Washing machine lifespan: how long does it last?
Washing machine: 8 to 11 years on average, so around 10 years in normal household use. Regular maintenance routinely pushes past the top of that range.
A washing machine lasts 8 to 11 years on average. Cycle count matters far more than age: a machine running five times a week wears out roughly twice as fast as one used twice.
The parts that fail first are almost always the same three: drum bearings, drain pump and shock absorbers. All are repairable, and usually for far less than a new machine costs.
Thinking of buying one?
- Expect 8 to 11 years of use for a well-maintained model.
- 4 maintenance tasks decide how long it lasts.
- 3 common faults worth knowing before you choose.
Just bought one? Record its warranty in Delvyia: you will be warned before it runs out, and the receipt stays within reach.
Record my applianceSigns it is reaching the end
- A rumbling noise during the spin that keeps getting louder (worn bearings)
- The machine walks across the floor or vibrates heavily (tired shock absorbers)
- Water drains slowly or not at all (blocked pump or filter)
- Laundry comes out with greasy marks or a musty smell
- Leaks appear underneath the machine
The maintenance that extends its life
Clean the drain filter (bottom front of the machine)
How often: every 2 months
Run an empty 90 °C cycle with white vinegar or a descaler
How often: every 3 months
Wipe the door seal and leave the door ajar after use
How often: after every wash
Clean the detergent drawer
How often: monthly
Repair or replace?
Replacing bearings or a pump (often 120 to 250 € fitted) stays worthwhile on a machine under 8 years old, especially if it was decent quality to begin with. Past 10 years, or when several parts fail at once, replacing becomes the sensible call.
Having an out-of-warranty washing machine repaired by a QualiRépar-certified repairer in France entitles you to 50€ taken straight off the invoice. No paperwork, nothing to pay up front: the repairer deducts it from the total.
How to claim the repair bonus →Common faults
Frequently asked questions
How long does a washing machine last?
Between 8 and 11 years, averaging around 10. The number depends mostly on cycles: a large family running six washes a week will wear a machine out far faster than a household running two.
Why is my washing machine so loud on the spin cycle?
A rumbling noise that grows during the spin almost always means worn drum bearings. It is a classic failure after 7 to 8 years and it is repairable, but don't wait too long: eventually the shaft is damaged and repair is no longer possible.
How do you make a washing machine last longer?
Clean the drain filter every 2 months, run an empty descaling cycle every 3 months, don't overload the drum, and leave the door ajar between washes so mould doesn't build up on the seal.
These figures are orders of magnitude, not guarantees. Published studies diverge depending on their method: consumer surveys, repairer data, or declared length of use. Maintenance, usage and water hardness often weigh more than the brand.