How to find Model or Serial Number on Washing Machine
On most washing machines, the full rating plate is located on a sticker behind the door – either on the cabinet near the door seal or on the back of the door itself. If it is not there, check behind the pump filter door or the kick strip at the base. Photograph the entire rating plate to capture all numbers at once.
The model number printed on a washing machine’s control panel is often abbreviated or incomplete. The full model number, serial number, and in many cases a production number are only found on the rating plate – and all three may be needed when ordering spare parts or checking a safety notice.
Where to Find the Model and Serial Numbers
Most modern washing machines carry the rating plate sticker behind the door – either on the inner cabinet wall near the door seal, or on the back of the door itself. This is the most common location and should be checked first.
If the number is not behind the door, other possible locations include:
- Behind the pump filter access door at the front base of the machine
- Behind the kick strip at the front base
- On the back of the machine – either as the only rating plate, or as a duplicate with additional numbers not shown elsewhere
Collect as many numbers as possible from the rating plate – model number, serial number, production number, date codes, and any other reference codes visible. If moving the machine is not practical, try the model number alone first as it may be sufficient for the enquiry.
Take a photo of the entire rating plate on a phone rather than writing individual numbers down. This captures everything in one go and avoids transcription errors.
Built-In Washing Machines – Where to Look
Built-in washing machines can make finding the rating plate more difficult. Some have no model information printed on the control panel at all. On integrated appliances, the rating plate is sometimes hidden behind the plastic kick-strip at the base of the machine rather than behind the door.
Check behind the pump filter door first if one is fitted – a rating plate sticker is sometimes located there. If the serial number cannot be found anywhere accessible, pulling the appliance out may be the only option, though this risks damaging flooring and should be a last resort. In most cases the rating plate should be accessible without full removal.
Which Numbers Are Needed – by Brand
Different manufacturers use different reference systems when identifying appliances for spare parts. The model number alone is not always sufficient:
| Brand | Numbers required |
|---|---|
| Zanussi / AEG | Production number (usually beginning with 9) |
| Bosch | E-nr number and Fd number |
| Indesit | Full model number including extra suffix letters (often on back of machine or behind door) and serial number |
| Hotpoint / Creda | Model number and date code (first two digits of serial number) |
| Most other brands | Model number and serial number |
Finding Spare Parts
Many common washing machine spare parts are straightforward to obtain. Spare parts suppliers such as Spares4Appliances provide detailed guidance and diagrams to help identify the correct numbers for any appliance, making the process considerably easier.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the model number on a washing machine?
On most washing machines, the full model number is on a rating plate sticker behind the door – either on the inner cabinet wall or on the back of the door itself. If it is not there, check behind the pump filter access door or the kick strip at the front base. Some machines also have the rating plate on the back.
Is the model number on the control panel enough to order spare parts?
Not always. The number on the control panel may be abbreviated or incomplete. Depending on the brand, a production number, Fd number, date code, or serial number may also be required. Always get the full model number from the rating plate, along with all other reference codes visible on it.
I cannot find the model number on my built-in washing machine – what should I do?
Check behind the pump filter door at the front base first. If not there, look behind the plastic kick-strip at the base of the machine. On some integrated models the rating plate is only accessible there. Pulling the appliance out fully should be a last resort as it risks damaging flooring – in most cases the label should be reachable without full removal.