From Data to Durability: Manufacturer-Agnostic Monitoring to Enhance Washing Machine Repair and Maintenance

The growing e-waste from household appliances, particularly washing machines, highlights the need for improved repairability and durability solutions. The "Internet of Washing Machines" (IoW) project addressed this challenge by developing a manufacturer-agnostic monitoring module and a supporting cloud-based system designed to assist repair. Through a pilot study in citizen scientists’ homes, a non-invasive sensor module was developed which monitored key parameters such as vibration, electrical current, and water consumption to enable advanced remote diagnosis. Integrated into an open-source platform, the IoW system showed potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce second visits, and minimize wasted repair trips. Preliminary analysis suggests that the system could allow repair technicians to serve 767 additional clients annually, with an average service time of 43 minutes per client, resulting in a 38% improvement in efficiency. However, deployment challenges, including weak Wi-Fi and sensor inaccuracies, limited data collection. Furthermore, the cost-benefit ratio proved challenging, with €5 in savings per customer compared to the €70 prototype cost. Despite these limitations, features such as cost-per-cycle monitoring, cycle-based warranties, and preventative maintenance could enhance the system’s value and support more sustainable repair practices.