How Long Does a Washing Machine Last? Real Lifespan and When to Replace

When you buy a washing machine, a household appliance designed to clean clothes using water and detergent. Also known as a laundry machine, it’s one of the most used devices in the home—running multiple times a week, often for years on end. But how long should it actually last? The short answer: washing machine lifespan usually falls between 10 and 12 years. That’s the average if you treat it right. But if you overload it, skip maintenance, or live in a hard water area, it might give out in just 6 or 7. It’s not magic—it’s mechanics.

What affects how long your machine sticks around? The motor, the core component that spins the drum wears down over time. The drum bearings, the parts that let the tub spin smoothly get noisy before they fail. And the door seal, the rubber gasket that keeps water in cracks, leaks, and breeds mold if you don’t wipe it dry. These aren’t random failures—they’re predictable wear points. Fixing a seal or cleaning the pump filter costs far less than replacing the whole machine… until it doesn’t. When repairs start adding up—especially if your machine is past 8 years old—it’s time to weigh cost against value.

Many people wait too long. They keep fixing a noisy, slow, energy-hogging washer because they don’t want to spend the money. But a 12-year-old machine uses nearly twice the electricity and water of a new Energy Star model. That adds up. And when the drum cracks or the control board dies, repair bills can hit $300 or more—close to half the price of a new one. That’s not a repair. That’s a money trap.

You don’t need to be an expert to spot the warning signs. Loud banging? That’s usually the drum bearings. Water left behind after a cycle? Could be a clogged pump or broken drain hose. Clothes coming out with soap residue? That’s often a sign the machine’s not spinning right. These aren’t just inconveniences—they’re signals. And if you’re seeing two or more of them, your machine is telling you something.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve been there: when to call a repair tech, when to walk away, how to stretch your machine’s life with simple habits, and what to look for when you’re ready to replace it. No fluff. Just facts from years of fixing machines in Rugby homes.