How long do washing machines last

Washing machines. How grateful we are for them? Although a washing machine is an expensive investment, it is difficult to find a household without commercial washers. Washing machines will continue to be a part of our life, as long as the need to wash clothes and laundry duties exist. There have been many technological advancements in commercial washing machines. From the device that was invented years ago which was sufficient to provide clean laundry, the now available commercial washing machines vary in their design and function.

However, every household might have a washing machine repair story, whether it was an expensive fix or an easy job. Let us discuss in this article ‘How long do washing machines last?’, the average lifespan of the device, how we can increase the lifespan of commercial washers, caring for a front loading or lop load washer, the most reliable washer brands, high-quality machines, and even the cheapest washing machine, and more! Let’s get started.

What is the average life of a washing machine?

Have you ever wondered what is the average lifespan of a washing machine? Most of us do not give thought to the fact that electronic products’ lifespan is an issue to consider. This is how it usually goes down; we know it is time to buy a new washing machine when there is a problem with the current washer. We are happy as long as the washer properly performs. There is a lifespan for washing machines as well and it is 14 years!

Not all washers will last for 14 years. It requires effort and maintenance to keep a washer properly working. Older washing machine models came with a simple and functional design. Now we can get a more efficient model in the new washing machines; that operates with environment and power-sensitivity during its life cycle.

Here is how the average lifespan is calculated roughly. Let us consider one does seven loads of laundry per week. To complete 5,100 loads of laundry, it is going to take 14 years. However, if you are not being careful in the handling of the washer you own, even if it were newer washing machines on the market, the device might not last for 14 years. If you happen to run an entire load with little care, or if your washing machine is subject to heavy usage or has loads quite often, the life cycle of the washer is going to reduce. Even frequent usage requires care.

Using a washing machine for 14 years is possible if you take caution to use the washer properly. No matter if you have a top-loading washer or a front loading washer, if you use heavy loads or light seven loads; your washing machine needs maintenance and appropriate care to have a longer life.

6 Signs you need a new washing machine

a) Water leak

If there is a leak when you run a wash cycle, it is obvious that there is a problem with your washing machine. It is either time to repair or for replacing or even to buy a new washing machine based on the magnitude of the problem.

The most common reason for a machine leak is a loose connection or overflow. The older washing machines are designed to use the same amount of water for an entire load of any size. The latest commercial washing machines are equipped to alternate or adjust the amount of water used for their washing cycles according to heavy loads or light loads.

Therefore these are reliable options to ensure your washing machine has a long life. One of the ways to reduce the water leak from the machine is to check the size of the load that can be fit into the washer; still giving the machine space for washing, spinning, and drying.

If the wash load is not the problem, it could be the water hose. It might have the need to be tightened after running loose from all the movement that happens from spinning and shaking. The water hose may even be damaged after years of use.

If neither of these serves as an easy fix it is then time to call for reputable professionals who will look into the issue clearly.

b) Noisy

While it is normal for washing machines to make noise while they are on a wash cycle; you will be able to tell when your machine is too loud. A very noisy machine can be the result of unbalanced placing. If you do not think that is the problem, it is time to check in with a technician.

Here is a temporary fix that you can try (it will not work for all commercial washers). Stop the washing cycle, and rearrange the clothes so that you have created an equal distribution of space. This will work for top load washers alone and not for front-loading machines.

Another trick to try is to build a platform or levelled surface to place the washing machine. This is to ensure that there is enough space in the laundry room and the feet are balanced.

If the washing machine is still too loud, you have to call a technician to check if the motor mount or drum is loose and needs tightening. During high spin speed, there is a good chance for the screws to loosen.

Depending on the repair costs that the technician suggests, it is recommended that you make an informed decision on which works better; repair or replace the old washer with new equipment.

c) Moving washer

Another one of the neglected signs that your equipment’s life cycle is nearing an end and it is time for a new washer is when you have a mover. Is your washing machine rocking too hard while it is at work? This could mean your washer’s life is reducing.

A washing machine must stay in one place (even if it rocks about), all throughout its washing cycle, rinsing, and spinning. It does not matter if you have a front loader or a top loader, your washing machine must stay put! If this isn’t happening, it is time to repair the washer and look into the problem.

The hazards of having a washing machine that moves around are; it will slosh soapy water about which will ruin the flooring, the water exposure can lead to mold and mildew growth, the device might cause a loose connection and free itself from the wiring. Call for reliable technical support at the earliest to resolve the issue.

d) Half-empty drum

If there is a problem with the drum being filled fully, here are some places where the problem might lie- delayed cycle selection, water hose or taps connection, water intake valve, filter, lid switch, or belts.
If the technician thinks the drum not filling fully is not a minor problem, rather it is going to be an expensive fix; you might as well consider replacing the old washer with new equipment. An expensive investment is far better than expensive repairs.

e) 8 years old

Next on the list of signs that you need a new washer is that your device is 8 years old or more. Technical support with frequent customers found that they had older models and not newer models (which could mean the equipment’s life cycle has been exceeded).

Do not wait until the washing machine breaks to buy a new washer. Although it is an expensive investment, a damaged washer or an overused washer that is close to its average life expectancy is going to give you higher repair costs.

Most washer’s life expectancy is 11 years to 14 years. When the device reaches 6 years, it is time for you to consider replacing the washing machine to save unforeseen utility costs. You will benefit from newer models that come with exceptional performance levels, energy and water-efficient designs, and more.

e) Old top-loading washers

Finally on the list of signs that you can bid goodbye to old washers we have the disadvantage of top-loading washers. If you own top-loading washers and you consider replacing them we suggest you look at front-loading models from reliable washer brands.

Top-loading washers use a lot of water and their repair costs are mostly an expensive fix. Investing in a front-load model from a high-quality brand with a few hundred dollars will save you a long way. Front-load models are certainly advantageous to their top-loading counterparts.

How to increase the life of your washing machine? (7 Simple and effective tips)

Here are some tips to use any washer properly and increase its lifespan.

1. Stop overloading

Commercial washing machines vary in the load limit that they have. Even a high-quality machine will lead to repair if you often run heavy loads.

To handle this, check how many cycles you can run per day and split the laundry into smaller loads rather than running an entire load.

2. Less detergent

Did you know using detergents more than the recommended amount is not good for your clothes and the washing machine?

Too much detergent will accumulate in the washer and will also hinder proper cleaning. When there is too much detergent, it will act as a lubricant and prevent friction that is necessary to clean the clothes.

3. Keep interiors clean

It is important to clean the interiors of a washer as much as cleaning the outside body. The rubber door seal, filters, hoses, moving parts, and drum are places that accumulate dirt, grime, and detergent studs.
Clean all parts of the washing machine as and when required to avoid repair and extend the products’ lifespan.

4. Hose connections

Checking all hose connections of washing machines regularly will prevent future repairs and extend the lifespan of the washing machine. Make sure the hose connections are tight and free from dirt. Remember, hoses and wires also have their own lifespan. They have to be devoid of bulges or cuts to serve their purpose.

5. Washing for maintenance

Running a maintenance wash once a month is a great way to keep washing machines smelling fresh, improve their exceptional performance levels, keep them free from allergen build-up, and expect the longevity of the equipment’s life cycle to extend.

Set the washer to temperatures between 140 °F (60 °C) and 194 °F (90 °C), add in a small amount of bleach and detergent or 2 cups of vinegar and run it on full cycle (without clothes!).

6. Empty tub

Keep mold growth away by removing the washed clothes from the tub as soon as the cycle is done. Even a high-quality brand of washing machines is prone to mold growth.

7. Open the door

Leave the machine’s door open once a wash cycle is complete and wipe down the interior and the rubber seal on the door. This will help you to keep a damaged washer away.

Which is the most reliable washing machine and why? 

The LG 5 Star Inverter Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine has been voted as the best washing machine. LG is one of the most reliable washer brands, this product gives you not just clean clothes but also exceptional performance levels.

It is durable for frequent usage, heavy loads, and comes with a 2 year warranty period on the product and 10 years on the motor. This is fully automatic and comes with the added advantage of being water and energy-efficient. It has been recommended as the best choice for large families, due to its 8.0 kg capacity.

Like the latest commercial washers, this model also has many technological benefits. 10 different washing programs, 6 motion direct drive technology, touch panel, fault diagnosis, etc., are a few of the many key features that make this model the best pick among the newer washing machines.