How Long Do Washers and Dryers Last? A Homeowner’s Guide to Lifespan, Care, and Coverage

Washers and dryers are among the hardest-working appliances in a modern household. Their reliability can often be taken for granted—until the day your laundry piles up, your spin cycle stalls, and you’re standing knee-deep in wet clothes. When that disruption happens, many homeowners find themselves asking: how long do washers and dryers actually last? The answer is more nuanced than you might think, especially when considering maintenance habits, brand quality, and whether or not you’ve safeguarded your investment with a home warranty. Understanding the typical lifespan of your laundry appliances and what you can do to extend it can help you stay ahead of breakdowns and make smarter decisions about repairs, replacements, or warranty coverage.

Understanding Appliance Lifespan: What’s “Normal” for Washers and Dryers?

In general, a well-maintained washing machine lasts around 10 to 13 years. Dryers—both electric and gas—typically offer slightly longer service, hovering between 13 and 15 years on average. These figures reflect normal household use, which the appliance industry defines as approximately 8 loads of laundry per week. But lifespan can vary significantly based on usage patterns, maintenance frequency, and model type. Front-loading washing machines, for instance, may have different longevity than top-loaders due to differences in mechanics and water usage. Similarly, ventless dryers may wear differently compared to traditional vented units. It’s worth noting that exceeding an appliance’s average lifespan doesn’t necessarily mean a total failure is imminent; rather, you’re simply more likely to encounter costly repairs, water inefficiencies, or performance inconsistencies as the years go on.

How Washers and Dryers Actually Work—And Why That Matters

A washing machine cleans clothes through a combination of mechanical agitation, detergent action, and water temperature control. Various sensors regulate load balance, temperature, and rinse cycles. Meanwhile, dryers function by heating air and circulating it through tumbling clothes, drawing out moisture either through a vent or a heat exchanger. While these appliances seem straightforward, they’re packed with components that can—and often do—fail over time: motors, belts, control boards, heating elements, pumps, and door switches. Understanding their complexity helps underscore just how valuable regular maintenance and coverage solutions can be. Something as small as a dirty lint trap or clogged water inlet can strain key internal parts, potentially shortening your appliance’s operational life.

Signs Your Washer or Dryer Might Be Nearing the End

Certain signs can serve as early warning lights. With washing machines, excess vibration during the spin cycle, unresponsive digital panels, or recurring drainage issues could suggest wear in motor bearings, control boards, or the drainage pump. Meanwhile, common dryer red flags include clothes taking longer to dry, burning smells, or the appliance shutting off mid-cycle. These symptoms might sound minor, but if they occur repeatedly or are affecting the performance of your laundry routine, it may be time to consider either a major repair—or a replacement decision. This is often where homeowners weigh the cost of professional repair, sometimes upward of $500, against the declining lifespan of the appliance and the alternative of replacement.

Maintaining Your Washer and Dryer: Best Practices for Extended Use

The best way to extend the life of your washer and dryer? Diligent, consistent maintenance. For washers, this includes checking hoses for leaks or cracks every six months, keeping the door open between loads to reduce mold, and running an empty cycle with vinegar to clear out detergent buildup. On the dryer side, cleaning the lint trap after each load is essential, but full vent pipe cleanings should occur at least once a year to prevent strain on the blower and heating units. Leveling both appliances can prevent excessive vibrations, reducing stress on internal parts. Avoiding compacted laundry loads, using high-efficiency (HE) detergent, and keeping the machines clean inside and out are all practices that contribute to longer equipment life. A combination of careful use and scheduled checks helps you not only avoid costly repairs but also keep performance consistent across the years.

Common Repairs and Cost Considerations

Not all breakdowns are major, but even relatively small repairs can add up fast. Replacing a washer’s electronic control board could range from $150 to $400. A dryer’s heating element may cost $100 to $250 to replace. Add in the visit from a professional technician, and what seemed like a minor inconvenience quickly becomes a financial decision. As washers and dryers age past the 10-year mark, replacement parts for older units may become obsolete or more expensive to source. That puts homeowners in the often-frustrating position of deciding between attempting an expensive fix or investing in entirely new equipment. And importantly, many manufacturers only offer limited warranties, typically one year, so these costs can land squarely on your shoulders sooner than expected.

When to Replace Your Washer or Dryer Entirely

There comes a point where replacement makes more financial and operational sense than repair. If the appliance is over a decade old, and the repair cost exceeds 50 percent of the price of a new model, replacing it is generally the smarter move. For washers and dryers that require frequent service visits or continue breaking down despite maintenance, the overall reliability is compromised. Homeowners should also consider energy efficiency. Newer models offer Energy Star ratings that can reduce monthly utility costs, use less water, and operate more quietly. While a significant up-front investment, transitioning to a newer washer or dryer can, over time, prove more cost-effective and ensure less day-to-day hassle.

The Role of Home Warranty Coverage in Appliance Longevity

This brings us to an often-overlooked but substantial tool in extending the usability and protecting the value of your washer and dryer: a home warranty. Unlike homeowner’s insurance, which covers damage due to events like fires or floods, a home warranty covers standard wear and tear on household systems and appliances. That means when your dryer suddenly won’t heat or your washer leaks all over the laundry room, a home warranty can help cover the cost of repair or replacement. In the home warranty industry, washers and dryers are among the most commonly used claims because of their mechanical complexity and daily usage rates. Rather than worrying about unexpected out-of-pocket expenses—or worse, being forced to settle for a low-cost replacement—you can rely on warranty coverage to provide professional service and better repair outcomes. It adds predictability to an otherwise unpredictable element of homeownership.

Protect Your Laundry Room with Armadillo

So, how long do washers and dryers last? Often, longer than you expect—if you take care of them properly. But regardless of how gentle you are with your laundry loads, every appliance has an expiration date. That’s where Armadillo comes in. With comprehensive, transparent home warranty plans that cover washers, dryers, and other critical appliances, Armadillo ensures you won’t be caught off guard by a surprise breakdown. You’ll get top-tier service, expert repairs, and peace of mind—instead of a mounting laundry pile. Learn more about how Armadillo can help protect your home and simplify your ownership experience at armadillo.one. Ready to build your plan? Start here: Build Your Custom Plan. Because life is complicated enough—your home warranty shouldn’t be.