How long does a washing machine last?

A clothes washer typically lasts 10 to 13 years. The home builders’ survey gives 10 years, and the US Department of Energy’s analysis uses an average of 13.4.

What the published figures say

YearsSourceWhat the figure is
10NAHB and Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (2007)Survey of manufacturers and trade groups. Its appliance figures describe use by the first owner.
13.4US Department of Energy, energy conservation standards for residential clothes washers, final rule (2024)Average lifetime in the Department’s cost analysis, built from household survey data.

The sources measure different things, which is why they differ. A survey of first owners gives a shorter figure than an analysis that follows units until they are scrapped. All of them describe typical equipment. A given unit can fail sooner or run far longer, and age alone is not a reason to replace anything that works safely.

How old is yours?

The build date is coded into the serial number. Where to find it: How old is my appliance?

Find the age from the serial number

Look for “Serial”, “Serial No.” or “S/N” on the rating plate. It is not the model number. What you type stays in your browser.

What shortens or extends its life

  • Overloading, which strains the bearings, the suspension and the motor.
  • A machine that is not level, which shakes itself on every spin.
  • Too much detergent, which leaves residue on the tub and the seals.

Signs that replacement is near

  • Water under the machine from the tub or the pump.
  • A loud rumble or grinding during the spin, which points to the drum bearings.
  • A drum that will not spin or drain.
  • Rust on the tub or the cabinet.
  • A bearing, transmission or control-board repair on an old machine. It often costs a large share of a new washer.

Sources

Other equipment

Figures last checked against their sources on October 5, 2026. Method and sources.