One commenter predicted that the owner of a still-working Electrolux washing machine might be outlived by the appliance. That was one of the admiring responses to the owner's online post about the old washer.
Here's what to know
A post in Reddit's r/BuyItForLife community showed an Electrolux WH 3550 washing machine with a straightforward title: "This old Electrolux washing machine is still going strong."
The washer appears to date to the 1990s, though the post did not confirm its manufacturing date, maintenance history, or how often it runs.
"That dial setup looks like it could survive a flood," one commenter joked.
Another praised the machine's buttons. "Old is Gold. They built things to last back [then], not just until the warranty runs out," a third wrote.
More background
The Electrolux prompted several commenters to share their own experiences with long-lasting appliances.
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One commenter said their Electrolux freezer purchased in 1998 was still working almost 30 years later. They also said they owned an Electrolux washer from 1998 to 2020.
Another commenter said their family's Electrolux was still running after 40 years — the machine dated to the 1970s.
What can be done?
Commenters raised concerns about whether the washer could be repaired when something eventually breaks.
"The real test with these is whether you can still get pumps and belts for it once something finally goes," one commenter noted.
The thread didn't establish whether replacement parts for this model remain available, though original factory replacement parts are most likely difficult to come by.
Another user suggested preventive bearing work "while it's still in working condition."
As the first commenter put it: "Not to slander you or anything, but that contraption is going to outlive you."
Where can I learn more?
Keeping an old washer running can mean dealing with repairs, cleaning, and the limits of older technology.
• A repair professional showed a 40-year-old GE washer's filter, noting it couldn't catch microplastics.
• When an old washer stopped agitating, a brand-new plunger helped clean bloodied clothes.
• An old-school washer's foul smell led to a teardown that exposed sludge inside.
• A Maytag owner fixed a stalled washer using a wire nut, tape, and zip ties.
• A Maytag Bravos XL owner spent a month repairing a weak aftermarket replacement part.
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