how long does a washer/dryer last?

[minkydog]

I've had my Kenmore set for 18 years. I'm ready for a new set but unfortunately my husband is mechanically inclined.

I feel your pain, sister. My refrigerator has been sporting a 12-inch long line of caulk in the interior for 15years. That thing will not die!

 

[2Poodles]

Maytag washer lasted 18 years and Maytag dryer 22 years both without ever having to be repaired. One month ago bought a Whirlpool Duet washer/dryer and love it. We'll see how long the Whirlpool lasts.


Mary & the 2Poodles
(Sebastian & Winslow

 

[golfgal]

Our Kenmore set is 10 years old. All of our appliances are about 10 years old so that means according to the law of appliances that they will all die at the same time. We have made a couple minor repairs to both the washer and dryer, but less then $100 total. They work fine.

 

[whimsey]

The first load of dirty clothes in my Maytag washer was a pre usage wash of diapers. The former diaper wearer is now 26 years old. We've changed some belts in the machine but that's about it. The dryer is a relatively young 16 years old. The former dryer had an altercation with Hurricane Hugo back in 89 and lost.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Bought my washer / dryer about 18 - 20 years ago - Magic Chef - which was made by Maytag, the dryer died couple of years ago, the washer is still going strong

 

[MICKEY88]

25 years on my Kenmore washer & dryer and still running strong..

 

[MICKEY88]

My brother has a dryer that is over 25yrs old--of course you have to dry everything twice now

I had that problem with my dryer a few months ago, then I had a melt down of the plug and outlet, upon researching online I discovered that this is a common occurence with dryer plugs after years of use, because the plug starts to go bad, the dryer isn't getting full electricity and the heat doesn't get as high...I replaced the outlet and the dryer cord/plug, the dryer now dries the clothes in half the time....

 

[disneysteve]

I just wanted to reiterate my earlier comment about energy efficiency. Those of you who are running washers that are 2 decades old (or more), you are most likely spending more on electricity than it would cost you to replace the unit with a new one. New washers use less water and much less power. Replacing your old unit, even if it works just fine, will save you a fair amount of money.

I know this isn't the Budget Board but just thought I'd throw this in.

 

[brekfist]

For as long as I've been alive, there was a washer/dryer in our house. And I'm 20. But our washer just stopped working last year, so I would say we definitely got our money's worth out of it.

 

[malibuconlee]

We need a new washer, and we've only had it 8 years. I think moving has been hard on it. I also think the water makes a difference as to how long a washer lasts.

Side note: DH's parents live in a small town where the water is horrible. Tastes bad, and they go thru hot water heaters every few years because of the water quality.

 

[pjlla]

Funny this should come up today. Quick story.....

My dryer decided to die shortly before July 4th of this year (bad timing, as we were leaving on vacation the next week!). But I limped along all summer drying clothes on the line (which I usually do anyhow). But two weeks ago we started having LOTS of rain and the laundry was piling up. So DH and I head to Home Depot and buy a dryer. It was delivered on Friday. I was out so DH tried to be helpful and start on the mountain of laundry.

At load #3 the washer overflowed. Fortunately he was nearby and we didn't ruin any floors (but he did use EVERY towel in the house to clean the mess). Now keep in mind, this happens within hours of the new dryer being delivered. So off we go to Home Depot again to buy the matching washer. Oh well... it's only money. Our new washer is expected anytime within the next 3 hours.

We did have an appliance repairman come out in July to check the dryer and the oven, which also stopped working the same week as the dryer. Fortunately the oven repair was an inexpensive simple fuse. But he quoted over $130 to repair the dryer, so we opted to replace it.

FWIW, all of our appliances were purchased new and installed at the end of May of 1994. So they are all about 11 y/o. We figure the dishwasher will go next. I already have my eye on a Bosch. THe washer and dryer we just replaced were Whirlpools. We bought GE for the new set. Thanks for sharing your tales..................P

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I had my Maytag for 32 years - and it never needed one single repair..

Wow C.Ann I was thiking I would have the most with my
GE drier and 25 years but you beat me out by a mile

 

[jody]

I think the older washers and dryers lasted longer-no electronic boards. I have a fairly new (less than 3 yrs) Maytag Neptune and it's been repaired twice already.

 

[disneysteve]

I think the older washers and dryers lasted longer-no electronic boards. I have a fairly new (less than 3 yrs) Maytag Neptune and it's been repaired twice already.

This is a perfect thing to keep in mind when shopping. Sure, it may be nice to have all the bells and whistles but it costs a whole lot more to get them and they are more likely to break once you have them. Stick with a basic model and you will likely have fewer problems and have the appliance last longer. Plus you'll save hundreds of dollars. I'm amazed when I'm in the store and see washers selling for $1000 or more. I don't believe that they clean the clothes any better than the $350 washer with manual knobs instead of fancy computerized touch pads and LCD displays.

 

[eclectics]

Maytag Washer and Dryer. Purchased new by my parents in 1957. Still going strong for me now. In fact I've got a load of wash on as we speak. No major work done on either one! Just as a point of reference, I have to replace my "Made in China" toaster every 6 months or so. Maybe I should find a 1957 model toaster to go with the Maytags!

 

[disneysteve]

oops - duplicate post

 

[mickeyfan2]

Our are 17 years old. They are both Maytag.

 

[tiggerlover]

Mine are Kenmore and I have had them for 16 years now.