6 easy ways to make your appliances last longer and save you £s

When money’s tight, the last thing you need is your washing machine breaking down or your fridge suddenly giving up.

White goods are expensive to replace, with a new washing machine often costing £300 or more, while fridge-freezers can easily set you back hundreds of pounds.

The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to help your appliances last longer, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and even cut your energy bills.

Here are six easy ways to keep your household appliances running for longer.

Don’t overload your washing machine

It can be tempting to stuff as much washing in as possible to save on electricity and get through the laundry pile quicker.

But overloading your washing machine puts extra strain on the drum, bearings and motor, which can wear the appliance out faster.

If clothes are packed in too tightly, they also can’t move around properly, meaning your machine has to work harder to clean them.

A simple way to check is to leave enough space to fit your hand comfortably at the top of the drum.

Clean filters and seals regularly

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your appliances is to keep them clean.

Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers all have filters that collect fluff, food and debris over time. If these become blocked, appliances can struggle to work properly and may eventually break down.

Tumble dryer lint filters should ideally be cleaned after every use. Not only does this help the machine run better, but it can also reduce fire risks.

It’s also worth wiping down the rubber seals on washing machines regularly to stop mould and grime building up.

Give your fridge and freezer room to breathe

Fridges and freezers need proper airflow around them to work efficiently.

If they’re pushed tightly against a wall or boxed into small spaces, heat can build up behind the appliance, forcing it to work harder and use more electricity.

Leaving a small gap behind and around the sides can help prevent this.

Dust can also collect on the coils at the back, which may affect performance over time, so giving them a quick clean every few months can make a difference.

Use the right settings

Many people use appliances on the hottest or highest settings without really needing to.

Constantly running hot washes or high dryer temperatures can increase wear and tear and shorten the lifespan of your appliances.

For everyday laundry, washing at 30°C is often enough to get clothes clean and is much gentler on both your clothes and your washing machine than hotter cycles.

Eco settings can also help reduce strain on appliances while using less energy at the same time.

If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking the instruction manual for the recommended settings for your appliance.

Don’t ignore warning signs

Most appliances will usually give some sort of warning before they stop working completely.

Strange noises, leaks, banging sounds, bad smells or longer drying and washing times can all point to problems developing.

Ignoring small issues can sometimes lead to much bigger - and more expensive - repairs later on.

Getting problems checked early could help avoid needing a full replacement.

It’s also worth checking whether your appliance is still under warranty before paying for repairs, as some manufacturers offer longer cover than people realise.

Switch appliances off properly

Leaving appliances permanently on standby can slowly wear down electrical components over time.

Switching appliances off properly when they’re not in use may help extend their lifespan and could also save the average household around £45 a year on electricity bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

This is especially important for smaller kitchen appliances like microwaves, coffee machines and air fryers, as well as TVs, game consoles and chargers left plugged in unnecessarily.

Using surge protectors can also help protect expensive appliances from electrical damage caused by power surges.

What help can you get if you can’t afford to replace white goods?

Keeping things going for longer is all well and good, but what if your washing machine, fridge or cooker breaks down and you can’t afford to replace it? Well, there may be help available.

From free appliance schemes to council emergency support, there are several organisations that may be able to help with essential household items.

Free appliance schemes for low-income households

Some charities and energy support schemes will replace essential appliances completely free of charge.

The LEAP Appliance Scheme helps households replace old or broken white goods with newer energy-efficient models.

To qualify, you’ll usually need to receive a means-tested benefit or have a household income below around £31,000 a year. Support is normally offered after a free home energy visit, where advisers look at ways to cut your energy bills and improve efficiency.

Depending on availability and your circumstances, the scheme may help with items such as fridges, freezers and washing machines.

The British Gas Energy Trust White Goods Fund can also provide free essential appliances to households facing financial hardship or fuel poverty.

Importantly, you do not need to be a British Gas customer to apply.

The fund may help cover essential items including cookers, washing machines and fridge-freezers, depending on your circumstances and whether your appliance is beyond repair.

Council emergency support and the Crisis and Resilience Fund

The government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund from April 2026. It’s designed to help households facing financial shocks or ongoing hardship, and it’s delivered through local councils.

The support isn’t one single payment or package. Instead, it can be used in a few different ways depending on your situation.

In an emergency, councils can offer crisis payments to help with urgent costs. This might include things like a broken washing machine, fridge or cooker, a sudden drop in income, or not being able to afford essential living costs. In many cases, councils are encouraged to provide cash support where possible, although some may still issue vouchers or direct help instead.

Eligibility rules vary depending on where you live, but you don’t always need to be claiming benefits. Many councils will also look at low-income households who are experiencing financial difficulty or an unexpected crisis.

Because the scheme is run locally, what you can get really does depend on your council. The best place to check is your local council website, where you can search for crisis support or household help.

Charitable grants that don’t need to be repaid

If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get a grant from a charity to help replace essential household items.

Unlike loans, grants do not need to be paid back.

Turn2us Grants Search lets you search hundreds of charitable funds based on your circumstances, job history or where you live.

The amount you’ll get varies, but some grants can cover the full cost of white goods and essential appliances.

Low-cost and free second-hand appliances

If you need a replacement quickly, refurbished or donated appliances can be far cheaper than buying new.

The Reuse Network connects people with charities and community organisations selling affordable second-hand white goods.

Most appliances are safety-tested and refurbished before being sold, and some schemes offer discounts to households on benefits.

You can also check:

• Freecycle
• Freegle

People often give away working washing machines, fridges and cookers for free when upgrading their own appliances.

Local charities and furniture reuse projects may also stock low-cost appliances.

Interest-free Budgeting Loans

If you’ve been receiving certain benefits for at least six months, you may qualify for an interest-free Budgeting Loan from the government.

These loans can help cover the cost of essential household items, including white goods.

You’ll usually need to receive one of the following:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• pension credit

If you receive universal credit, you may instead be able to apply for a Budgeting Advance.

The amount you can borrow depends on your circumstances, but repayments are taken directly from future benefit payments.

Don’t struggle alone

When an essential appliance breaks, it can quickly turn into a much bigger financial worry, especially if you’re already dealing with rising bills or debt.

Getting debt advice early can help you find support you may not know exists and stop money worries from getting worse.