How Long Should a Washer and Dryer Last? Signs It’s Time for a Replacement
Your laundry machines keep your clothes clean, fresh, and presentable—but, over time, your washer and dryer may not function as well as they did out of the box.
How long should a washer and dryer last exactly?
Generally speaking, high-quality units run for ten to 13 years before they need replacement—but time alone isn’t the only factor. Brand quality, maintenance routines, and usage frequency all affect your laundry duo’s longevity.
Learn if your machines are washed up and in need of replacement or if a simple repair will spin them back into working order.
How Long Should a Washer and Dryer Last?
Most major washer and dryer manufacturers claim you’ll get at least a decade of service out of their machines. In independent studies, about 80% of laundry duos made it past this ten-year point, making a decade a solid benchmark for life expectancy. Ten years may also be the point when you experience more complex mechanical issues and need professional service—or replacement.
Extending The Washer and Dryer Lifecycle
Laundry duo longevity doesn’t just depend on the manufacturer and machine quality, but also on your own usage. You can help your washer and dryer last longer by:
- Keeping them level – Washers spin up to 1,600 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) and, while dryers aren’t quite as fast, they turn and tumble as well. This motion can rock your machine and damage its components if it’s not even. If your setup is unlevel, individually extend each leg until it sits flat on the floor.
- Cleaning and caring for their components – Empty out lint traps between each load and, when gunk and grime build up in the soap trays, pull them out for a proper cleaning. Prevent mold by wiping the washer’s seal dry after cycles and leaving the door open between loads. Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions on how often to run your washing machine with a tub-cleaning product.
- Running the right-sized loads with less detergent – Avoid small loads to minimize total cycles, but don’t overstuff your washer, as this may damage the drum. Use smaller amounts of high-efficiency detergent to prevent gunk buildup and extra suds, which can extend laundry cycles and cause extra wear on your machine.,
- Inspecting their tubing – Check water feed and discharge hoses regularly for cracks, holes, and other signs of wear. Do the same with your dryer’s exhaust pipe and both machines’ electrical wires.
Unfortunately, even with these best practices, washers and dryers can still wear down and break given enough time and usage. So, how can you tell when your machines are on their way out?
Telltale Signs of a Faltering Washer and Dryer
Before a washer or dryer gives out completely, it’ll typically show a few key signs of aging and deterioration. Your laundry setup may not be running its best if:
- Your clothes don’t come out as clean, fresh-smelling, or dry as they used to
- Washing and drying cycles take longer than they used to
- Your machines get louder, make unusual noises, or shake more
- You notice leaks in the tubing or on your floor
- Your machines stop or lose power unexpectedly
- You get error codes when you try to run a load
These are a few of the most common issues indicating an aging or faltering washer and dryer. While you may be able to troubleshoot error codes with the help of your machine’s user manual, repeatedly encountering major issues likely means it’s time to repair or replace your setup.
When to Repair or Replace Your Washer and Dryer
Not every washer or dryer issue requires total machine replacement. Certain components can be quickly and cost-effectively replaced or repaired, such as:
- Leaky external tubing
- Cracked dryer ventilation shafts
- Ripped lint screens
- Broken detergent and softener trays
- Damaged door gaskets
- Missing or broken knobs, screws, and other external hardware
Most of these problems can be dealt with on your own or with the help of a repair technician. Other, more serious issues that are often too costly to fix and require replacing your setup include:
- Internal leaks that require you to dismantle the unit
- Continued loud operation despite technical troubleshooting
- Inconsistent drying despite cleaning your dryer thoroughly
- Repeated error codes that won’t go away
You may also be on the market for new machines if:
- Your units are old or inefficient – Oftentimes, new laundry machines pay for themselves through savings on your energy and water bills. New washers use 70% less energy than they did 50 years ago, but even current efficiencies vary. ENERGY STAR-rated dryers, for example, use 20% less energy than other units and save the average owner $700 in electricity bills over the course of a decade.
- You’re moving houses – Moving from your parents’ house, a rental, or a shared home often means buying your first washer and dryer. Getting the right set off the bat offers a decade or more of service, meaning you won’t have to get another pair the next time you move.
- You want an upgrade – Perhaps your family is expanding, you need more washing and drying options, or you simply want a more aesthetically pleasing setup. Whatever the reason, choose an efficient, reliable laundry duo that meets your usage needs.
There are many reasons to get a new washer and dryer, but their lofty price tags often make them too expensive to purchase outright. Luckily, there’s a simple, effective way to afford premium laundry machines without the high upfront costs.
How to Afford a Better Washer and Dryer
Lease-to-own appliances let you access high-quality, reliable washers and dryers with no credit needed, no high upfront costs, and no long-term obligations. Even if you don’t qualify for traditional financing options, lease-to-own allows you to replace aging, inefficient, or broken appliances with brand new devices for low, flexible monthly payments.
Lease-to-own isn’t simply appliance rental—it gives you the choice to purchase your appliances outright over time. That means you pay toward a washer and dryer you’ll hold and own for the entirety of their life cycles—or return at any time if you decide it’s not the right set for you.
Unlike credit-based financing, lease-to-own doesn’t require:
- Invasive credit checks
- Strict contract terms
- High monthly payments
It’s an easily-accessible, stress-free option for any couple, family, or individual in search of a new laundry set—whether you rent or own your home.
Wash Away the Stress of a New Washer and Dryer Purchase with Katapult
How long should a washer and dryer last?
They generally operate for ten to 13 years. Routine maintenance, proper usage, and regular cleaning can help your machines last longer, while lease-to-own purchasing options allow you to get the most value for your money.
If you’re looking to access efficient, reliable washers and dryers—alongside lease-to-own furniture, lease-to-own mattresses, and more—for an affordable, flexible price, choose Katapult. With top-of-the-line machines, lightning-fast applications, and adjustable lease-to-own payment plans, your dream laundry setup is just a few clicks away.
Sources:
Consumer Reports. How to Make Your Washer and Dryer Last Longer. https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/how-to-make-your-washer-and-dryer-last-a2393416520/.
National Park Service. Laundry Practices and Water Conservation. https://www.nps.gov/articles/laundry.htm.
