9 Signs You Need a New Washing Machine

Household appliances have always been part of every household’s center stories because they’ve always played a vital role in keeping many things around the house together as well as making day-to-day life very easy. Think about it, people actually have a lot on their plates now, too much to spend a chunk of their time fulfilling their domestic obligations, which is where all these household appliances come in handy because they’re what people have turned to over the years. We’re not surprised that the global appliance market is hitting new heights with each day that passes by, and in 2017, the market was valued at a whopping $501,532 million before hitting an all-time high of $659,860 million in 2022.

Every household appliance has a significant role it plays in the house, and with that comes some sort of assurance that you have machines that can help make things easier and more comfortable. Sadly, these appliances all have a day they will stop being as functional as we’ve grown used to, and while that may be hard to take in, it’s what we need to prepare for because it’s inevitable. The washing machine is not immune to “old age” and when it also nears its end, you may find yourself spending a lot of money on it in a bid to try to retain its service for much longer, but the sooner you realize the need to let go, the better for all parties, including the washing machine itself.

When people buy new appliances, they tend to pay more attention to these appliances and try to maintain them as regularly as they can because they’re trying to protect their investment in the machines, which is absolutely normal. However, as time passes, they begin to take their feet off the gas because these appliances are no longer the new and shiny appliances they were some years ago, and when complacency kicks in, the regular maintenance won’t be observed any longer, exposing the appliances to lots of dangers, which can end up affecting their lifespan. If you’re like this, you need to start putting in some conscious effort to keep maintenance at the highest level, because, at the end of the day, these appliances are not only about protecting your investment.

Recognizing the problems in your washing machine early will help you avert some problems that may cause you to lose your washing machine at the end of the day, which is why you have to always pay attention to details. According to K&A Appliances, the washing machine is a bit different from other appliances like ovens and refrigerators because they have more moving parts that can easily break and need to be replaced to put them back in shape. Since most of us are not experienced technicians, we need to keep asking questions and hoping to get answers to help keep our appliances in good shape for a very long time.

A rough estimate given by most appliance manufacturers shows that an average washing machine with good maintenance can last up to 10 years, according to Sewell Electric & HVAC, and that’s what most washing machine users agree with. This is just a rough estimate and it doesn’t guarantee that your washing machine will last that long, although that depends on many factors that center around how regularly you maintain the washer and how often you use it. However, once a washing machine is nearing its end, as hard as it can be to let go, there are some clear signs that will indicate this fact, and while many people would rather ignore it, they always end up paying the ultimate price at the end of the day.

How long should a washing machine last? That’s a very popular question with the washing machine as people want to have a specific answer, which is very close to impossible because there’s no specific time as it mostly depends on some important factors that need to be seriously looked into. If you use your washing machine more gently with regular maintenance, there’s a very high chance of getting it to serve you for many years, which is why it’s always important to prioritize the well-being of your washer. Let’s take a look at the 9 most common signs that indicate when to replace the washer you have in your laundry room with a new one.

To Buy A New Washing Machine; What Do You Need To Know?

Investing in a washing machine is like investing in every other appliance or making any other investment – it has to be protected at all costs. The mistake many people make is that they don’t take their time to consider the most important factors before heading on the market in search of a new washing machine, and, oftentimes, they always end up with the wrong product. If you don’t pay attention to the things you need to pay attention to, you’ll only find yourself buying a washing machine you don’t need, which will only cause you more problems at the end of the day because it’s not what’s actually needed in your laundry room.

To make the best purchase, you need to put the most important factors into consideration so you can also protect your investment dearly. Once you can put these factors together and take your time to also consider your needs, it’ll be very easy for you to decide on the perfect washing machine for your laundry room. Below are some of the important factors you should consider when buying a new washing machine.

Is it energy-efficient?

One of the many questions you need to try to find an answer to desperately is – is the washing machine I’m looking to buy energy-efficient? If the washing machine isn’t, you’ll spend a chunk of your money running it as it’ll consume a lot of power as well as water just because it’s not energy-efficient. Now, when you calculate all that money for however long the washing machine lasts, you’ll realize you’d be better off without a washer, or perhaps going to your local laundromat would be more cost-effective than running a washing machine that is not energy-efficient.

You have to be very careful when purchasing a new washing machine because if you end up with a washer that is not energy-efficient, you’ll pay the price by overpaying on your utility bills because the washer will consume way too much water and power than what you expect. Thankfully, modern washing machines are mostly energy-efficient, but you still don’t want to go on the market to purchase a new washing machine based on that single assumption. To be on the safer side, you should look out for Energy Star stickers on the washing machine or the ratings on the manufacturer’s website to confirm the washer’s energy efficiency.

Will it fit into your laundry room?

What’s the point of buying a big and large-capacity washing machine when it’s clear that it won’t fit into your laundry room? At the end of the day, one of these two things will happen: it’s either you return the washing machine hoping to get another one that fits in if the company’s return policy is very favorable or you’re forced to cut your loss on the washer, do whatever you want with it (most people would look to sell it to someone else as a second-hand washer) because you can’t return it due to some strict return policies. Knowing the size of your laundry room will help you make the best decision in choosing the perfect washing machine for it because you will know what to look for on the market rather than choosing any product, hoping that it fits in.

Losing your investment to a simple mistake would be very hard to take, especially when you find out that you could have done better than you actually did. To avoid being in that situation, you need to assess your laundry room properly before deciding on what size of the washing machine you should opt for at the end of the day. There’s a fleet of washing machine options today, so no matter the size you’re looking for, even if it’s the most portable washer, you’ll always find the one that’s perfect for your laundry room.

Is it within your budget?

You may love a washing machine all you want and wish to have it in your laundry room so badly, but if you can afford it, there’s almost nothing you can do about it rather than increasing your budget or simply opting for another option. Your budget should be one of the first few things you should put into consideration when buying a new washing machine because it determines the quality of the washing machine you’ll end up getting your hands on. For example, if you want certain features in your ideal washing machine; let’s say some of the best high-tech features like voice commands, you should be prepared to pay a premium fee because the washing machine is certainly a high-end one.

The washing machine market has grown into one of the biggest appliance markets in the world, and what people love about it is that, no matter what your budget is, however small it is, you’ll always find a washing machine that fits perfectly right in. The problem, however, is – are you willing to make that compromise? You may be denied some of the features you’ve always wanted in a washing machine – you may not even get the capacity you need, but, at the end of the day, you’ll have a washing machine in your laundry room, which is what matters most.

Does it have the features you want?

You can have all the features you want in a washing machine, although that mostly depends on a simple yet important factor – your budget. For some people, since the washing machine is supposed to bring convenience and ease into how they do their laundry, they don’t mind spending a lot of money on acquiring washing machines that have the features they need to make laundry as easy and convenient as possible. It’s safe to know that if you want certain features in your washing machine, you should be prepared to pay the price.

You’ll be surprised to know that some manufacturers have made their washers so accessible that it doesn’t matter what your budget is, you’ll always get some basic features in your washer that will help make doing laundry more convenient. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you want and how specific you are about the things you need in the washing machine. To determine the features that are very needed in your machine, you should also evaluate your laundry needs.

How often do you do your laundry and how many clothes do you wash all at once?

Finding answers to these questions is very important because they will help you determine the capacity of the washer you should have in your laundry space. Capacity is very important because it determines how many clothes you can put in your washing machine at a time without any problems whatsoever. In this case, you need to be very sure of your laundry needs before going on the market to make a decision on the capacity of the washer you’re getting.

If you have a large household with many people and you do laundry every day, you will most likely need a large-capacity washer, so if you have the financial prowess to pull it off, this is the washer you should be opting for. Large-capacity washers usually cost more than portable washers, so you need to be ready to pay the price to have one in your laundry room. However, if it’s just you, you don’t need a large-capacity washer. What you need is a portable washing machine with the right features to make doing laundry easier.

9 Signs You Need A New Washing Machine

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to let go, especially when it has to do with something or someone you’ve bonded so well with over the years. When people spend a lot of money on getting some appliances in their homes, we can expect them to maintain the appliances such that they can continue serving them for a long time. However, all good things come to an end, and household appliances are not an exception. As a matter of fact, you might as well start preparing to replace them once you notice you’re spending way too much money on repairs and all that.

If you pay attention to details, you’ll see the signs that your washing machine is nearing its end, giving you enough time to plan its replacement ahead of time, so you will be left with nothing when the machine finally refuses to work. The tricky thing about these signs is that you may think your machine needs to be repaired. When you find yourself spending too much money on the same repairs over and over, you should know it’s time to replace the washer. So, what are the signs you need a new washing machine? Let’s explore them below.

Strange Noises

It’d be very unrealistic of you to expect your washing machine to operate without making any sounds. As a matter of fact, if you’ve been using your washing machine for a while, you’ll realize that a washing machine making sounds is absolutely not out of the norm. However, when a washer starts making funny and strange sounds, it clearly indicates that something is wrong and you need to pay attention to it.

According to Appliances Connection, it is normal for a washing machine to make some low-level vibration or simple hum sounds because they indicate that the washing machine is clearly doing its job. What you need to pay attention to is those bagging, buzzes, and whistles because they only mean that the washer is trying to pass a strong message across to you, which you need to perfectly understand. If you’ve just bought it and it makes those strange noises, it only means that something needs to be fixed, so you don’t have to think of getting a replacement so soon.

Uncontrollable Leaking

This is a tricky one, so you have to be very careful. Leaking is usually caused by a number of factors that range from broken water pipes to damaged sealant. The most common cause of over leaking is when you overfill the washing machine. It will start leaking because it already has the right amount of water it needs to wash your load, thereby causing it to shred the water it doesn’t need on your laundry room floor.

It’s safe to note that it may just be a problem that needs to be fixed without having to think of replacing the washing machine. However, if you’ve been using the machine for many years and you’ve had to deal with similar problems a lot in the past few weeks or months, you should know it’s a sign that the washing machine needs to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid further problems. The hose at the back of the machine can wear and tear because it’s been in operation for many years. You can just replace the pipe or tighten it to fix the problem.

What you can’t fix is a cracked tub. The washer tub is one of the most important parts that keep everything together, so once it’s cracked, there’s almost nothing you can do to fix it rather than replace the washing machine.

Strange Movement

A washing machine is supposed to be stationary when it’s operating, so when yours is walking or vibrating aggressively, especially when spinning, it’s a clear indication that something is wrong. It’s worrying when your washer is working only for you to come back and meet it in a different place from where you left it. A washing machine that moves about strangely will spill water continuously, and it’s only a matter of time before mold starts ruining your laundry room floor.

When a washing machine moves about, it may cause some harm because it might shake so hard that it might free itself from connection, leading to some freefall, which will make your whole laundry room very messy. If it’s an old washing machine and you’re getting this strange movement, it means a change has to be made as soon as possible.

If the drum is no longer large enough

If you got your washing machine before your household started growing bigger, there’s a very high chance that a time will come when the machine drum won’t be large enough to handle your laundry because the clothes will be more than what it used to handle. If your washing machine has a small drum but you have a handful of clothes to wash each time, you’ll find yourself spending more time doing laundry because the clothes will have to be loaded in batches rather than go in at once.

If you also have kids, you’ll be forced to get a washing machine with at least 10kg load capacity because it has a drum that is large enough to accommodate sports kits, school uniforms, and teenage wear. However, you shouldn’t be tempted to purchase a washing machine whose drum is bigger than what you can fill, so it’s very important to assess your needs before making this decision.

Washing machine is eight years old

Are you waiting to start seeing signs in your washing machine before you know it might need a replacement soon? Maybe all the sign you need is the fact that the washer is nearing its end, and a washing machine that has consistently worked for over 8 years will definitely give you more problems than a younger one because all its parts are already wearing and tearing. According to Mix Repairs, washing machines that are over eight years old are likely to display more wear-and-tear signs as they’ll be more prone to failing water hoses and loose connections.

The washer doesn’t drain water

When a washing machine is nearing its end, all its parts start malfunctioning because they’re also old and can’t function properly again. An old washing machine’s pump filter is the main culprit when your old washer refuses to drain water. If the drain hose or U-bend has issues, it’s always very easy to fix because the result can only be a few simple blockages. However, when it’s happening too often than you expect, it may only be indicating that a new washing machine is needed in your laundry room.

It doesn’t clean as much as it used to

Another sign your old washing machine will give you to indicate that it needs to be replaced is when it no longer cleans as efficiently as it used to some years back. A new washing machine has all the cleaning technologies that are there to help combat tough stains, so you’ll see the clear difference when you invest in a new washer rather than sticking with an old washer that doesn’t give you the results you want. With that old washing machine, you may even find yourself washing your hands because you’re disgusted by the results the washer is giving you.

Drum won’t spin

Usually, when you activate a spin cycle, the drum is supposed to spin such that your clothes are still wet but not with dripping water, making drying very easy. However, an old washing machine that’s nearing its end can refuse to spin the drum because it just can’t handle it any longer. It could be problems with the pressure system or just a worn motor that is not powerful enough to spin the drum as fast as you’ll need it to take water out of your clothes. When the motor starts to become tired, you just need to try and get a new washing machine to bring back the swagger to your laundry room.

It’s no longer efficient

Our ancestors moved from washing clothes with hands to washing machines because they believed they could save a lot of water, which would reduce the pressure on their utility bills at the end of the year. However, when a washing machine is making you spend more money than you expect because it consumes more power and water, it only calls for a change to be made as soon as possible because the running costs will just be too high for you to handle. Inefficiency will only cause you to spend more money on your electricity and water bills than what’s necessary, so it might just be time to get rid of the inefficient washer and get a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it worth it fixing a washing machine?

There’s nothing wrong with fixing a washing machine that needs to be fixed. If you’re still getting the value for your money and the repairs are not so outlandish, you should just get through with it. However, when it’s an old washing machine and you constantly need to repair it, you might have to think twice before splashing money on it again for repairs.

2. How many years should a washing machine last?

While there is no specific time for a washing machine to last, it is generally believed that you should be able to get some 12 solid years out of a good washing machine, albeit good maintenance and how you use it will determine much of that.

3. How long does a Maytag washer last?

Maytag is one of the most popular washing machine manufacturers in the United States, and the reliable ratings are positive, so you can expect your Maytag washing machine to last for many years if you maintain it regularly. If you want to confirm a washer’s reliability rating, you can simply punch the name on Google and make the most of the information you have available to you from there.

4. Repair or replace the washing machine: what should I do?

It depends on what the problem is and how long you’ve been using the washing machine. Old washing machines tend to develop more technical problems when they’re nearing their end, but if it’s a new washer, you should repair whatever might be wrong with it rather than trying to replace except the damage is very significant.

Wrapping Up

Parting ways with your old washing machine can be very hard. If you don’t want to let go completely, you can even turn it into things you can have around the house such as a washing machine drum table, or lights. There’s no point in holding onto what will only make you spend more money on repairs and utility bills because you’ll experience a lot of those. If your washing machine is beginning to show any of the 9 signs we’ve discussed in this article, then it may be time for a change. If you’re on a budget, you can explore the best washing machines you can get for under $500. If you’re also looking to spend big on washing machines, you can explore some of these washing machines that cost up to $1000.