. It gets used most days, and is subjected to all sorts of pocket change/hair bands and whatnot. The new pump incl fitting was £70. Much cheaper than a new built in machine. Would definitely try repair next time over replacement.
    Debt free as of July 2010 :j
    £147,174.00/£175,000
    Eating an elephant, one bite at a time
    £147,000 in 100 months!
  • wapow
    wapow Posts: 939 Forumite
    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.

    Changing a belt is not rocket science.
    :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

    Washing Machine

    In my house Im always the Mr Fix It. Let me tell you about Washing Machines.

    Old home products (washing machines/cookers/dryers etc) were built to last. They were made very sturdy and would last some people 20+years.

    Companies wised up and realised they should make their products with cheaper materials that wouldnt last longer than 5 years.

    Most washing machines have a life cycle of about 5 years.

    HOWEVER, you can extend this for a really long period of time if you look after your machine.

    Never buy Hotpoint/Indesit/Zanussi/. Go Bosch/Samsung/LG/Miele. They will last you alot longer.

    Usually, the first things to go on a washing machine are the carbon washers. Sometimes its the belt.

    Parts are cheap. Always buy your own parts (do some research online) If you have the confidence to open up your washing machine then do it yourself.

    There are SO MANY videos and GUIDES and people online who can help you through this. It is not hard. Alot of the washing machines are built the same way. The lable is just different. It just requires confidence. Save yourself money and do it yourself.

    If you cant do it yourself, dont ever use the official company servicemen. Their base rate is usually £150. (BT engineers base rate £150, Car service base rate £150 - Total Scam!!)

    Hire a local plumber or ring around for local people who can do basic repair work for a washing machine.

    When i need the work doing and I cant be bothered to do it, I pay our guy £30 all in (he buys the parts if its washer or belt).

    As someone mentioned earlier, dont waste money on Calgon.
    Instead, use Vinegar and Bleach on the Hottest Wash. Leave the door open and clean the rubber seal.
  • dizziblonde
    dizziblonde Posts: 4,276 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Last one I had about 7-8 years, but I'd rescued it from a friend's back yard where he was going to chuck it out as broken - took it to be repaired and the daft wally had jammed it up using too much soap powder. It finally died after the last house move which obviously upset it a bit too much - figured it had served a very decent innings by then (and wanted a washer-dryer anyway).
    Little miracle born April 2012, 33 weeks gestation and a little toughie!
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