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What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Rental Washing Machine?

Elizabeth West
Elizabeth West

Someone whose washing machine has broken down may use a rental washing machine until the unit is fixed or replaced. Stores that lease appliances, furniture, and electronics can provide one for a minimum rental period. They usually offer delivery and pickup of the appliance and service it. The drawbacks include high interest rates and forfeiture of the merchandise if the renter misses a payment.

There are numerous retailers who provide people with a rental washing machine. Although some rental companies require a basic credit check, many do not. A rental agreement can be entered into the same day, an advantage for people with poor or little credit. Arrangements can be made to coincide with the renter’s pay schedule.

Appliance stores often charge high interest rates on rental washing machines.
Appliance stores often charge high interest rates on rental washing machines.

The store will deliver the rental washing machine and pick it up at the end of the lease period, so there is no need to rent a truck. A service agreement covers any performance issues the machine may have. If it breaks, the store will simply replace it as long as the payments are current.

Since the rental washing machine may have been used by several people before the current renter, it might need to be cleaned. If the store has not done this, the renter can run a warm water cycle with vinegar or a bit of bleach to eliminate any lingering odors. The renter can check with the store regarding the policy on cleaning returned machines.

A rental washing machine might end up costing more than simply going to a laundromat.
A rental washing machine might end up costing more than simply going to a laundromat.

Most companies have a minimum contract period, often a few months, for the rental washing machine. If the appliance is only needed for a short time, this may not be the best solution. A weekly trip to the laundromat might be cheaper but less convenient.

Several drawbacks are involved in using a rental washing machine. If the renter misses a payment, there is often only a very short time, as little as a day, to make it up before the store will repossess the appliance. Any agreement to buy the machine will be forfeited if the payment does not come in on schedule and all money already collected will be lost.

Household bleach can be used to clean a washing machine and remove lingering odors.
Household bleach can be used to clean a washing machine and remove lingering odors.

Interest on weekly or monthly payments is often high. The rental washing machine, if purchased, can be twice the price of an appliance bought at a retailer. Buyers may instead wish to save the money each week toward the appliance. Even with trips to the commercial laundry factored in, the cost is usually much lower. The convenience factor must also be made before making a decision.

Discussion Comments

Raynbow

A good way to save money on a washing machine rental is to go in on it with several friends who also need to use the appliance.

Ocelot60

Though renting a washing machine will cost you a lot in interest, there are cases when it makes sense to rent one instead of buying a new machine.

If you are living in an area on a temporary basis and need a washing machine, it doesn't make much sense to buy one. In the long run, it could cost you more to move it and set it up in a new area than to just rent a washing machine.

Also, if you are waiting until a specific washing machine model goes on sale, you may need to rent one in the meantime. You could end up saving money on your new washing machine once the sale price kicks in if you wait and use a rental for a short while.

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    • Appliance stores often charge high interest rates on rental washing machines.
      By: Olaru Radian
      Appliance stores often charge high interest rates on rental washing machines.
    • A rental washing machine might end up costing more than simply going to a laundromat.
      By: dutourdumonde
      A rental washing machine might end up costing more than simply going to a laundromat.
    • Household bleach can be used to clean a washing machine and remove lingering odors.
      By: design56
      Household bleach can be used to clean a washing machine and remove lingering odors.