If your washing machine has stopped working, check whether it can be repaired before choosing a new one. When buying a new machine in France, compare the durability index for the exact model. According to the ministry responsible for ecology, this index has been displayed on washing machines placed on the market since 8 April 2025. Then consider capacity, dimensions and maintenance options. The overall score does not guarantee access to every part or a specific lifespan.
If your old washing machine has become unusable, look at the details behind its durability index. Reliability, documentation, ease of dismantling and access to parts matter more to your decision than any single feature. ADEME recommends checking the criteria behind the score.
Match the capacity to your usual loads and check that the machine will fit in the space available. When comparing the energy consumption figures on the label, remember that they refer to the Eco 40-60 programme.
If access to parts, documentation or a repair service will influence your purchase, check what’s available using the full model reference rather than relying on the brand name alone.
When replacing a washing machine, start with your laundry loads and the space available. Then compare suitable models by their durability index and maintenance options. According to ADEME, this index combines repairability and reliability criteria. Looking at the details helps you understand what the overall score covers.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Durability and repairability | Check the score out of 10 for the exact model, along with its reliability, ease of dismantling and access-to-parts criteria. | After a breakdown, I want to reduce the risk of having to replace my next machine soon. Around 50% of consumers put this first. |
| Capacity and size | Compare the capacity in kg with your usual loads, then measure the space and access needed for installation. | I need to be able to do my laundry at home without choosing a machine that’s too big for its space or too small for my loads. Around 30% of consumers put this fit first. |
| Maintenance and after-sales service | Using the full model reference, check compatible parts, documentation and repair service arrangements. | If a part needs replacing later, I want to be able to identify it and know who to contact. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
According to ADEME, the score combines repairability and reliability, so two washing machines with the same score may have different strengths and weaknesses.
Check the details of the index for the model you’re considering and look at the criteria that matter to you, particularly parts, ease of dismantling and maintenance.
Parts appearing in a catalogue or the availability of a repair service does not guarantee that a part will fit your model or that a service visit is available at your address.
Note down the full model reference and confirm which parts are available, whether they’re compatible and what the service terms are before choosing your machine.
The figures used to compare washing machines on the energy label are based on the Eco 40-60 programme. They may not reflect how your other usual cycles perform.
Compare models on the same basis, then check the manual if you mainly use other programmes.
A breakdown doesn’t always mean replacement is your only option. An applicable warranty or a professional diagnosis could affect your decision.
Keep your proof of purchase and the machine’s model reference, check which warranties apply and, if possible, arrange a diagnosis before organising its removal.
A brand to consider if you want to look up genuine parts using your washing machine’s E-Nr. reference.
A brand to consider if you want to browse a parts catalogue before settling on a specific model.
A brand to consider if access to a repair service and repair instructions are important to your decision.
Yes, if it’s possible to get a diagnosis, first check which warranties apply and have the fault assessed. A professional can advise whether a repair is possible. Any available financial assistance will depend on its own eligibility conditions.
According to ADEME, this score out of 10 gives equal weight to repairability and reliability. Check the criteria for the specific model: an overall score does not promise a particular lifespan or access to every part.
No. The comparative figures on washing machine energy labels refer to the Eco 40-60 programme. If you mainly plan to use other cycles, check the model’s manual too.
No. This doesn’t guarantee that the part you need will fit every washing machine. Find the full model reference and confirm which parts are compatible and how to access the service.
No. In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new goods sold by a business to an individual. Any commercial warranty is in addition to this and is subject to its own terms. Check the documents supplied for each warranty separately.