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!

My first was a reconditioned Hotpoint. Lasted me 12 years

Then a new Hotpoint, lasted about 20 years

Now we have a posh direct drive silent thingy! 6 years and no problems.

Lifespan is measured in cycles, by the manufacturer and they reckon 5 - 30 years depending on make and quality. If you knwo what you are looking for you can get a lot of years out of one machine. I will say here that my dad made his living repairing washing machines, so I may have had an advantage when it comes to buying a machine!

www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/help/buying-advice/washing-machine/2948-how-long-should-a-washing-machine-last#:~:text=Duty%20Cycles&text=Therefore%2C%20for%20the%20likes%20of,1143%20weeks%20or%2C%2021.98%20years.

@GameofPhones

How long do tumble driers last? Mine from John Lewis is about five years old and has stopped heating.

So it's just a tumble now!

If your receipt shows it's under 6 years old you can claim under warranty for the repair/ replace, that's an electrical fault.

In my lifetime (32 years) my parents have only had two washing machines- Miele.

Our washing machine is a Bosch and is 22 years old

Ours is seven years old but like triggers broom as has had several repairs.

Last time I had repair guy out for dish washer he said it was knackered. I said it's only 4/5 yrs old. He said they last average of 5 ur these days, I was stunned!

My washing machine was 8 yrs old when we left that house and hadn't had any issues.

My little tumble dryer is over 12yrs old was a cheap one think make is knight or something and it's been great.

Think it's just ur luck these days.

My Indesit, yes Indesit! Lasted for 15 years, it was a good machine, it packed up for good last year so now I've got another one.

My first washing machine was a Servis. It lasted 7 years, limping for the last two. My second was a Bosch. Ten years and I left it when I moved. Third machine also a Bosch. Broke down after six weeks. I’ve had multiple engineer visits and they still haven’t repaired it. Pissed off.

@Wildlynx

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!

Yeah. My Aunty has a Miele that's the same age!

@DK123. The thing is, these days they cost a fraction of what they did years ago. They needed to be cheaper to be competitive with newer, cheaper, models, so they changed out all the metal bits for plastic bits & did things like upped the spin cycle speeds, which hammer the machines.

If you're not planning on moving (because they weigh a fuck to move (about 125kg from memory) Though even if you do get one, they seem to last well compared to other brands, but not 30 odd years like theur old ones.

I have an LG Direct Drive - freestanding. It's 11 years old and I love it. I'm putting a new kitchen in and need an integrated one. They don't make them - so I'm just going to leave the cupboard door off until it needs replacing!

Watch out for the length of your favourite cycle. That seems to have doubled on machines since I bought mine (all in the name of being more eco-friendly).

I have an LG direct drive, 9 years old and still fine.

Washer dryers don't seem to last long. We had problems after two years but it was a very cheap one from an unknown make we'd never heard of.

I've had problems with the electrics before and a huge thunderstorm fried the electrics in one washer. We moved with one and didn't stabilise it or whatever you're supposed to do with the drum. That one wasn't great after the move and stopped spinning properly.

My parents have had three in their 50 years of marriage life. I've already had six but two were second hand in around 20 years of unmarried life.

Ours is a seven year old Beko that has passed through three owners of this house.

I wonder if it correlates to the bedding changing frequency

It gets used for two or three loads once a week all in one day.

Ours - Bosch - is at least 10 years old. Never had any problems with it.

Mines over 10 years old. Never broken. I have one with a bigger drum and I think this is part of the problem. People don’t tend to buy bigger drums because they can cost more, but if you have a smaller drum you tend to pack it more and that puts a strain on the machine when its agitating. Well that’s my theory anyway!

We’ve just replaced ours after 9 years as it started leaking. However I think it died long before that - it felt like it was washing fine but since the new machine and the smell of our washing now... it definitely died loooong before that.

They don't make them like they use too unless miele or the new samsung.
Mine was 3 years old when it broke down, I took zanussu extended warranty.
I got €400 credit instore and bought a Samsung with a 10 year warranty.
I'd advise everyone to take the insurance.
I didn't take it on my zanussu tumble dryer it died after 2years waste of money.

Last Bosch was 12 years old, it still worked when I got rid of it but didn't seem to be quite as effective and I wanted a bigger drum. Replaced with another Bosch.

It was bought the same time as a Bosch fridge which is still going strong, and a Bosch dishwasher which was hopeless and died within 6 weeks of purchase.

Well I just ordered from Samsung and am absolutely fucking regretting it already and it has not even been sent yet. What a big mistake.

Terrible customer service and they won't let me cancel my order despite being placed this morning. They have changed their delivery terms but only inform you after the purchase and won't let you cancel.

They expect me to drag my washing machine up three flights of stairs.

OK well we won't be ordering from Samsung. Try involving Radio4 'You and Yours' or 'Money Box' programmes.

I’ve got two machines bitt about 3 years old. I do lots of washing, usually 3 a day and they are both ok at the moment.

I agree though things aren’t built to last anymore. I used to run a care home. We had a big industrial Miele which lasted 18 years despite being on at least 6 times a day. When it eventually gave out we replaced it with another industrial Miele which only lasted about 4 years!

Dishwashers aren’t much better, I’ve had 4 in 11 years !

@Yodeldodeldo - I’ve had 4 dishwashers in 11 years. A Miele, and 2 Beko’s and now a Bosch one. The Bosch is the only one that actually washes brilliantly every time and has lasted x

An LG washer/dryer I bought 9 years ago is still going strong.

@tigertubbie - did you order online? You are legally entitled to a 14 day cooling off period, so tell them that and ask your bank to cancel the payment if they don't listen: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/changing-your-mind-about-something-youve-bought/#:~:text=You%20automatically%20get%20a%2014,you%20to%20get%20a%20refund.
Visa/ Mastercard are pretty good at withholding funds from suppliers when it's basic consumer law.

@MRex I'm not in the uk but the same rules apply. The customer service just told me to not accept the delivery and it will be sent back then we will be refunded- but in the meantime the washing machine money isn't available. I could murder dh for paying with PayPal and not credit card but we have raised a dispute so let's see.

Absolutely dreadful customer service - if this is how difficult they are with an order just imagine how it is if you need repairs under warranty!

@Shmithecat2

An LG washer/dryer I bought 9 years ago is still going strong.

I was told by a mendy man that LG are fixable whereas other brands aren't. our LG has to take a little lie down when the digital display shows its "unbalanced" and i have to take something out on the spin. pathetic but its still fine after 3 years@ 5 washes a week