What am I doing wrong? Washing machines keep breaking.

[TellmeImOvereacting]

I've had to replace my last two washing machines after having each of them less than 5 years. I feel like it must be me breaking them as my mums has lasted over 10 years. Most people I have asked have had their machines a lot longer than 5 years.

The first machine I tried to replace but spent £250 for it to break 4 months later. My current machine has a fault which would cost more to repair than a replacement.

Please can someone tell me If these things could be damaging my machines?
• I live in a hard water area
• I usually fill the machine 3/4 of the way
• I use a mixture of pods and gels for different washing.
• I always do a 40 wash never higher
• I was at least a load a day

I was put off the extended warranties as I always calculated a new machine to be cheaper than years of payments.

I really liked my current machine too!

My two penneth worth:

1. You're buying cheap washing machines, which aren't built to last. When I last bought one (~8 years ago) the general advice was to spend at least £500 and look for ones that come with at least a 5 year guarantee. A few years of inflation has probably bumped that figure up a bit.

2. Hard water isn't a death sentence for washing machines, I do my towels/whites on 90 and use white vinegar instead of softener for these, which helps keep things clear.

3. Good, not overloading it is a good idea.

4. Don't use pods and gels, use powder. Gels and liquids etc are notorious for gunking up the machines and harbouring mould in the built up sludge etc.

5. See No2 - Do a wash on the highest setting once a week or so to help clear out any gunk etc. I make sure I've got plenty of whites so that I'm not wasting it on an empty wash.

6. Fairly high usage, is your drum big enough? You might get better mileage if you have bigger drum and can do one load every 2 days instead a load every single day?

With the above in mind, my last washing machine was a pretty cheap Zanussi and lasted 10 years until the bearings gave out (that was after I moved house and I gifted it to my ex who no doubt abused it), my current one is a more expensive (£500) LG model 8 years old and still going strong, just a bit of cleaning inside the door seal and emptying the filter from time to time.

On mine too you can fill it right up on the cotton cycle - but not on the regular wash cycle which is 4kg for an 8kg drum … just worth checking the specs for the particular machine I think. I used to just chuck everything in willy-nilly but try to follow the manual’s recommendations now.

It's frustrating to experience issues with washing machines that don't last as long as you'd hope. While I can't definitively diagnose the exact cause of the problems you've been facing, I can provide some insights into potential factors that could contribute to the shorter lifespan of your washing machines.

1. *Hard Water:* Living in a hard water area can be tough on appliances like washing machines. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can build up over time, leading to issues like limescale buildup in the machine's inner components. This buildup can reduce the efficiency of the machine and potentially cause malfunctions. Regularly using a descaling product or installing a water softener might help mitigate this issue.

1. *Loading Capacity:* Overloading the washing machine, especially consistently filling it 3/4 of the way, can put excessive strain on the machine's motor, bearings, and other components. This can lead to premature wear and tear, which could contribute to the machine breaking down sooner.

1. *Detergent Use:* Using a mixture of pods and gels might not necessarily be a problem, but using too much detergent or not using the appropriate type for your machine and water hardness can potentially lead to issues. Excess detergent can leave residue and cause clogs in the machine, impacting its performance over time.

1. *Washing Temperature:* Washing at a lower temperature (40°C in your case) is generally more energy-efficient and suitable for most clothing. However, consistently washing at lower temperatures might not effectively remove detergent residue, dirt, and bacteria from the machine's inner parts, potentially leading to issues.

1. *Frequency of Use:* Washing a load a day is a relatively high frequency of use. While modern washing machines are designed to handle frequent use, it's possible that the consistent strain from daily use could contribute to wear and tear over time.

1. *Maintenance:* Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the detergent drawer, lint filter, and performing routine maintenance tasks recommended by the manufacturer, can help prolong the life of your washing machine.

1. *Quality of the Machines:* Sometimes, unfortunate instances of receiving washing machines with manufacturing defects or poor build quality can also contribute to premature breakdowns.

Considering your concerns about extended warranties, it's important to carefully assess the cost-benefit analysis of such warranties for your specific situation. While a new machine might seem cheaper upfront, multiple replacements over a short period can add up in terms of cost and environmental impact.

To address your current situation, you might consider:

• Checking with a professional repair technician to determine if the fault in your current machine is repairable and if it's worth fixing.
• Evaluating your usage habits and adjusting them where necessary to reduce strain on the machine.
• Considering water softening solutions to address the effects of hard water.
• Researching and investing in a washing machine with good reviews and a reputation for durability.

Remember that each situation is unique, and these are general considerations. If you continue to experience issues, consulting with a local appliance expert or technician could provide more tailored advice based on the specifics of your situation and the machines you've had.

Pods, gels and conditioner all gum up the machine with gunge, not that this should usually cause a relatively early breakdown.

A very hot, empty wash with just soda crystals might appal you - to see the amount of dirty grey foam that appears. I had to do it (after using pods and conditioner for years) twice before it disappeared.

Just powder, and not too much, in the drum, and soda crystals in the drawer, will keep your WM and your clothes clean.
A plus of powder and no conditioner, is a lot less plastic to recycle.