More genuine verses non-genuine washing machine spare parts advice

• Which non-genuine parts should be avoided?
• Which non-genuine parts are OK to use?
• How can I tell if a washing machine part is genuine?
• Where can I buy genuine washing machine parts?
• Is there anything else to know about buying spare parts for a washing machine?
  • Genuine spare parts advice (Part 1)

 

Which non-genuine parts should be avoided?

The worst non-genuine parts I've come across are carbon brushes. These tend to be much softer than the originals and the quality of the carbon is often inferior. When carbon brushes wear, they cause sparking between them and the expensive armature. This can accelerate the wear to the main part of the motor. Also, poor quality carbon brushes cause a build up of carbon dust inside the motor which can short out to earth, causing fusing. I think these days the carbon brushes have improved, but I would always go for the genuine carbon brushes.

Non-genuine door seals are another part I would avoid. The door seal is one of the most common parts to fail and is subject to a lot of wear and tear.

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Which non-genuine parts are OK to use?

Some non-genuine spare parts are in fact OK. Some are even reputed to be made by the same companies that supply the manufacturer, but most are not quite as good as the genuine part. Heating elements seem to be pretty reliable on the whole and look little different to the genuine part. Door frames for Hotpoint look as good as the genuine, and many drive belts also seem OK. Bearings all seem pretty much the same as genuine parts but the bearing seal is so important that I would always try to use the genuine one.

The best policy, if unsure, is to try to use the genuine part.

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How can I tell if a washing machine part is genuine?

The washing machine manufacturer's logo should be familiar to you. It should be on the washing machine and instruction book etc. Genuine washing machine spare parts would normally come in proper packaging and with the company's logo printed on it. The manufacturer's name printed in large letters doesn't mean a part is genuine. Phrases like, 'to suit', 'to fit' or 'will fit', before the manufacturer's name indicate they are made by a different company.

Making sure you have the right information from the washing machine before attempting to buy a spare part Spare parts pitfalls

What to expect from a spare parts supplier and how they work Spare parts suppliers

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Where can I buy washing machine parts?

Search for washing machine or other appliance parts

If you are looking for a spare part or accessory for any white goods appliance Washerhelp now has a massive database of spares available called 4Washerhelp.co.uk Use the search facility to find spares or accessories for not only white goods, but for virtually any household appliance or product.

Buy Hotpoint & Creda carbon brushes page (Direct from Washerhelp) Go to top of page 

Is there anything else to know about buying spare parts for a washing machine?

1. Make sure you have the right information from the washing machine before attempting to buy a spare part Spare parts pitfalls
2. What to expect from a spare parts supplier and how they work Spare parts suppliers
3. Genuine washing machine spare parts advice (Part 1)