Household with a washing machine out of warranty
You want to find out whether the fault is with the appliance, whether it can be repaired and whether it qualifies for the Repair Bonus before deciding whether to replace the washing machine.
Who is this decision for?
Household ready to buy a new washing machine
The diagnosis, timescale or changing needs of your household have you considering another appliance. The durability rating can help you compare the repairability and reliability of specific new models sold in France, but you’ll still need to check that their features suit your needs.
Consumer open to buying second-hand
You’re considering a used or refurbished washing machine. The appliance’s condition, the tests carried out and the seller’s status matter more than the label used in the listing.
What should you consider before deciding?
Have it repaired
Consider this: if the diagnosis confirms a fault with the appliance and the repair can be carried out within an acceptable timeframe.
Limitation: the Repair Bonus is subject to eligibility conditions and doesn’t cover every cause of a fault.
Choose a new model
Consider this: if repair isn’t suitable or your household’s needs have changed.
Limitation: the durability rating alone won’t tell you whether the dimensions, capacity and programmes suit your needs.
Choose second-hand
Consider this: if you can establish the appliance’s condition and what checks have been carried out before buying.
Limitation: ‘used’ and ‘refurbished’ don’t describe the same checks, and the seller’s status also determines which protections apply.
For a domestic washing machine in France that’s out of warranty, start by finding out what the fault is and whether it can be repaired. Then weigh up the alternatives against the timescale and your needs. According to ecosystem, washing machines qualify for the Repair Bonus only if they meet the scheme’s conditions, including having been bought in France and being repaired out of legal or commercial warranty by a QualiRépar-approved professional.
| What matters | What to check | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Repair and eligibility | Ask for a diagnosis and a detailed quote. Check with the QualiRépar-approved professional whether the appliance and fault qualify for the Repair Bonus. | If I can keep my washing machine, I want to know what caused the fault and the terms of the repair before deciding. Around 33% of affected consumers put the possibility of repair first. |
| Time until it’s working again | Ask when the diagnosis and repair could take place, and whether the part needed is available. | When the washing is piling up, I need to know how long the appliance will be out of action. Around 25% of affected consumers prioritise being able to keep their washing going. |
| Durability of a new model | Compare the durability ratings of specific models, then check capacity, dimensions and energy and water use separately. | If I replace the appliance, I want to compare its repairability and reliability without overlooking whether it suits my household. Around 25% of affected consumers prioritise the durability of a new washing machine. |
| Condition of a second-hand machine | Check the condition described, any tests and refurbishment work carried out, and the seller’s identity. | When choosing an appliance that’s already been used, I need to know what was actually checked before it went on sale. Around 17% of affected consumers put checking a second-hand machine first. |
According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the durability rating has been displayed for eligible new washing machines in France since 8 April 2025. This score out of 10 combines repairability and reliability criteria. Check the rating for the specific model you’re considering rather than treating it as a general assessment of the brand.
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming the Repair Bonus is automatic
The discount doesn’t confirm either the cause of the fault or whether the repair is the right solution. According to ecosystem, it’s only applied if the scheme’s conditions are met and an eligible repair is carried out by an approved professional.
Before authorising the repair, ask for a clear diagnosis and quote, and check whether the Repair Bonus will apply.
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Assuming every fault is caused by the washing machine itself
According to ecosystem, problems caused by external factors, poor maintenance or incorrect use, as well as purely cosmetic damage, aren’t covered by the Repair Bonus.
Describe the symptoms and how the appliance is installed to the repairer, then ask them to confirm the cause and whether it qualifies. Don’t try to diagnose electrical problems yourself.
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Comparing new models on just one factor
The energy label and the durability rating answer different questions. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the rating covers aspects including the repairability and reliability of the model in question.
Compare the ratings of specific models, then check capacity, dimensions, water and energy use, and noise levels against your needs.
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Confusing used with refurbished
The DGCCRF distinguishes between a product that has simply been used and a refurbished product, which must undergo functional tests and, if necessary, be restored before resale.
Ask for a written description of the condition and checks carried out on the specific appliance you’re considering, and find out whether the seller is a business or a private individual.
Brands to consider
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Frequently asked questions
Do all washing machine faults qualify for the Repair Bonus?
No. According to ecosystem, faults caused by external factors, poor maintenance or incorrect use, and purely cosmetic damage are among the exclusions. The washing machine must also meet the other eligibility conditions, and an approved repairer must confirm the cause of the fault before carrying out the repair.
How can you use the durability rating to choose a new washing machine?
Compare the scores out of 10 for specific models, then check whether their dimensions, capacity and features suit your needs. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the rating displayed for eligible new washing machines in France since 8 April 2025 brings together repairability and reliability criteria.
Is a refurbished washing machine simply a second-hand one?
No. In France, according to the DGCCRF, a refurbished product is a second-hand item whose functions have been tested and which has been restored if necessary before resale. Ask what checks and work have been carried out on the specific appliance rather than relying on the condition of another example of the same model.
What should you check with the seller of a second-hand washing machine?
Ask for a written description of the appliance’s condition, the tests carried out, any work done and the delivery terms, and keep the receipt. In France, according to the Ministry for the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. So check the seller’s status and distinguish this guarantee from any commercial warranty.