One of the first things you may wonder about when purchasing a new washing machine is how long it will last. Knowing how long your washer will last is crucial for budgeting and home maintenance planning, as washers can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
The average lifespan of washing machines, the factors that affect their durability, brand comparisons, and helpful advice to prolong the life of your washer for many years to come are all covered in this comprehensive 2025 guide.
The typical lifespan of washing machines in the United States
Based on data from manufacturers and experts in the appliance industry:
In the USA, the typical washing machine lasts ten to thirteen years.
Depending on the kind of washer you own, this can change:
Type of Washer Average Lifespan
Ten to twelve years of top-load washing
11–14 years old front-load washer
Combo Washer-Dryer 8–12 years
Because of their more effective motor designs and superior water use management, front-loading washing machines typically have a slightly longer lifespan.
What Elements Impact a Washing Machine’s Lifespan?
The lifespan of your washer is influenced by several factors:
1.Frequency of Use
A washer in a large family home that does five or seven loads a week will wear out more quickly than one in a two-person household that does two loads a week.
2. Upkeep and Attention
Mould, buildup, and mechanical strain are all prevented by routine cleaning, using the right detergent, and quickly removing wet clothes. These factors can all reduce the lifespan of your washer.
3. Quality of Water
Hard water, which contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, can accumulate in internal components and hoses, shortening the appliance’s lifespan if left untreated.
4. Brand and Type of Washing Machine
Budget models typically don’t last as long as high-end models with direct drive motors, such as LG and Samsung. Reputable brands of washers typically have better warranties and use more robust parts.
5. Balanced Loads and Appropriate Use
Internal parts like suspension rods, bearings, and seals can be rapidly worn out by overloading your machine, washing heavy or unbalanced loads frequently, or ignoring maintenance alerts.
Comparing Washing Machine Brands’ Lifespans (USA 2025)
Average Lifespan of a Brand
LGSamsung, 10–15 years10–14 years old
Whirlpool ages 10–13
Maytag aged 10–14
GE9–12 years old
9–12 years old Frigidaire
While mid-range brands like Whirlpool and Maytag provide good dependability, LG and Samsung front-load washers continuously rank at the top of the longevity rankings.
How to Increase Your Washing Machine’s Life
Do you want the longest possible life out of your washer? Here’s how:
✅ Clean the detergent drawer and pump filter on a regular basis.
✅ Run a Tub Clean cycle once a month to get rid of detergent and residue buildup.
✅ To avoid mould, clean the gaskets on front-loading doors after each wash.
✅ Only use the recommended amounts of high-efficiency (HE) detergent.
✅ Steer clear of overloading the drum as this strains the suspension and motor.
✅ After every wash, leave the door or lid open to let the drum dry and prevent the smell of mildew.
✅ Take care of leaks, strange sounds, or error codes as soon as possible to prevent minor problems from getting worse.
✅ To lessen mineral deposits, install a water softener if your water is hard.
Typical Indications That Your Washing Machine Needs to Be Replaced
Even the most reliable washer won’t last forever. Keep an eye out for these indicators that an upgrade may be in order:
Constant water leaks, loud or violent vibrations during spin cycles, several breakdowns in a year, wash cycles that take much longer than usual, unpleasant odours that don’t go away even after cleaning, rising water and energy bills, and an outdated model lacking contemporary energy-saving features
Pro Tip: If your washer is more than ten years old and the cost of repairs exceeds fifty percent of the cost of a new one, it is usually more cost-effective to replace it.
Coverage under Warranty for Washing Machines (USA)
In the USA, the majority of washing machines include:
One-year limited warranty for labour and parts
3–5 years for specific components (such as drive belts, motors, or drums).
Direct drive motors (in high-end models like LG and Samsung) come with a ten-year warranty.
Always review the terms of your warranty, and if you intend to keep the appliance for a long time, think about adding an extended protection plan.
Is It Better to Replace or Repair an Old Washing Machine?
Apply this general rule:
Repair your washer if it is less than seven years old and the cost of doing so is less than half of the cost of a new one.
Replacement is typically more economical if it is more than ten years old and has frequent problems.
Replacing a washer with an ENERGY STAR® certification is a wise financial and environmental decision because new models can save up to 25% on water and energy costs annually when compared to models that are 10 years old.
In conclusion
What is the average lifespan of a washing machine?
The typical lifespan of a washing machine in the majority of American homes is between 10 and 13 years, with front-loading models usually outlasting top-loading ones.
Purchasing a high-quality brand and taking good care of your washer will help you get the most out of your appliance, even though variables like maintenance, water quality, and usage frequency also play a part.
When it’s time to replace your washer, look for ENERGY STAR® models and consider brands like LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, and Maytag, which are known for having some of the longest lifespans in the United States.