Your washing machine is among the most relied-upon appliances in your residence, managing endless amounts of laundry throughout the year. A typical washing machine has a useful life of 10 to 14 years, but good upkeep and regular servicing can keep yours operating past that estimate. Most of what it requires to keep a washer in top condition comes down to a small set of easy, repeatable practices that take very little time or investment.
Read on for a complete guide to keeping your washing machine running at its peak.
Never Overload the Machine
Stuffing too much laundry into your washer is one of the most widespread and damaging mistakes homeowners fall into. Once clothing absorbs water with water, its heaviness increases dramatically, putting serious strain on the drum bearings, motor, and support components. Repeated overloading hastens wear of elements that can be very pricey to replace.
As a basic rule, fill the drum about three-quarters full and leave room for the laundry to circulate freely. If you are washing a solitary large item like a duvet or set of pillows, add a pair of towels to help distribute the load. An off-balance drum not only deteriorate faster, it also produces aggressive vibrations that can push the washer out of position and compromise internal fittings over time.
Always Check That the Machine Is Properly Leveled
Modern washing machines can operate at speeds of up to 1,600 RPM. At those velocities, even the smallest imbalance can create significant vibrations that damage internal parts and weaken fittings over time. Use a spirit level to assess the machine from both directions. Should it be not flat, loosen the lock nuts on the adjustable legs, reposition each one until the machine is completely level, and tighten the locking nuts snugly back in place. This easy fix can significantly prolong the lifespan of your machine and put an end to the disruptive sounds that many households assume is normal.
Do Not Use Too Much Soap
More soap does not equal better results, and it definitely does not result in a longer-running machine. An overdose of detergent produces too many suds, which more info the machine must strain to eliminate, often initiating more cycles in the effort. With repeated excessive use, soap residue accumulates in the interior, hoses, and drain pump, encouraging bacteria and leading to persistent bad smells.
Owners of energy-efficient washers should exclusively use detergent that is specifically formulated for HE machines. Standard detergent creates far too many suds in HE washers, which are designed to use very little water, and can result in operational problems over time. In most situations, a 1–2 tablespoons of liquid detergent is sufficient for a typical load. Your washing machine's instruction manual will have detailed detergent dosage instructions based on load size and mineral content in your area.
Clean the Drum Monthly
The inner surface of a washing machine tub can harbor considerable residue of detergent residue, conditioner, body oils, and hard water deposits even when it looks clean. A routine once-a-month drum-cleaning cycle is one of the best upkeep habits any washing machine household can adopt.
Most modern washers have a built-in drum-clean program available in the options. If yours is not equipped with one, simply run an unloaded cycle on the hottest available cycle using a descaling tablet, white vinegar, or half a cup of baking soda. This process eliminates accumulated residue, eliminates microorganisms behind bad smells, and extends the life of drum seals and internal hoses. This practice is especially beneficial for front-loading washers, as their snug rubber door seals tend to collect moisture and are highly susceptible to mold and mildew development.
Clean the Filter and Detergent Drawer
A debris filter is a typical feature on most washing machines, usually found behind a compact door at the bottom front of the machine. This filter catches fluff, small coins, elastics, and other small pieces that make their way into the drum. When this filter turns clogged, the machine is unable to drain properly, which places additional load on the water pump and can cause pooled water inside the drum at the end of a wash.
Make it a routine to take out and rinse the filter every four weeks or so. Just take out it, flush it with running water, take out any caught material, and screw it back in securely. While doing so, remove the dispenser drawer entirely and rinse it well under the tap. Detergent and conditioner residue collects rapidly in the dispenser and can clog the water jets that wash detergent down into the drum, compromising wash quality without you realizing it.
Inspect and Replace Hoses Regularly
Most homeowners never give the supply hoses behind their washing machine a moment's attention, yet a burst hose is among the top causes of significant home water damage. Over time, rubber supply hoses break down internally and develop weak points that can rupture without warning, especially under the constant water pressure of a running machine.
Every six months, check your water lines closely for any bubbling, cracking, deterioration at the connection points, or discoloration that signal the rubber is weakening. Most manufacturers suggest changing standard rubber hoses within three to five years even if you see any visible damage. Braided stainless steel hoses are a smart investment over basic, delivering far superior strength and a far smaller risk of unexpected rupture. Also verify that the supply hose fittings at both sides, at the washer and at the wall valve, are snug and showing no signs of any moisture or dripping.
Make Sure Pockets Are Empty Before Starting a Cycle
It sounds basic, but items left in clothing pockets are the cause of a significant proportion of washing machine breakdowns. Small hard items including loose change, metal keys, screws, and bobby pins are able to passing through the drum perforations and lodging in the drain pump or wearing out the drum bearings, leading to progressively worse machine problems. Tissues break apart and leave fibrous debris in the filter, blocking drainage. Items like balm and ballpoint pens can break open mid-wash, staining the laundry and leaving hard-to-remove buildup on the inside of the drum that is very difficult to eliminate.
Be diligent to empty every pocket before putting clothes in the machine. Flipping heavier pieces inside out makes pocket checking more thorough, and children's garments in particular require more thorough checking since little objects, pencils, and similar items are frequent stowaways.
Always Air Out the Drum After Washing
Completing a laundry cycle does not mean the inner surfaces of your machine is moisture-free, as moisture accumulates in the drum interior, door seal, and detergent compartment after every load. If you shut the door as soon as a load ends, that enclosed humidity produces the perfect humid, warm environment that mold and mildew grow. It is a special concern for front-loaders, whose close-fitting rubber gaskets retain water very effectively.
When you finish removing, leave the washer door or lid open for at least an hour to let the interior air dry completely. On front-loading washers, use a dry cloth to wipe the door seal carefully, especially within the folds where moisture tends to collect. This habit alone can stop the unpleasant odor that commonly appears in machines after a few years of daily operation.
Use an Anti-Vibration Mat Under the Machine
A washing machine resting directly on tile flooring or hardwood flooring sends spinning vibrations directly into the floor, which can move the appliance, weaken internal fittings, and scratch or warp the surface beneath it. Think about installing an rubber isolation mat under the machine. Foam or rubber pads soak up the energy created by the drum rotation and hold the machine firmly to its position. They are inexpensive, simple to set up, and deliver a real benefit in both sound levels and overall stability.
Contact a local appliance repair service today for fast, affordable washing machine repair.