Your washing machine is one of the most heavily used devices in your household, running load after load of laundry week after week. While most washing machines are designed to operate for 10 to 14 years, consistent maintenance habits can push those numbers further and help you avoid unexpected repair bills. Best of all, caring for a longer-lasting washing machine requires only a small set of simple steps that cost little to nothing.
Here is what you should know to practice to get the most out of your washing machine.
Stop Overloading Your Washer
One of the most destructive things you can do to a washing machine is overload the drum. When clothes get wet, they become substantially heavier, and a drum filled beyond its maximum load puts excessive strain on the drum bearings, motor, and drum structure. Over time, this causes accelerated deterioration on a number of the most pricey pieces to replace.
As a general rule, fill the drum about 75% full and leave room for the laundry to move freely. For bulky single items like comforters or pillows, balance the drum by adding two or three hand towels to the load. A drum that is not properly balanced produces aggressive vibrations that can steadily move the machine off-balance and weaken internal components.
Keep the Machine Level
Today's washing machines are capable of rotating at up to 1,600 revolutions per minute. At those speeds, even the slightest tilt can create significant vibrations that deteriorate internal components and loosen fittings over time. Place a spirit level on top of your machine and check it front-to-back and side-to-side. If it be not flat, back off the locking nuts on the leveling feet, reposition each one until the machine is perfectly flat, and fasten the lock nuts securely back in place. This simple step can add years to the longevity of your machine and get rid of the disruptive sounds that many households assume is normal.
Be Careful How Much Detergent You Add
Using more detergent does not produce better-washed clothes, and it puts avoidable pressure on your washer. An overuse of detergent leads to severe lather accumulation that the washer struggles to rinse away, causing it to operate longer and wear down components faster. Over time, detergent residue collects inside the drum, internal hoses, and drain pump, forming a environment for microorganisms and producing persistent unpleasant odors.
If you have a HE (HE) machine, always use HE-rated detergent. Standard detergent creates far too many suds in HE washers, which are designed to use very little water, and can lead to operational problems over time. A tablespoon or two of liquid detergent is enough for the most of regular laundry loads. If you are in doubt, refer to your washer's instruction guide for dosage instructions based on load size and water mineral content.
Run a Drum-Cleaning Cycle Every Month
Despite appearing perfectly clean on the exterior, your washing machine's drum quietly builds up deposits from detergent, softener, skin oils, and mineral deposits. Scheduling a monthly drum-cleaning program is one of the most straightforward and most impactful things you can do for your washer's health.
Many of modern washers come equipped with a dedicated drum-clean cycle intended directly to flush out the drum and internal components. If yours does not, simply run an unloaded cycle on the hottest available cycle using a descaling tablet, white vinegar, or half a cup of baking soda. The hot water and cleaning solution remove residue, eliminate microorganisms that cause bad smells, and help maintain the condition of the door seals and internal hoses. Users of front-loaders should be most diligent with regular maintenance since the rubber door seals on these machines are highly prone to mold and mildew.
Do Not Forget the Filter and Soap Drawer
Most washing machines have a small debris and lint filter, usually located at the front bottom panel, behind a tiny access door. Its purpose is to catch fluff, coins, hair ties, and other foreign objects that get in the wash. Once this filter becomes blocked, the washer is unable to drain as it ought to, straining the drain pump and sometimes causing water to remain in the drum once the cycle ends.
Make it a point to examine and clear this filter at least monthly. The process is easy: remove the filter, clear any residue under the tap, extract any material by hand, and refit it securely. While you are at it, slide out the soap drawer fully and give it a good wash. Detergent and conditioner residue builds up fast in this compartment and can block the spray jets that push detergent through to the drum, reducing wash quality without any warning.
Check Your Water Hoses Every Six Months
The water supply hoses linking your washer to the plumbing are commonly forgotten, but a ruptured line ranks among one of the most leading causes of serious water damage in households. Regular rubber hoses deteriorate over time and can create micro-fractures or weak areas that over time give way under regular pressure.
Carry out a hose inspection biannually, watching particularly for bulging, cracking, fraying connections, or changes in color that indicate the rubber is degrading. Most manufacturers suggest swapping out rubber supply hoses every three to five years even if you see obvious wear. Switching to washing machine repair reinforced hoses is a good value for the minor expense, as these are considerably more robust and much less likely to fail. Also verify that the hose fittings at both ends, at the appliance and at the wall valve, are tight and showing no signs of leaking.
Make Sure Pockets Are Empty Before Starting a Cycle
It sounds obvious, but items left in pockets are responsible for a significant number of washing machine breakdowns. Small hard items including coins, metal keys, hardware, and bobby pins are capable of slipping through the drum perforations and blocking the drain pump or wearing out the bearing assembly, leading to worsening mechanical issues. Paper napkins break apart and leave fibrous debris in the drain filter, blocking drainage. Items like chapstick and ballpoint pens can melt or leak mid-wash, ruining garments and leaving hard-to-remove buildup on drum surfaces that is very hard to remove.
Build a brief pocket check into your pre-wash process before every single load. Flip denim and thick pants to the inside to access all pockets conveniently, and pay children's clothes an extra diligent check since miniature toys and stationery commonly hidden within.
Leave the Door Open Between Washes
After every cycle, dampness lingers inside the machine interior, around the door gasket, and in the soap drawer. If you seal the door right after a cycle completes, that sealed-in moisture produces the ideal humid, warm atmosphere where mold and mildew will grow. This problem is most pronounced in front-loaders most severely due to their snug rubber seals, which retain dampness in their folds with every wash.
When you are done unloading, leave the lid or door open for at least an hour to let the drum, seals, and gaskets dry out thoroughly. On front-loaders, use a clean cloth to wipe the rubber door gasket thoroughly, especially within the ridges where moisture commonly accumulates. Simply keeping the door open is one of the most affordable and most proven defenses against the stubborn unpleasant scent that affects machines that are consistently kept closed.
Protect Your Floor and Machine With the Right Surface
Hard flooring beneath a washing machine offer no dampening for high-speed vibrations, allowing them to slowly move the machine out of position and produce deterioration on both the appliance and the floor. An vibration-dampening pad installed underneath the machine is a simple and budget-friendly solution. Made from rubber or dense foam, these pads dampen the vibration energy produced during the spin cycle and keep the unit from moving on the floor. These mats are inexpensive, are easy to place, and provide a real decrease in both operational noise and washer movement.
Contact a local appliance repair service today for fast, affordable washing machine repair.