At a Glance:
When to Fix a Washing Machine
Washing Machine Lifespan
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Washer
Signs it is Time to Replace Your Washer
Washing Machine Maintenance FAQs
Why Trust Us?
Have you had your washer for a few years and have had to use a trick or two to get it to work from time to time? As the years go by, your washing machine won’t be as young and spry as it used to be, but that doesn’t mean it’s time for a new washer. Even if there’s been an issue or two over the years, you can keep your laundry appliance going for a long time with proper washing machine maintenance and a few lifespan-extending tips.
If you are tired of wondering “how long do washing machines last,” take a peek below for more details on how you can extend your washer’s life and which brand of washing machines last longer.
When to Fix a Washing Machine
If you have had your washer for at least half a decade, you’ve probably experienced an issue or two over the years. If you are lucky, they have all been simple problems that your local repairman can easily fix without spending too much money… hopefully. But if you could fix it yourself and save a few hundred dollars in the process, wouldn’t that be even better? Below, our experts have found a few tips and tricks to keep your top load or front load washing machine in good health, and with proper washing machine maintenance, your beloved washer could last even longer than its average lifespan!
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Washing Machine Lifespan
The average life of a washing machine ranges from 10 to 13 years, although some brands can manufacture washing machines with an even longer lifespan than the average appliance. So, while you are on the hunt for your new washing machine, you won’t have to wonder “how long should a washing machine last” anymore. Take a look at this breakdown of washer life expectancies to know how long your future laundry appliance will last.
10 years: Crosley, Electrolux, Hotpoint
10+ years: Amana, GE, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool
20+ years: Asko, Miele, Speed Queen
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Washer
Although your washer may seem like it’s on its last legs, we have some tips and tricks that could add on a few more years to your washing appliance. Now, for what you have been waiting for, our team’s life-extending secrets for washers!
Don’t Overuse Detergent
The best defense is using the correct amount of detergent and fabric softener. Too much of either creates excessive suds and dirty residue that accumulates within the drum and other parts of the washing machine.
Empty Pockets
Before throwing in a load, check the pockets for coins, keys, paper, hair clips, and any other stray items that could clog your washer’s hoses. Additionally, any loud buzzing or humming coming from your washer may mean any one of those pocket objects has gotten stuck in the washing machine’s pump and is clogging it.
Don’t Leave Clothes In It
We’ve all done it. The washing cycle finished, the chime went off, and you received a “complete cycle” notification, but we’re too busy to move the load to the dryer… or we forgot. But did you know leaving your laundry in the washer can create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew and cause a foul odor to linger in your washer? Even worse, it can be difficult to get rid of once it’s settled in. To avoid this, remove your clothes from your washer as soon as possible after the cycle is done. Leave the door open to let the washer’s drum air dry if you have a front load washing machine.
Clothing Overload
It’s best to avoid overloading your washing machine. A washer can become unbalanced if filled with too many clothes or bulky items in the same load and not spin properly. If this is the issue, redistribute the clothes evenly before starting the cycle again.
Check Hoses
To be proactive in your washer maintenance, regularly check the hoses for any bulges, cracks, frays, and leaks around the ends. Replace the damaged hose accordingly if there is a problem or every three to five years for washing machine upkeep.
Make Sure Washer is Level
Lastly, another act of maintaining your washing machine, ensure it is level. An off-kilter washing appliance can vibrate, rock, and even shake across your laundry room during a spin cycle, damaging your machine and floor. So, to balance your washer, check your owner’s manual for how to adjust the legs to make sure they are all the same height.
Signs it is Time to Replace Your Washer
Have you spent hundreds of dollars to keep your washer running just to call another repair service to come and look at it again a few weeks later? It may be time to throw in the towel and start looking for a new washing machine. If you aren’t sure, here are eight warning signs that your washing machine is past the point of repair.
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Washing Machine Maintenance FAQs
Q: What would cause a washer to stop working?
A: There are a number of reasons a washer would stop working, ranging from power failure to drain issues and even a lid switch problem. Ultimately, if you are unsure what is causing the problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professional services team, and we will gladly send one of our repair technicians to take a look.
Q: How often should you service your washing machine?
A: To ensure your washing machine’s lifespan is long and joyous, we recommend that users run a maintenance wash at least once a month.
Q: Should you leave a washing machine door open?
A: Top load washers don’t need to be left open because the lid doesn’t seal, resulting in the remaining moisture evaporating from the drum between loads.
On the other hand, you should leave front-load washers open in between loads since the doors have a tight seal that can trap moisture in the drum, resulting in potential mold and mildew growth.
Q: Is it worth repairing a washer?
A: Getting your washing machine fixed is more than worth it if:
- The repair cost is less than 50 percent of the price for a new appliance.
- Your washing machine still has several years left on it.
- A quick-fix is more cost-effective than replacing
- You have an active warranty
Q: When should you replace a washer?
A: Maintaining a washer can get very expensive, so it is more than worth replacing it if:
- Repairing your current one is too costly.
- The washer’s drum is cracked.
- Older washers frequently break down and have required several repairs in just a few years.
- Your old washer is more than 50 percent through its life expectancy, and the repair cost would be more than half the cost to replace it.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market, but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Washers at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop laundry appliances online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you learn more washing machine maintenance tips. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Why is My Dishwasher Not Cleaning Well? [And 13 Ways to Fix It]
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