Option 1: Buy a New Washer or Dryer

If your washer and dryer are old, falling apart, and inefficient, it may be time to invest in a new set.

While some older models of washers and dryers are notoriously reliable, according to the Department of Energy, newer machines use 70% less energy than they did in 1990. If you use your laundry machines frequently, purchasing a new set will be more cost effective in the long run.

If you’ve just recently purchased your machine, however, a repair might be a better option.

Let’s break down how to determine whether a replacement or a repair is right for you.

How Do You Know When to Buy a New Machine or When to Repair It?

When your machines break, you don’t automatically have to buy new ones. Some washers and dryers may need a small repair to last a few more years. Conversely, you may dump money into repairs that cost more than buying new appliances outright.

Generally, washing machines last around 11 years, depending on the model and its care. A good rule to follow with replacing or repairing any appliance is the 50% rule, which states that your repair shouldn’t cost more than 50% of the cost of buying a new appliance.

For example, if your washing machine has a bad transmission and the repair would be $400, you may as well buy a new one. Smaller repairs, like replacing a rubber gasket or clearing a drain pump, are small compared to the cost of buying new.

Option 2: DIY Repairs

If your washer and dryer break, it may not be as simple as running out and getting new appliances. Whether it’s budget restrictions or it’s a simple problem, you might choose to go the DIY route. But if you do choose to DIY, you might be waiting a while for your replacement parts.

Why Are New Orders and Repair Parts Taking So Long?

With an appliance shortage, high consumer demand, and supply chain issues, you could be waiting a while for your new appliances to be delivered and installed.

The world is still in the midst of the global pandemic, revealing underlying supply chain issues. We’re experiencing shortages and delays at virtually every stage, from materials to critical parts to lack of shipping space and delivery drivers.

Some brands are struggling a little more, but the entire market is facing similar challenges. Unfortunately, some of the brands with the longest wait times are also the most popular, including Whirlpool and KitchenAid.

If you want, you can try shopping at smaller stores to see if there are in-stock parts, rather than big-box stores. The big-box stores have larger customer bases and are dealing with shortages all around, whereas smaller retailers are more likely to have some or all of the parts you need.

You could also sign up for waiting lists to get first dibs when parts become available. But with the shutdowns that occurred in 2020, it started a ripple effect with backlogs and new orders, some of which may never be filled.

Alternatively, you could enlist a local repair service. These companies may not only already have parts on hand, but have experts who can diagnose the issue and fix it much faster than waiting on a replacement machine or doing the work yourself, in most cases.

If you’ve got the parts or your repair doesn’t require replacement parts and you want to do it all yourself, great! You’re in good shape,

That is, as long as you know what to do.

Where Can I Get Repair Tips for Myself?

Though it may seem complicated, repairing your washing machine or dryer on your own is a possibility. A lot of washer and dryer breakdowns are caused by small and simple issues that any DIYer can fix.

So, if you’re struggling to find local washer and dryer repair, take a look at these repair tips from RR Appliances to see if it’s a DIY job. If you feel confident, you can try to handle the repair yourself and get your washer and dryer up and running in no time.

These are helpful for diagnosing and correcting small repairs on your own, but if you’re not knowledgeable about washer and dryer repair, don’t try to take on too much. Handling DIY repairs can be dangerous if you’re not sure what you’re doing, so always call a professional if the job seems too big for your skill set.

If you don’t want to replace your washer and dryer and you’re not the handy type, there is another option: a pick up and drop off service.

Option 3: Use a Wash & Fold Laundry Service

When you’re running out of clean laundry by the minute, you don’t have time to haul everything to the laundromat just to wait for a machine, fight someone for a dryer, or worse, risk getting your clothes stolen (yep, it happens).

A laundry pickup and delivery service comes to your home, hauls your dirty clothes away, and brings it back to you. And if you want to further save time, many laundry pick-up and drop-off companies will often offer a same-day service and dry cleaning service,

So if your laundry room is overflowing and you want a minimal hassle option, a pick-up and drop-off wash, dry, and fold laundry service is your best option.

FAQ About Emergency Laundry Service

We’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions about emergency laundry service:

How Does a Laundry Service Work with The Folde?

The process couldn’t be easier. You simply create an account and schedule a pickup via our website or mobile app, noting your treatment preferences.

On laundry day, you’ll receive personalized laundry bags to separate your laundry and dry cleaning. If you’re not home for your first pickup, you can leave your laundry in other bags or hampers that will be returned with your clean clothes.

When your clothes are cleaned, crisp, and ready to wear, one of the delivery drivers will return them folded and hung at your designated drop-off location. How convenient is that?

Your laundry preferences are entirely tailored to your needs. You can choose weekly service, emergency laundry service, or just occasional service when you’re too busy for laundry. You also have the option of wash and fold, dry-cleaning, and delicates to keep your treasured clothes in good condition.

What About Delicates?

With The Folde, we have specialized bags for your delicates so that you can be sure we’re taking extra care of these items.

Can I Use a Laundry Service for My Business?

Absolutely. Commercial laundry service is a time and cost-efficient way for AirBNBs, restaurants, gyms, healthcare facilities, and hotels to clean towels, blankets, tablecloths, comforters, or any other linens.
Access to an emergency laundry service is especially important for businesses, as your patrons depend on you to provide a clean, sanitized environment.

Is it More Cost Effective to Use a Laundry Service Than it is to Replace a Washer and Dryer?

Not only is purchasing a brand new washer and dryer expensive, doing your own laundry costs you time. In fact, the average American household spends almost a full day doing laundry each month. That’s 12 days–almost two weeks–per year.

Laundry never stops! But, you’re likely going to be waiting 2 weeks to 2 months for new equipment or for service techs to repair your existing equipment. In the meantime, try a wash & fold laundry service.