Fixing a broken washing machine can become a bigger problem. A market study by the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations shows that spare parts are difficult to obtain – and sometimes very expensive.
Manufacturers often make it difficult for consumers to get spare parts for their home washing machines. This emerges from a current market check by the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv).
“Spare parts are difficult to find, prices vary considerably and not all manufacturers adhere to the specifications,” says the vzbv. This could potentially discourage consumers from repairing defective machines instead of buying new ones.
Ecodesign guidelines are intended to provide a remedy
Two years ago, the EU wanted to force manufacturers to make their products more sustainable with requirements for repairability. The European Union (EU) Ecodesign Directive was created for this purpose. It stipulates that products must remain repairable and obliges manufacturers of washing machines and dryers to have spare parts available for their customers.
In autumn 2023, the consumer advice centers examined ten washing machine models from the ten best-selling brands. The spare parts are generally available from eight manufacturers, but are often difficult to find on the website. In addition, many clicks are necessary. According to consumer advocates, two manufacturers did not fully meet the requirements. After all, the spare parts were often delivered much faster than the legally stipulated 15 days.
Mighty ones Price differences
The spare parts found for the electrical appliances were not only difficult to find, but also very expensive. A detergent container for one brand only cost 5.95 euros, while for other brands you had to pay up to 72.60 euros for a comparable spare part. The cost of a sealing ring varies between 38.88 euros and 118.43 euros.
Consumer advocates are therefore calling for a repair index that takes the prices for spare parts into account. However, not only spare parts, but also instructions on how to install them are necessary in order to enable repairs to be carried out on your own or by order. Here too, the market check sees a need to catch up: of the ten manufacturers checked, only four provided repair instructions.