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Original poster

How would you expect a washing machine to last?

94 replies

Userno263647284 · 07/02/2022 12:00

exactly that.

My old machine, a beko lasted 6 years. It didn't completely stop working but had faults so bought a new one - a Samsung eco bubble type.

The Samsung is just over 3 years old and gone wrong, won't work at all.

Surely they are meant to last longer than this?

Keep getting told it'll probably be cheaper to buy new than fix.

they do get heavy use with two kids with sen and a busy household

OP posts:

rainrainraincamedowndowndown · 07/02/2022 12:11

My washing machine is very old. Relatively cheap Hotpoint. Bought it around the time my dc was born, so almost 14 years old. Use it very often, like every other day or more. Still working totally fine, no problem at all.
I do regular maintenance wash and keep it clean, that maybe the reason or not, I don't know.

SeasonFinale · 07/02/2022 12:12

My current one has been going for 14 years with no issues at all (Miele).

When I replaced my old one the washing machine repair man said that many companies were now making ones that lasted less time these days and most people tended to replace rather than repair and companies were after sales.

Original poster

Userno263647284 · 07/02/2022 12:13

@rainrainraincamedowndowndown

My washing machine is very old. Relatively cheap Hotpoint. Bought it around the time my dc was born, so almost 14 years old. Use it very often, like every other day or more. Still working totally fine, no problem at all. I do regular maintenance wash and keep it clean, that maybe the reason or not, I don't know.

I had a hot point years ago. It never broke but sold when I had kids and moved house (it was only 6kg and not big enough for us!). It was pretty good I agree.

I maintain mine regularly too and it's kept very clean, it's immaculate so don't think it's down to me 😪

OP posts:

Original poster

Userno263647284 · 07/02/2022 12:14

@SeasonFinale

My current one has been going for 14 years with no issues at all (Miele).

We've spoken to Samsung and they pretty much offered us 25 % off a new one rather than fixing so you are probably right. Not sure I want another Samsung now though!

OP posts:

Fujimora · 07/02/2022 12:14

We have a 20 year old Miele that is still going strong.

hilariousnamehere · 07/02/2022 12:15

I've just had my six year old one fixed and asked engineer the same thing - he said if you can get it fixed each time (best thing to try is a fixed price repair from manufacturers so you know what cost will be) there's no reason they shouldn't last 10-15 years.

But of course you might spend the equivalent of a new one on repairs in that time I guess.

Mine was about £300 new and repair was £145 - but I'd much rather keep fixing than send it to landfill. Hope you can get yours sorted, I hated being without mine for three weeks!

WeBuiltThisBuffetOnSausageRoll · 07/02/2022 12:22

It largely depends on how often you use it, but I agree with PP that you get what you pay for.

Either buy a cheap one and expect it to last maybe 4-6 years or (if you're able) shell out for a German one - Bosch are great, but Miele even better - and hopefully reap the benefits of well over a decade (maybe even two) before you have to buy another one.

Of course, some people prefer to pay a lower price and then replace more often, as a 15yo Miele does obviously mean that you end up with 15yo WM technology/efficiency when things might have advanced considerably in that time. You just have choose what you prefer within the bounds of what money you have available.

FourTeaFallOut · 07/02/2022 12:26

My poor abused overworked Samsung eco-bubble is almost six years old and going strong - long may it continue. The two I had before that packed out just out of warranty.

BarrowInFurnessRailwayStation · 07/02/2022 12:27

We had a Zanussi that lasted just over a year.

BarbaraofSeville · 07/02/2022 12:29

We've had 11 and 15 years out of ours before they were replaced, first one due to not wanting to subject an elderly machine to a house move and the second one still worked but clearly needed some sort of bearing related attention.

Neither were particularly expensive (Hotpoint and one I can't remember, but mid price) or well treated (maintenance wash very rare and we do lots of muddy sports, wash trainers, that sort of thing) but we do have very soft water, which I think helps.

Original poster

Userno263647284 · 07/02/2022 15:38

Thanks all. Mine is well maintained but I have put it through its paces. Thing is if I can't get anyone to fix it for weeks, I'll be buggered. My family don't live nearby to do laundry and kids rurally 20 minutes from a launderette which would be my only option! Like I haven't got enough to do 🤯🤦‍♀️

OP posts:

SpaghettiArmsMurderer · 07/02/2022 15:43

Ours is working perfectly at least 6 years old, not sure exactly because it was here when we bought the house. But we use ours less than you do. It’s a Zanussi though in case that helps, and we have very hard water.

Dresslover1950s · 07/02/2022 15:44

Apply to the family fund for a washing machine if you have SN children

I’ve always gone for hotpoint

caranations · 07/02/2022 15:44

I'd expect it to last around 8-10 years depending on usage obviously. Absolute minimum of 5.

Dresslover1950s · 07/02/2022 15:45

They aren’t what they used to be though

Original poster

Userno263647284 · 07/02/2022 15:45

@SpaghettiArmsMurderer

Thanks. We actually have very soft water which doesn't make me feel much better about the life span they've had!

OP posts:

Original poster

Userno263647284 · 07/02/2022 15:46

@Dresslover1950s

Apply to the family fund for a washing machine if you have SN children

I’ve always gone for hotpoint

I've just applied for them 2 weeks ago for something else (play equipment for ds). Never used them prior though. Can take a while can't it? It said 10 weeks after I submitted details.

OP posts:

FindmeuptheFarawaytree · 07/02/2022 15:47

Our cheap Hoover one is still going strong after more than 10 years and a lot of use, hopefully it will manage a little bit longer.

gingerhills · 07/02/2022 15:49

Mine usually last 8 years or more and I use them every day. Only time they lasted less was when DS2 was small and very ill so it was on about 4 times a day.

tanstaafl · 07/02/2022 15:53

Other than it was a bad day at the factory, I can only assume washing machines not lasting is misuse.
Overloading ?

makingmiracles · 07/02/2022 15:58

Really depends on how much use it gets really, surely?
Mine tend to last around 5yrs, but I do 2-4 washes a day. Last machine we fixed ourselves (brushes) for £20 and it lasted another 2 yrs before properly dying, but it was 6kg and I worked it hard.
When we got a new one I opted for a 10kg so now I tend to only do 1 wash a day if I keep on top of it!

Nsky · 07/02/2022 16:05

You said it’s been used lots, so surely got your money’s worth?

torquewench · 07/02/2022 16:06

I had a 19 yo AEG, so that's my benchmark 😅

Walesrecommendations · 07/02/2022 16:11

Christ my hoover one had 3 faults in the first year! When it had its 4th AO told me at 18 months I could expect white goods to start wearing out which is utterly ridiculous considering how much they cost and the impact on the environment if everyone got a new washing machine every 2 years or so.

Original poster

Userno263647284 · 07/02/2022 16:14

@Nsky

You said it’s been used lots, so surely got your money’s worth?

Yeah definitely. Probably double the average use 😅 just annoying!

OP posts:

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