Washing machines only lasting 4 years

[DK123]

As part of my job, I often have to replace washing machines in people's houses. Looking back through everything, none of them seem to last more than 4 years. That's with different makes and models, different homes, different people using them. I am sure white goods used to last much longer than this. I don't remember my parents ever having to replace any of the white goods when I was growing up!

Now my own washing machine needs replacing and I'm quite annoyed and worried about the long term cost of having to keep replacing them.

Has anyone else noticed the same? Does anyone have any recommendations for brands which do seem to last? I'd be very grateful!

Ours is still going strong at 5 years 😂

Mine is 10 years old.

I had all the appliances in my kitchen since we moved in 14 years ago.

Miele

Not any help, but amazed to hear a family member who has moved recently, is still using their washing machine which they have had since 1984!

Ours is a Miele and came with a 10 year guarantee. 6 years on and we've had no problems with it.

Our first washing machine was a mid range brand I can't remember. I left it behind when we moved house when it was 11 YO as it appeared to be on the way out.

The second one (Zanussi so again mid range) was replaced at 14 YO as it was very noisy and moved around, so thought bearings were going, so decided to replace.

Current one is too new to comment. We seem to do well with appliances. First dishwasher lasted 13 years and matching fridge freezer (both Hotpoint) is about 22 years old now. I would like to replace it but also am now curious as to how long it's going to last.

I've found 6-8 years typically

Mines still going strong after 11 years. It was just the cheapest Beko one available at the time. No problems with it at all.

Our washing machine is around 15 years old and the vacuum cleaner is about 12. Both Miele

Miele. It cost a lot but 12 years later I have had no trouble with it at all.

Things aren’t made to last anymore (I sound like my grandma now). Seriously I think everyone has the same issue these days. My old machine lasted about 5 years, my tumble dryer 5.5 years. Heavy daily use though.

Mine's 13 and we've moved with it too. It's a John Lewis brand; they were made by AEG at the time I think, but the John Lewis one was cheaper and I didn't need whatever frill the AEG alternative offered. My mum's Miele is even older.

I wonder if there's any correlation with the people who wash everything after every use.

Things are only lasting a few years because people are putting 10-15 years of use on them in 4 years?

Our previous washing machine lasted was third hand by the time we got it - I think it was about 15 years old when it finally became uneconomical to repair.

Our current one is three years old now and doesn't show any signs of problems. I do clean it out regularly though and check the filters once a month or so.

Mine is a Bosch. In its 17th year now. It's the oldest appliance in my kitchen and only s few months younger than my eldest child!

My current Miele is about 10 years old. The last one soldiered on for 17 years. We use it every day and more than one load per day on weekends.

Mine started breaking at 6 months and has had numerous parts replaced in 3.5 years. It's a Hoover if you want to know who to avoid! AO's customer service informed me I could expect a washing machine to start going wrong around the 18 month mark and apparently this is normal wear and tear. There must be a hell of a lot of washing machines in landfill is all I can say!

Ours is Hotpoint and is the same age as our cats (7 in May)
I only got rid of our old Hotpoint as it was really noisy (and about 15yo) and I didn't want the kittens to be frightened by the noise 😳
It's an "Ultima" and we've had no probs with it. Always used Calgon and never over load it.

Washing machine Bosch 15 years old, tumble dryer Philips 37 years old

Miele is the answer. But people won't be putting expensive washing machines in rental homes. And I think the way people use/abuse them is what makes them break.

We have a handy man who looks after ours. It has had new brushes, a new seal and the door lock replaced over the years. All parts really cheap, like a tenner or so, labour may be 50 quid each time. 2005 Zanussi.

Miele all the way! They have a ten year guarantee. We’ve only had ours 2/3 years but it been great! Next door have a second hand one that is now 20 years old!

Our Samsung only lasted 6 years 🤬 although we are now 6 older teens/adults and a lots of sport is done so probably used nearly twice as much as your average family!

I'm on my third in 20 years and the last one was second hand.
The one I have now was bought for me from a Community care grant so not fancy at all.