6 DURABLE WASHING MACHINE FEATURES
A durable washing machine keeps up with daily loads year after year, and knowing how to choose the right one can save you headaches down the road. Read on to discover six key washer parts and features that can help support long-term performance.
You’ll also find practical tips to help get the most out of your washing machine, plus answers to common questions about washer durability.
BUILT-TO-LAST WASHER FEATURES
A washer is only as strong as the parts inside it, and durable components can give you peace of mind. From the drum and motor to the suspension and other key features, discover what to look for in a washer below.
1. STAINLESS STEEL DRUM
Washers can come with porcelain-coated, plastic or stainless steel baskets, but stainless steel stands apart for strength and longevity. Stainless steel washer drums are engineered to handle high spin speeds, which helps extract more water from each load. A stainless steel drum can also outlast its porcelain coated and plastic counterparts.
Select Maytag® washers feature a stainless steel wash basket designed for years of washes and built with sturdy materials to last for the long haul. It's also often backed by a 10-Year limited parts warranty.1
2. DIRECT DRIVE MOTOR
Direct drive motors take a streamlined approach to powering your washer. Instead of relying on a connection of belts or pulleys, the motor attaches directly to the wash basket itself.
With fewer moving parts to wear down, crack or stretch over time, this simplified design can sometimes mean less maintenance. The direct drive motor on select Maytag® washers not only has the power to handle large loads, but is also backed by a 10-Year limited parts warranty.1
3. HEAVY-DUTY SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Your washer’s suspension system helps stabilize the wash basket during high-speed spins, minimizing vibration and movement that can put stress on internal components.
Maytag® washers like this one feature Advanced Vibration Control™ Plus that helps keep your load balanced with a six-point suspension system, while the advanced technology adjusts and recalibrates for each load.
4. EXTENSIVE WARRANTY COVERAGE
Though not a feature found inside your washer, opting for a model that offers a comprehensive warranty can help you get the most out of your washer’s lifespan. Some washers, like those offered by Maytag brand, offer a 10-Year Limited Parts Warranty1 on the drive motor and wash basket for more peace of mind.
5. CLEAN WASHER CYCLE
You can clean your washer whether or not it has a dedicated Clean Washer cycle, but having one built in makes routine maintenance simple. These cycles are designed to help reduce odor and residue inside the drum, which can eventually affect performance and contribute to wear over time.
6. COMMERCIAL-GRADE MODELS
Commercial-grade residential washers bring powerful, professional performance into the comfort of your home. Built with commercial-grade components, they’re designed to handle tough, heavy loads with consistency. Select commercial washers from Maytag brand, for instance, include a 1/2 horsepower motor, a quad gear transmission, premium bearings, galvanized steel panels and ultra-sturdy knobs that are truly built to last.
SHOP MAYTAG® TOP LOAD WASHERS
Top load washers from Maytag brand offer the features you need to take on your toughest loads. The Built-In Water Faucet on select Maytag® models allows you to rinse, spot treat or soak clothes right in the washer, while the Extra Power Option boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation so you can walk away while stains wash away.
TIPS TO HELP MAINTAIN YOUR WASHER
Even a well-built washer benefits from good care. A handful of laundry best practices, and following manufacturer-recommended maintenance steps, can help reduce wear and keep your washer functioning as it should. Read on to learn tips for helping your washer last as long as possible.
AVOID OVERLOADING
Overloading a washer can throw the drum off balance, placing extra strain on the motor, suspension and other hardworking components. Giving clothes room to tumble freely not only helps them get a more thorough clean, but also reduces unnecessary wear over time.
Aim to load items loosely and distribute them evenly around the drum to help the machine run smoothly.
Maytag® washing machines
Designed for performance, control and convenience
Maytag® washing machines take stain fighting seriously with cycles built to push the limits of power
CLEAN YOUR WASHER REGULARLY
Regular cleaning can help your washer perform at its best and reduce wear and tear in the long run. This includes cleaning the dispensers, agitator (if applicable), interior and exterior of your washer, as well as running a cycle with a product like affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets roughly every 30 days.2
USE THE RIGHT DETERGENT
Supporting the overall health of your washer means using detergent designed to work with your machine, not against it. Always use a high-efficiency (HE) detergent in HE machines and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosing, as too much detergent can cause residue to build up inside the washer.
INSPECT HOSES AND CONNECTIONS
Washer hoses and connections can wear down over time, whether from normal use, installation shifts or mineral-heavy water. Every now and then, take a moment to check for bulging, cracks or fraying. A quick inspection can help catch small issues early and may prevent bigger problems down the road.
WASHING MACHINE DURABILITY FAQS
Explore the FAQs below to find out if top or front load washers last longer. Plus, learn when it may be time to replace your washer.
DO FRONT LOAD WASHERS LAST LONGER THAN TOP LOAD?
While front and top load washers each offer unique advantages, their overall lifespan is generally comparable. With proper care and routine maintenance, both types are built to deliver for years, so choosing between the two may come down to the way you prefer to do laundry or the features you prefer.
HOW LONG SHOULD A WASHING MACHINE LAST?
You can generally expect a washer to last about 11 years, but actual lifespan can vary by model and be heavily impacted by maintenance and laundry habits. Best practices like frequent cleaning, using the right detergent type and amount, avoiding overloading and periodically inspecting components can help maximize your washer’s lifespan.
WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE A WASHING MACHINE?
It can be hard to choose between replacing and repairing your washer when it stops working as it should. Generally, if you’ve had your washer for more than a decade, need a repair costing more than half of the purchase price of a new washer or are considering selling or renovating your home, it may be time for a new model.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHING MACHINES
Maytag® washers help keep laundry day simple. The Optimal Dose Dispenser on select Maytag® models adds the right amount of detergent when it's needed, holding enough for up to 8 loads of laundry.3 When the day gets away from you, take advantage of the 24 Hr Fresh Hold® Option on some Maytag® washers that keeps clean clothes smelling fresh in the washer with an internal fan and intermittent tumbling that circulate air through clothes for up to 24 hours after the wash cycle ends.
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LEARN MORE WITH MAYTAG BRAND
1. Visit maytag.com for warranty details.
2. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
3. Based on an 8-lb load.