The Best Time of Year to Buy a Washer and Dryer: Maximize Your Savings
When your washer or dryer kicks the bucket, the pressure to replace it quickly can lead to a pricey impulse purchase. But what if you could time it right and save hundreds of dollars? Knowing when to buy is just as important as knowing what to buy.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best times of year, what deals to look for, and some pro tips for scoring the perfect washer and dryer without draining your wallet.
Top Times to Buy a Washer and Dryer
1. Holiday Weekends
Best for: Deep discounts, bundles, and free delivery
- Presidents' Day (February)
One of the first major sales events of the year. Retailers want to boost post-holiday sales, and appliance discounts can go as high as 35–40%. - Memorial Day (May)
The unofficial start of summer comes with big-box sales and clearance deals. It's ideal if you want the latest models at a discount. - Labor Day (September)
Manufacturers release new models in the fall, so stores slash prices on last year’s models to clear inventory. - Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November)
No surprise here. Retailers often offer doorbusters and online-only deals that can beat even outlet prices.
When New Models Are Released
Best for: Last year’s models at clearance prices
Washer and dryer manufacturers typically roll out new models in September and October. That makes August and September prime time to snag great deals on perfectly good previous-generation models.
Tip: Ask about floor models or open-box discounts — they’re often lightly used and heavily marked down.
End of the Month & Fiscal Quarters
Best for: Negotiating with salespeople
Many stores work on monthly or quarterly sales goals. Shopping at the end of the month, or near the end of a fiscal quarter (March, June, September, December), might give you the upper hand in negotiating a better deal or freebies like installation or delivery.
Where to Find the Best Deals
- Big-box retailers (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy)
Often run price-matching and price-drop guarantees. - Online marketplaces (Amazon, Wayfair)
Great for comparing features and reading real reviews. - Local appliance outlets
Hidden gems for scoring refurbished or scratch-and-dent units at 40–60% off.
Avoid These Times
- January (post-holiday lull): Limited sales, lower inventory.
- Mid-spring (March–April): New models just launching, few discounts.
Seasonal Breakdown: Why Timing Matters Throughout the Year
Timing isn’t just about catching a sale — it’s about aligning with seasonal cycles that affect pricing, availability, and demand. Here’s how each season impacts the washer and dryer market, and what you should be looking for.
Winter (December – February)
What’s happening:
- Post-holiday sales and inventory clearance
- Slower foot traffic due to cold weather
- Retailers eager to hit Q1 targets
Why it’s smart to buy:
- January clearance events offer deep discounts on floor models and last year's stock
- Presidents’ Day (February) is one of the first big appliance sale weekends of the year
Ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers who don’t mind last year’s model or an open-box deal.
Spring (March – May)
What’s happening:
- Spring cleaning vibes drive home upgrades
- New models start appearing on showroom floors
- Tax refunds fuel consumer spending
Why it’s smart to buy:
- Memorial Day weekend (late May) is a major sales event
- Retailers begin bundling washers and dryers with accessories or installation perks
Ideal for: Buyers looking for fresh models, decent deals, and seasonal upgrades.
Summer (June – August)
What’s happening:
- Appliance sales slow down during vacation season
- Stores prepare for incoming fall inventory
- Occasional mid-summer promotions (especially online)
Why it’s smart to buy:
- July 4th sales bring solid discounts
- Salespeople may be more open to negotiation during slower months
Ideal for: Shoppers who want to avoid the crowds and possibly score open-box or clearance deals quietly.
Fall (September – November)
What’s happening:
- New model releases peak
- Retailers discount older models aggressively
- Biggest shopping events of the year: Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Why it’s smart to buy:
- Best mix of price, selection, and value
- Perfect time to snag high-end models at their lowest prices
Ideal for: Anyone seeking maximum savings, best selection, or top-tier performance appliances.
Quick Cheat Sheet: Best Time by Season
Season | Best Deals On | Why Buy Now |
Winter | Clearance models, floor units | Post-holiday markdowns & Presidents’ Day sales |
Spring | New models, bundled offers | Memorial Day + tax season perks |
Summer | Quiet clearance deals, open-box | July 4th sales + less buyer competition |
Fall | Deep discounts on all models | Labor Day, Black Friday & Cyber Monday = lowest prices |
Final Thoughts
The best time to buy a washer and dryer isn’t always when yours breaks down — it’s when sales peak, stores discount old stock, and you’ve got room to negotiate. Timing your purchase around major holidays, model release cycles, or month-end targets can help you score a high-performance laundry pair at a fraction of the cost.
So next time your laundry day hits a snag, don’t panic — plan. Your budget will thank you.