Washing machine service life, operation and durability

An automatic washing machine is quite an expensive purchase. Each buyer, when purchasing it, wants the equipment to work for as long as possible. Therefore, it is important to know how durable this technique is. This information can be obtained from the manufacturer or in regulatory documents.

By analyzing sales of household appliances, customer reviews and service center statistics, you can obtain data on the service life of the equipment. They will help you decide on the purchase of a washing machine.

In this article we will talk about their service life, which is established by regulations or manufacturers, factors influencing it, and preventive measures to keep the machine in working order.

Manufacturer information

Quite often, unscrupulous manufacturers deliberately underestimate the average service life so that the consumer upgrades the washing device after about five to six years in order to increase the company’s revenue. It should be remembered that the operation of the washing machine mainly depends on the quality of the components, and not on the country in which the assembly was carried out.

But all manufacturers have a common opinion that operation is best determined by the hours that the washing machine is capable of working.

Duration of operation of the washing machine according to GOST

Each country has a set of requirements that all goods sold must meet. In Russia, the State Standard is responsible for this.

Washing machines must also meet certain requirements and standards established in Russia.

To find out the standards, you must refer to the article of the State Standard number 8051-83. It states that the average service life of household washing machines is from twelve to fifteen years. Some documents also include a time limit in hours. In Article 8051-83 it is equal to 700 hours.

This is a fairly long operating life of the machine. But few manufacturers produce such “tenacious” equipment. Most of it does not meet the standards established by the State Standard and fails before the required time.

There are many reasons that can lead to breakdown. Therefore, if you want to extend the life of your washing machine, you need to know about the most common ones.

Operating period depending on manufacturer

There are many opinions about the extent to which the brand of a washing machine influences its service life. Some claim that the reliability of equipment does not change from the name of the company, and devices from Lg, Bosch or Atlant function the same - from seven to ten years. There is also a group of users who have established a direct dependence of the period of operation on the manufacturer.

We suggest you listen to the opinion of service company specialists, because only they know which washing machines break down more often and how long they had been in use before repairs. Based on their reviews, a certain rating of washing devices based on service life has been compiled:

1. Miele. They are considered reliable, and the quality of the German assembly has really been tested for a long time. Such a washing machine can operate for about two decades, and if the operating rules are followed, even three. True, the units of this company are quite expensive and belong to the “premium” class. They are rarely purchased, and accordingly, the number of calls to the service workshop is small,
2. Asko, Electrolux, Aeg . Such washing machines made in Austria or Switzerland are considered the most reliable; their service life reaches fourteen to twenty years. This equipment can compete well with the previous company, and it costs much less,
3. third place is occupied by German and French models - Bosch, Hansa, Siemens, Brandt and Kaiser. Their operation is designed for a period of ten to sixteen years,
4. Manufacturers from Korea and Italy supply the market with Samsung, Kandy, LG, Ariston, Indesit. The average service life of such devices does not exceed eight years,
5. Chinese and Turkish companies offer customers Beko, Lg, Samsung , which have been operating smoothly for five to six years,
6. The list is completed by washing machines made in Russia - Candy, Zanussi, Vestel . As a rule, requests from owners of such devices to service workshops are received three years after the start of their operation. If such devices are assembled from original components, their service life increases to five years.

How to choose?

When choosing an Indesit washing machine, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• size - narrow, standard;
• price;
• engine's type;
• loading method - vertical, frontal;
• presence of drying;
• loading and spin speed;
• variety of programs.

The rating of Indesit washing machines is presented here.

Price

The cost of Indesit washing machines varies depending on the model. The more functions, programs and technologies it has, the more expensive the household appliances are.

Approximate prices:

1. Standard cars – 22,000 – 26,000 rubles.
2. Narrow - from 14,000 rubles.
3. With drying – 42,000 rubles.
4. With an inverter motor – from 18,000 rubles.

Top 3 best models

The most popular models:

BWE 81282 LB

The machine has touch control, a spin speed of 1200 rpm and a drum loading of 8 kg. The equipment is equipped with an inverter motor . Price – 23,700 rubles.

XWDA 751680 XW

Machine with drying and spin speed of 1600 rpm. Loading drum 7 kg. Inverter motor. Price – 49,000 rubles.

EWUC 4105

A narrow machine with a loading capacity of 4 kg and a spin speed of 1000 rpm. The engine is commutator, electronic control. Price – 14,500 rubles.

What affects the service life?

The lifespan of a washing machine depends on a number of factors. And an expensive model sometimes breaks down, requiring expensive repairs.

It is believed that operation is determined by the quality of spare parts and assembly of the device. If Miele uses only original elements and performs assembly by hand, then the quality of the equipment is appropriate.

Each part of the unit has a different service life, so it is quite difficult to determine exactly how long the machine will remain operational. Electric motors are considered the most reliable in such devices, the guarantee for which is established by the manufacturer himself. But the water heating element, pump and shock-absorbing devices reach their established service life somewhat faster.

Operation is influenced by the created conditions. Water hardness reduces the operating period of the heating element; foreign objects that get into the drum cause breakdowns of the drain pump, pipes and the drum itself. If the washing machine does not have protection against voltage surges in the electrical network, or there is no grounding, then breakdowns can occur much more often. Kandy devices are particularly sensitive in such matters.

A reasonable question arises: why do older car models last longer than more modern devices? The answer lies in moving production from the firm's home country to another to reduce overhead costs. For example, Bosch, Kandy, LG or Samsung are manufactured in China, Poland and Russia. The quality of parts and assembly of such units for washing clothes remain at an average level. Original components are not always used, which significantly reduces the final cost of the product. When purchasing such machines for a cost of twenty thousand rubles, no one will assure that they will be used for a long time and are of excellent quality. As a rule, such washing machines last no more than eight years, although the manufacturer indicates in the passport a different figure that significantly exceeds the specified period.

What determines the service life of a washing machine?

Despite the values ​​​​in the data sheet, each machine has an individual service life. It can be extended or reduced - it all depends on how correctly you use the device. The service life of identical models under different conditions of use may vary by several years. Factors that affect service life are described below.

Washing frequency

Almost every instruction manual specifies the number of guaranteed washes on factory parts. According to GOST, the average number of cycles should not be less than 700. How quickly the “stock” will be used depends on the amount of contaminated clothing.

The more often you use a washing machine, the faster its parts wear out, and therefore the allotted service life decreases. What are the harms of frequent washing? Firstly, the drum simply does not have time to dry out. Excess dampness leads to mold and moisture penetration into electronic boards.

When washing several times a day, you should let the machine “cool” completely.

Almost continuous use will cause the motor to become very hot and may cause a short circuit. Don’t forget that frequent washing wears out the bearings faster. Therefore, it is not recommended to refill the washing machine more than 3-4 times a week.

Powder quality

Poor quality washing powder can lead not only to failure of clothing, but also to wear out of washing machine parts. Please note that the product does not contain synthetic zeolites, and the content of anionic surfactants is no higher than 5%.

Many manufacturers add synthetic zeolites to their powders, which are insoluble in water. They settle at the bottom of the drum and penetrate into the device, forming a hard coating. The heating element suffers the most. Also, such powders are difficult to wash out of the tray. They often form clumps that ruin the container.

Quality of parts

High quality parts can extend the life of the machine by several years. Components made from durable, heat-resistant alloys are not seriously threatened by low-quality powder or hard water. The machine is capable of working with expensive parts at any temperature and vibration fluctuations.

Hardness of water

Water is considered hard when it contains a large amount of natural minerals (calcium carbonates, magnesium carbonates, etc.). With regular washing, these substances accumulate, settling in the interior of the structure. It is hard water that is responsible for the formation of scale on the heating element. In addition, plaque can also damage the drum. The pump and filtration system are gradually destroyed.

To avoid scale formation, use a water softener. It can be presented in gel, tablet or powder format, which eliminate foreign impurities. You can use folk remedies - vinegar and citric acid.

Useful tips for increasing service life

The operating period can be increased or shortened for any washing machine. Even if your unit is inexpensive and should work no more than five to eight years, this period can easily be increased by two to three years. To do this, use these helpful tips:

• after each wash the machine is disconnected from the electrical outlet,
• During operation, you must follow the rules for using the washing machine,
• The unit should be cleaned and washed regularly,
• you should not overload the drum of the washing machine, 24-hour operation of the unit is also not recommended, it is necessary to take breaks,
• for washing, choose high-quality powders,
• check the contents with your pocket before loading things into the machine,
• It is necessary to install a filter to reduce the water hardness level. It is mounted both on the water supply system and on the machine itself. It is recommended to use a polyphosphate filter element. It envelops salts, softening the water and preventing scale formation,
• You should control the weight of laundry loaded into the machine.

It is necessary to take care of the machine at the end of each washing process. It is imperative that the remaining water is drained, the drain filter is washed, the tray for washing powders and the rubber cuff are wiped. Descaling should be done every two to three months, and if hot water is often used for washing, then the scale should be removed monthly.

Beko - from the creators of Turkish coffee and all inclusive

You probably already guessed that Beko is a Turkish brand. And this is true: in Turkey they not only sew beautiful clothes, make incomparable Turkish delight and entertain tourists in warm pools, but they also assemble good washing machines. We will find out how good they are below when we review the top models.

But the question is “ Where are Beko washing machines made?

" still remains open - many manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of production, are moving their facilities to Asian countries, confidence in their products has not yet reached the desired heights. On the official website of the Beko company they do not hide the fact that the company’s factories are located not only in the territory of the former Ottoman Empire, but also in 18 countries around the world, in particular in Romania, South Africa, China, Thailand, Pakistan and even in Russia - in the city of Kirzhach .

Our market mainly includes domestically assembled designs, but those who are looking will always find it, so if you wish, you can buy and even order SMA from a Turkish factory, although there are doubts that the quality will be radically different - our assemblers can also work at a Turkish factory . In any case, we advise you to ask the seller a question about the place where the machine was assembled, or check this fact yourself by looking at the markings.

Possible faults

Program stop, no water draining . Possible when the drain system, filter or hose is clogged. You should check the pipe and pump.

The liquid is not poured in - check the start of the wash; the start of the program may be delayed. The machine does not turn on/off - check that the filter is working properly, the plug is plugged into the socket, and the hatch is sealed.

There is no heating - scale may form on the heating element due to the hardness of the water. It is recommended to use special products to prevent scale. The machine does not spin - the drum may be overloaded, the load should be reduced.

A number of breakdowns are repaired exclusively in service centers:

• there is no response when pressing the buttons;
• Filling/draining of water does not stop;
• the washing duration has changed over time;
• presence of extraneous noises and odors;
• the drum stopped rotating.

You can find out about Kandy washing machine repairs here.

Design

The tank is made of a polymer alloy, which is why it better absorbs sounds, withstands temperatures and different detergents. The internal tubular electric heater is coated with a special nickel-plated agent, which reduces excessive roughness of the walls and stops the appearance of scale.

Washing machines with a vertical mode are used in rooms with a small area. Beko also has dozens of front-loading models; the top part can be used as additional space to place things.

Push-up

At the moment, the company produces machines with two spin modes:

• High (A - B).

• Medium (C - D).

The maximum rotation speed is 1200 rpm. It is possible to switch the power.

Wash

A variety of washing modes will allow you to best wash any type of laundry.

Do you wash your shoes in the machine?

Oh yes! No

Error codes

If there is a malfunction of the washing machine, the self-diagnosis system will notify you of an error. Devices with a display will display an error code on the monitor; a washing machine without a display will indicate the problem by blinking one of the indicators:

1. 
   E01 – the door closure is broken. Reasons: cuffs were deformed, a foreign object got in, failure.

2. E02 – inability to draw water, or slow water supply Causes: clogged, broken valve, filter, hose).
3. E03 – water drainage is disrupted. Reasons: malfunction of the drain pump, pressure switch.
4. E04 – excess water level in the tank. Causes: malfunction of the water level sensor, malfunction of the inlet valve.
5. E05 – the water heating function does not work. Reasons: failure of the heating sensor, malfunction of the control module.
6. E07 – engine rotation too strong. Reason: technical generator malfunction.
7. U09 – engine failure.

Read more about Kandy washing machine error codes here.

Rating of popular models

Review of some models, their main advantages and disadvantages.

Beko WKB 51031 PTMS - no more wool

Capacity at one time - up to 5 kg. 11 washing modes. An interesting “Mini” program, thanks to it, minor stains from clothes will be washed in literally 30 minutes. The advantage is that the laundry is completely free of pet hair.

This SMA carries out a cycle of primary wash, additional rinse, stronger rotation. All necessary information is displayed on the digital display; control is carried out using buttons and a rotary knob.

Beko WKB 51031 PTMS

Main advantages:

• budget price;
• blocking mode, which will prevent the child from reconfiguring the parameters;
• quite narrow;
• push-ups - 1000 rpm.

Flaws:

• strong vibration when spinning clothes;
• noisier compared to expensive models.

ELE 67512 ZSM - no confusion

Front loading type, laundry weight - 6 kg. The spin speed can be changed - 200, 400, 600 revolutions. 15 washing modes, each with selectable temperature. The machine will adapt to the user's wishes.

The electronic imbalance control function “feels” when the laundry begins to crumple and helps smooth it out by rotating the drum alternately in different directions.

ELE 67512 ZSM

AquaFusion technology saves water, electricity, and powder, because the drain hole remains tightly sealed until the end of each cycle. When foam forms, the washing machine will turn on the extra rinse mode, so you don’t have to worry about taking out foamy clothes that haven’t been completely washed. The hatch door is always automatically locked, so there will be no leakage.

People note:

• large roomy hatch;
• stylish appearance;
• relatively inexpensive price;
• does not run during the spin cycle, holds very firmly even at 1000 rpm;
• quick wash mode.

Flaws:

• draws water loudly;
• Some people have noticed a smell from the wiring, but it goes away after a while.

WRS 5512 BWW - washes a lot, takes up little space

Narrow, depth 36.5 cm, but loading 5 kg. 12 washing modes, as well as “delayed start”. The “Express” function of Syper Short allows you to load items up to 2 kg and the laundry is washed in just 14 minutes.

Thanks to the specially designed S-shaped walls, the machine will make much less noise. The built-in AquaFusion function saves up to 5 kg of powder per year and keeps it inside the drum, which prevents poor-quality washing.

WRS 5512 BWW

Many buyers liked this model:

• very thin, fits into any niche;
• despite its size, it loads quite a lot of laundry;
• things retain their original state;
• flexibility of programs, each one adapts to the user’s wishes;
• linen can be added during washing;
• affordable price, but quality like expensive models;
• economical.

Among the shortcomings people noted:

• a chemical smell during the first couple of washes (it must be taken into account that only the machine itself did not smell);
• does not emit sound signals.

WRS44P1 BWW - cheap, but not cheerful

Inexpensive model, features of more valuable brothers are included. Drum loading - 4 kg, maximum rotation speed - 800 rpm. minute, adjustable. Due to the S-shaped side wall, the machine produces virtually no unnecessary vibrations. There is protection against unauthorized attacks on buttons and rotary knobs; they are blocked.

WRS44P1 BWW

Electronic weighing of laundry will help to correctly distribute clothes inside the drum to avoid unnecessary vibrations, noise, and maximum constant immobility during spinning. The washer has a special program for cleaning pipes and other important parts.

If you often wash at low temperatures, then this is what you need, because they promote the development of various bacteria. During the cycle, the water will warm up to 70 degrees, ensuring complete cleanliness and hygiene.

Advantages noted by buyers:

• low price;
• many operating modes;
• washes well.

Flaws:

• no display.

WKB41001 - high-quality washing

A budget option that is equipped with important wisdom. Capacity - 4 kg of laundry. 15 programs. Also AquaFusion technology, protection against accidental pressing, protection against children and overflow. Thanks to the quick wash mode, your laundry will be clean in just 20 minutes.

WKB41001

Reviews remain extremely positive, here are the main advantages that buyers noted:

• capacity;
• washes things;
• ease of control;
• cheap compared to analogues.

Flaws:

• Some people have reported a lot of vibration, but admit that this is possible due to the unevenness of the surface on which the machine is standing.

Are you unplugging your washing machine?

Oh yes! No