LG WD-1049C

Vale, dear friend. You served us so well for nearly eleven years! – Absolutely rock-solid performance, week in, week out, servicing at times a household of eight. Even my technologically-inept octogenarian mother didn't manage to break it (though it did take a little while for her to understand the controls). It wasn't the quietest machine I've ever heard in operation, but it was certainly quieter than previous… Read more

machines I've had (both top-loading and front-loading), and quiet enough to work merrily away in the outside laundry without disturbing the household. I'd imagine if people had it inside the house they'd get annoyed by its noises and commotion, but that wasn't an issue for us.

In the almost-eleven years that we've had it, we've only had two issues;

1. After about seven years of ownership, an error message came up and the machine seized, refusing to continue even after power-cycling. Simply following the procedure in the manual (yes, the one I threw away a few weeks after buying it, but thankfully LG still had it available for download), I released the water from the front service hatch and the door was unlocked. Shuffled the clothes a little, closed the door, and it happily completed the wash.

2. After approximately eleven years - this afternoon - it finally decided to call it "quits." It makes the usual noises but the drum doesn't spin. I suspect that all it needs is a new drive belt, but given how long it's served us, I think it's time to put it out to pasture (though reading the reviews on the newer models makes me think that maybe replacing the belt and keeping this workhorse would be a better idea).

Worst buying decision ever – I bought this machine as a replacement for a top loader because I wanted to use less water and energy. Unfortunately I didn't do enough research and ended up with a machine that takes 3 hours plus to do a full wash and does not do an adequate wash on the 30 minute hot wash cycle using a front loader washing powder. The machine regularly trips… Read more

out our electrical circuit breakers and we lose power to the rest of the house. This complaint was registered during the warranty period and the service person fobbed this off as being due to us overloading the machine. Because of this we cannot leave the machine on when we leave to do shopping, errands etc.

We even resorted to upgrading the circuit breakers in case other appliances were contributing to the electrical overload but to no avail.

On the occasions when it does work the noise is horrendous. You would swear that there is a squadron of fighter jets in the laundry

After years of frustration with this machine it has got to go and will not be replaced by another LG.

My biggest disappointment is that this machine is still operating after seven years. If it had died earlier I could have moved on to another brand without the guilt of throwing away something that is still operable.

Yet again we pay the price of being too stingy to buy Australian made and get what we deserve from China and other low cost manufacturers.

Still going from 2007! – We bought this in 2007. Previous place we were using 30c water and quick 30 mainly. I think we overloaded machine on the quick 30 cycle so after a while it stopped spinning but that was in 2012. Lucky we purchased extended warranty through horizon as we purchased at the good guys. Turns out the "spider" part that holds drum in place needed… Read more

replacing. Was covered through extended warranty.

We have moved house in 2013 and machine is still going well. I use quick 30 with cold water and 800rpm to this day.

I thought the pump was broken as it wouldn't drain water and was making odd noise. As it turns out, pump was blocked. I recommend putting machine on side every 6 months and taking pump off and clean inside but that's for any machine.

Turns out the problem was a 20c coin lodged inside pump, blocking it. So after spending $80 on new pump, I didn't need it.

Still going well and we will look at another LG machine next. Maybe we are just lucky with this machine.

Get extended warranty guys for peace of mind.

Faithful machine – Farewelling my LG WD 1049 this afternoon. It's done very well after 14yrs. It has never given me any trouble until recently. Still goes but on/off switch becoming temperamental of late. Unfortunately due to lack of supply I can't get another LG in my price range, so have purchased an Electrolux. Just crossing my fingers it will be just as faithful. Show details ·  1

did well for 14 years – This worked very well for 14 years. About 3 years ago I had the door seal replaced and just this week my poor machine has finally given up. It's no longer spinning and will probably need to be retired. As with many front loaders, they take time, however the benefits of less water and better care for your clothes is worth it. I used to load this thing up with massive blankets, pillows, dog bed... it was a champion. Farewell my friend. Show details ·  1

Excellent product – I have this machine for 14years almost and it did really well! But now i am due for a new one! Sadly this one is discontinued! Close to 14yrs ive had it now! It started leaking water and its so noisy and moves when cycle is on! But it served me very well Show details ·  1

Going strong STRONG – 13 years and going strong . Has been on a sheep station in Western Australia with a large staff lots of dirty clothes , all using this machine and still going strong . Cannot fault Show details ·  1

13 years and still going – Credit to where it is due. We have had this from October 2007 and it still is serving us well. What else can I say? We have not even had it serviced or repaired. Show details ·  1

WORKED ALMOST 10 YEARS – It works almost 10 years. of course noise getting lounder as its age. until recently stuck at spinning mode. it was originally warranty for 2 years only. I think the carbon brush need to be replaced as there are some sparks reflected from the floor tiles near the motor located. I hope it will be OK after replaced the carbon brush that cost $20 from eBay guys. Ops!! Don't forget to go though all the diagnose test before assuming the faults.  Show details

An unreliable appliance – I have had my LG WD1049C washing machine for 2 years. During that time it has broken down on a number of occasions, displaying error messages which are not listed in the manual. After a number of visits, the repairman replaced the computer. The machine works, but now it leaks at the conclusion of the cycle, but only occasionally.  Show details

Lasted 10 years – Excellent machine lasted 10 years with a family of 5. Loved the 30 minute option. Wasn't loud but did get a bit of noise going by the time it called it quits. Washed clothes well. Anything not so great to say we're only little things and only when ir was on it's last legs.  Show details

Amazing workhorse – I got mine from an Aussie expatriated, who spent 2 years in Brazil. Probably not new at the time when arrived here. It´s not only an appliance, it´s part of the family, as a matter of fact. It works like a charm, just bearings and seal change. We love it.  Show details

Buyer Beware – Today after 8 year ours died. I had washed a load of clothes this morning and hung them out. I then proceeded to put a load of towels on(4). At the same time I decided I would clean my bath tub as the washer is located in the bathroom. Every now and then I would hear a strange noise. Much to my bewilderment it was sparking under the machine and stopping. Im so happy this happened when I was at home as this thing could have caught fire

Good product - lasted 7 years – We purchased this washing machine in June 2008 and it literally stopped spinning yesterday (June 2015). I think either the bearings had gone or the motor as it got stuck in the final pre - spin sequence on the number 12. I tried numerous things to fix it - different spin cycles, wash cycles but nothing worked. I rang the LG hotline who were… Read more

helpful but as the machine was 8 years old, it was out of warranty so I had to call a technician. Given it would cost circa $300 plus labour to fix it, we decided to buy another machine instead.

We reviewed Choice and as we liked this machine, we have bought another LG front loader. We were very happy with the machine so it was logical - my mother has owned front loaders including Asko (which was very expensive and lasted 3 years), Westinghouse and other brands and has not been happy with these so we stuck with what we like!

In terms of the old machine (which this review was on). The original cost was circa $600 (with a $200 water rebate).

Our Usage - The washing machine was a good buy over the 8 years we had it. It moved house once (with no repercussions). We were a household of 2 adults (and a dog) but with lots of sports commitments so lots of washing. The machine ran 3 clothing loads per week, 1 towel wash and 1 bedding wash. We used powder (Omo or Cold Power) in every wash, with the occasional Napisan powder added in and fabric softener. The loads were full every time and we only used cold water. Saying that, I did try a new fast wash product (Biozet Rapid Wash) just before the machine died and I wonder, even though it was for front loaders on a quick cycle (which I complied with), whether it was suitable for it? I since have read LG washers are recommended to use powders which is a good tip!

Maintenance - Throughout the life of the machine we replaced the door seal once (in the past year) as it began to rip and leak and also the wire which holds this in place (as it corroded). The parts were circa $100 in total and my husband replaced them - a 60 min job. I found the machine often got mould growing in the detergent dispenser (probably as I used fabric softener) but I simply cleaned this out every 6 weeks. It did not impact the cleaning ability.

Washing Machine Cycles - I found the machine to be very easy to use. I tended to use the cotton cycle on cold at full spin most times. This would take 1hr 49 mins which I thought was long. If you use hot water it is 3 hours. The clothes were washed well and it was gentle - it never seemed to shrink or damage them. The spin cycle was quite loud though on 1000rpm.

Overall, I found this to be a good, reliable machine. It was pretty inexpensive and worked well. I would definitely recommend an LG washing machine to those in the market for a new one.

No Hiccups – We have had this front loader machine for more than 3 years and we are a family of 4 with 2 children so the machine is run at minimum of once a day. 7.5KG is a perfect size for a family of 4. I really like that it has a quick 30 minute cycle for the times that you need the washing done in a hurry. I also love that it has a timer delay so I can… Read more

set the washing to be ready when I wake up and can have it on the line before I head to work.

Clothes always come out clean, no marks.

We have had no hiccups with this washing machine from memory. Easy, Reliable, Water Energy Efficient Non to think of - maybe a little noisy through the 1000rpm spin.

Lasted 7 years – Machine worked great for 5 years, it probably took me this long to get used to the long cycles compared to a top loader! Then it would beep at me to shut the door nearly every time before it would start, so I would have to push it shut again. Now after 7 years it started to make horrible grinding noises, my husband opened it up hoping it was just… Read more

the bearings ($50 part) but it was a $300 part not including delivery or labour... Saved water and power compared to last machine Not sure it was worth the 7 year investment.

This machine is a dud – Bought this machine 5 years ago and have had to call repairer twice - this week was told the repairs would cost 1/2 the price of the machine!!! $475 !!! Parts Only guaranteed for 3 months. This repairer was recommended by LG too. LG's advice when I phoned "things aren't made to last" !!!! What a great company.....never an LG again. Better than a top loader..... As soon as guarantee finished - things started to go wrong.

Overall I love this machine – After reading the reviews here I'm a little scared now for the future of my machine, but until now it has served me well. It is 5 years old. I like the cycle selections and the fact I can delay the machine starting and reduce cycle times if needed. My clothes always come out clean. I have had some troubles with the door - sometimes I have to push… Read more

it shut again to get the machine to start, and very occasionally it won't open, so I have to open a little door at the bottom and let some water out (I found this solution on the net). Time delay, clean clothes, cycle options. Door issues before and after cycles

No more will I buy a front loader – Less then five years old, and the timer is playing up, it just keeps going and going, and when I am lucky and it stops then the stupid door won't open. I am not the only one, my sister purchased the same machine 2 months before me and talked me into buying one, well she has had to replace it already the repairman told her it was not worth repairing. Didn't wash clean, and all my other machine lasted years longer

Only lasts four years! – I have had my machine for just over four years, and after about two years i would have to occassionly hit the door once i have pressed start to make the machine start or it would beep at me, obviously this is a door problem! Next issue is that it would not wash clothes very well and shrink clothes on a 30 degree cycle when the item of clothing… Read more

stated 40 degrees and i only ever wash on cold or 30 degrees expect for sheets and towels on 60 degrees. My latest issue is that the spin wont work and the program is all over the place during a cycle, when it does go to spin there is a loud scrapping noise! and the clothes come out very wet indeed. After reading many reviews and problems online it sounds like its more worth my while replacing the machine and selling this one for parts on ebay!

Certainly could find a better quality machine that is reliable – Had the machine for approx 3-4 years. Long wash cycle. Found the clothes were still soiled after washing. Leaking water on occassions. Very noisy. And to top it off the bearings have gone, which is costly to fix. Have been told by the repair man that once the bearing goes so does everything else! Water efficient at the start Noisy, long cycle, terrible quality

Efficient and easy to use – We bought our LG WD-1049C Front Loader four years ago when we moved into a new house. We chose this particular machine for it's water and power efficiency rating and have not been disappointed. I almost always use the 30min cycle on the 30oC setting without any problems and only use the longer cycles if we have very soiled items to wash. I am… Read more

careful not to overload the machine and not to overdo the amount of washing powder I use and am happy with the results. Quick and easy to use, good results.

I hate this washer! – I hate this washing machine! There is so little water that unless you use the "extra water" modification the clothes in the middle don't even get wet! The normal wash cycle takes almost 2 hours and clothes still don't get clean! I hate this washer! It has a quick cycle, but that doesn't get clothes clean either! No water, and doesn't clean clothes!

Less than 4 years old and it will not spin – We purchased this machine and with rebates it cost about $500 in 2008. It has been ok until now but it has stopped spin drying. Upon investigation on the net the mail was the brushes are worn out. This is bad for a machine less than 4 years old. Being handy I thought I could put new brushes in myself. Wrong. They are not available as a spare part… Read more

and you have to buy a new motor for $250. Anyway a search of the net and I found some brushes at Schunk Australia $28.35 plus postage.

Model 30-27-901-AW. They are the correct size but you need to cut the brush wire and solder the new brush to the old connection. If you are handy this is a cheap repair. Works perfectly. Anyhow the fact that spares are not available means I will never buy another LG product and unless you already own one I suggest you don't either. Inexpensive. But you pay in the long run. Noisy, spares unnecessarily expensive. Fobbed of when questioning the spares situation

It works well for us – We had this machine for nearly 4 years incl. one house move and so far it works very well. We nearly exclusively use the quick wash cycle and the clothes always come out clean and smell nice. I have to say that we are only 2 adults though and if you have kids with more soiled clothes you probably have to use the much longer wash cycles. Also, for… Read more

the quick wash cycle it is recommended to put less than 2 kg in, which we didn't realize until now. So when the machine didn't spin first go sometimes, it is probably because we put to many clothes in. It is the quietest front loader we had so far. Water & energy efficient, Quick Wash cycle, gentle on clothes Sometimes it doesn't finish the cycle but keeps running until we reset it. This happens just before spinning.

OK – This is our first front loader, it may be more water efficient but it is noisier. Saying that it is quieter than my mums front loader. It was great value when we bought it as we received both a local council and state government rebate. Have had it for over three years. Has been reliable for us so far. Quick wash is handy if the clothes aren't… Read more

too dirty. Customizable settings and time left display. Can't easily stop a cycle. For example put on a load of washing, just press start and crap I forgot a sock. Too bad now the door is locked unless I find the manual and figure out how to unlock it. If you pause it to have a shower after a short period of time it turns off and you have to start the cycle again. Has been leaking a small amount of water down the front which has rusted the spring on the seal retainer. The spring broke a few days ago. Noisy, can't put on a load of washing and watch TV (we have no laundry door). Tried the "baby care" wash and OMG 3 hours. A couple of times we have had a blackout and when the power comes back on the machine starts a cycle, not good in the middle of the night.

Good – I have had no major problems with this machine, and have found it to be reliable. I would happily purchase it again. The wash cycles are quite long, but most front loaders are like this, and once you are used to it you can plan accordingly. Is very gentle on clothes. Good capacity, not too tricky to use, has a delay start function, not too… Read more

noisy. Small things like baby socks get stuck on a little ledge in the door and come out soggy and covered in lint. Sometimes I need to kick the door to close it properly, or before opening it.

Terrible – Never waste your money on LG products. I wish they invest some their money they make on designing something useful. It saves the water . Never ever buy this product.After less than 8.5 months the machine started flooding the floor after examination they said a coin has been gone through and damage the system and we have lots of this problem… Read more

recently which is not cover under waranty and it costs you at least $350.00 and at least one week without the washing machine, They beleive I have put the coin there but they dont want to accept that the design of the machine is so poor and low that let the foreign object gets out of the drum and goes in to the back and damage the whole thing to the extent that need to be taken out to replace couple of parts.

Good – After much research we purchased this machine and have been very happy with it. A cold cycle on quick wash takes 36 minutes and the results have been fine. We have had the machine for about 6 months now. Very happy. Easy to operate Seems to hold alot of water which needs to be emptied out of the plug at the bottom frequently.

Excellent – I think it is important to do your reserach before you buy. This machine had far better reviews than just about all it's competitors. It's performance matched the reviews. Got to be happy with that and it is a bargain at $600. Good brand, nice price, works well and reliable the usual for a front loader but then again we all know that top loaders should be phased out unless they drastically improve their efficiency

Excellent – We are very happy with this LG front loader. We have noticed the difference in water consumption (much lower) since changing to a front loading machine. It is used daily as we have 3 growing boys (lots of washing!) Have had a leakage through door once or twice but put that down to clothes not put in all the way (caught in door seal). Note: the… Read more

persian cat was terrified of this washer at first, (a) because it could see the movement of washing through the door and (b) because of the "jet engine" sound when in spin cycle. Took him some time to get used to it!!!

I would have no hesitation recommending this unit to anyone. Not too expensive, Low water consumption, good energy star rating. quick 30 cycle not good for very dirty clothes, good for day to day dirty clothes. ....use a longer cycle for heavily soiled stuff.

Terrible – I could never reccommend anyone purchase one of these machines. Aside from the fragility, lack of parts is unacceptable. Equivalent brands supply small parts. Has an adequate range of functions and is a good size for most family applications. After 2.5 years we have had two warranty calls to fix seals and repair the rear pulley, and I have had to… Read more

repair the rear pulley again myself. I now find one of the motor brushes is worn out. It is an easliy dismantled part but replacement brushes can't be bought - only the entire motor at over $200 supply only. Family of 3.

Bad – After 2yrs 10mths we have an expensive repair bill due to a weakness in the design, the use of thin cast alloys that crack after a period of time and need replacing along with the attached drive shaft. Will be looking at am alternative brand this time round and extended warranty to try and make the manufacturer LG accountable for the quality of the workmanship and materials they use. Fast Wash cycle Lasted less than 3 years

Good – I've had this machine for about 3 years and I've mostly been very happy with it. Apart from occasional leaks which appear to come from the door, I have had no trouble with it. I've never used the cotton cycle, it takes far too long. Uses much less water than a top loader, love the way the programming can be changed to suit. Occasionally floods… Read more

the laundry when washing towels. I don't think it really takes 7kg of washing. The quick wash only actually washes with detergent for a few minutes, so is only useful for freshening clothes.

Terrible – I wish I never bought this machine. My last machine is still going - at my brothers after 10 years. This machine leaks constantly, and when I rang LG to ask them to fix the problem, which I have discovered is quite common - they told me if their service tech decided it wasn't a manufacturing issue - I would be charged $100.00 Thank you to the… Read more

reviewer on 24th August - I was certain this was a design (manufacturing) fault. I will Certainly be buying a NEW machine - and DEFINITELY NOT LG timer, select spin speed, water efficiency Water constantly leaks from the machine when washing, the noise when it starts to spin, does not hold 7.5kg - my 5kg machine held more