How do you ensure a longer life for your washing machine?

Whether you buy a second-hand or a new washing machine, a good washing machine is a relatively expensive purchase. So when you have a new washing machine, you obviously don't want it to stop working after two years. But how long does a washing machine actually last on average? And what can you do yourself to extend the life of your washing machine? We investigated.

How long does a washing machine last on average?

Various statements are made on the internet about the average lifespan of a washing machine. For example, a Miele washing machine would last about 5000 washes and an Indesit 1200 washes. Washing 3 times a week is 32 years and 8 years respectively. The question is: is that really the case? It could indeed be that your Miele washing machine will last for 32 years without any problems, but then you are one of the happy few . The lifespan of a washing machine depends on more factors than just the brand. The following factors determine how long your washing machine will last:

The brand

Indeed, the brand is one of those factors. Brands such as Miele, Bosch and Siemens are known for their high-quality materials and sustainable design. Do not focus blindly on the price of the washing machine. It is not the case that a washing machine of 1200 dollars will by definition last longer than a cheaper washing machine. The cheapest washing machines from these brands usually also have a long life.

The location of your washing machine

Have you ever thought that the location of the washing machine is important? For example, you should never place a washing machine in a place that is too cold. The temperature in the room where your washing machine is located must not fall below 0 degrees. In case of frost, the water in the drain pump and drain hose freezes and that causes damage. It is also not good for your washing machine to put it in a place that is too humid. So if your bathroom is not equipped with good ventilation, it is better to place your washing machine elsewhere.

How you handle your washing machine

You can have a Miele for $890, but if you don't treat your washing machine properly, it won't last long. The most important factor for the lifespan is how you handle your washing machine. Did you wash five times a week or twice a week? Do you clean your washing machine or has this never occurred to you before? Washing machines are actually no different from the plants in the garden: if you take good care of them, they will do well.

Tips to make your washing machine last longer

So what does "taking good care of your washing machine" really mean? We list the most important tips for you.

Pay attention to the dosage advice for your detergent

Problems with too much detergent

It is very important to follow the dosage advice for your detergent. When you use too much detergent, soap residue will accumulate in your washing machine. The accumulated soap residue creates a dirty gunk in the door rubbers of your detergent - the perfect breeding ground for grease lice, a soap bacteria. If you suffer from grease lice, your washing machine (and laundry) will smell a lot.

Problems with too little detergent

Too little detergent is also not a good idea. Detergent contains descaling agents. If you use too little detergent with hard water, limescale damage can therefore occur to your washing machine. You can check the water hardness in your municipality here.

You can keep this:

0 to 4 very soft

4 to 8 soft

8 to 12 medium

12 to 18 quite hard

18 to 30 hard

Wash with a full drum, but not too full!

It is better for your washing machine when you wash with a full drum. This is more energy-efficient and you get your laundry clean better. Now, however, you can't completely go wild - too full a drum overloads the shock absorbers and bearings of your washing machine. With cotton, there should still be a considerable fist space left in the drum and with delicate laundry the drum should be slightly less full.

Choose the correct load capacity.

The more you wash, the shorter the life of your washing machine. For a family of 5 people or more, it is therefore wise to choose a washing machine of at least 9 kilos. If you have a washing machine that is too small, you will have to wash more often. Are you only with two people? Then choose a washing machine of a maximum of 7 kilos. With a washing machine that is too large, you will not always get the drum filled enough.

Regular cleaning of your washing machine

By cleaning your washing machine regularly, your washing machine will last longer, your laundry will be cleaner and you will save money on repair costs and energy. These are the main cleaning tasks:

• Cleaning a cooking wash

Run a cooking wash (90-95 degrees) once or twice a month with two dishwasher tablets. Put these tablets in the soap dish. Your washing machine will then be cleaned and descaled on the inside. An alternative is a professional cleaning agent, which will descale and degrease better. Any grease lice will be removed.

• Clean the fluff filter The fluff filter

Is located at the bottom of your washing machine. It is very important to clean it every 5 washes. Coins and other objects can end up here. This can lead to blockage so that your drain pump no longer works properly.

• Clean the door seals

Door seals are an important collector of dirt. When the door seals become too dirty, they can harden and crack. Your washing machine will then no longer close properly and will leak. So make sure you clean the door seals regularly. How do you do this? Simple: mix some cleaning agent with water and clean the rubbers with a soft brush or toothbrush. Make sure you clean well between the rubbers, objects such as coins often end up there.

With all the tips you have read, you can significantly extend the life of your washing machine. Of course, things sometimes break. Maybe you are handy and you can make it yourself. Washing machine parts that you are looking for can be found here. Are you unable to find and fix the problem? Do not just buy a new washing machine, but call a technician who will solve it for you. This is often still cheaper and better for the environment.