Your washing machine is one of the most relied-upon machines in your home, handling countless loads of laundry throughout the year. A typical washing machine has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, but consistent maintenance and routine attention can keep yours operating past that range. Most of what it requires to keep a washer working well for years comes down to a handful of simple, consistent habits that demand almost nothing or investment.
Here is what you should know to follow to get the most out of your washing machine.
Never Overload the Machine
One of the most destructive things you can do to a washing machine is stuff it too full. When clothes become saturated, they become considerably more dense, and a drum packed beyond its maximum load puts excessive strain on the drum bearings, motor, and drum support. Persistent overloading accelerates deterioration of elements that can be very pricey to replace.
As a standard rule, fill the drum about three-quarters full and leave capacity for the laundry to move freely. If you are washing a lone bulky item like a blanket or pillow set, throw in a pair of towels to help even out the load. A drum that is not evenly loaded creates violent vibrations that can gradually shift the machine out of alignment and loosen internal components.
Keep the Machine Level
Modern washing machines can reach spin speeds of 1,600 revolutions per minute or more. At those velocities, even the slightest lean can create serious vibrations that deteriorate internal parts and loosen fittings over time. Place a spirit level on top of your machine and confirm it both ways. If the machine is unlevel, correct the leveling feet by backing off their locking nuts, correcting the height, and re-securing the lock nuts once the machine is flat. This straightforward step can add years to the lifespan of your machine and eliminate the disruptive sounds that many people take for normal.
Do Not Use Too Much Soap
Using more detergent does not produce improved results, and it puts unnecessary stress on your washer. An excess of detergent leads to severe foam buildup that the washer has trouble eliminate, making it to run extra rinse cycles and break down parts faster. With ongoing overdosing, soap residue collects in the machine drum, hoses, and drain pump, encouraging microbial growth and leading to persistent unpleasant odors.
For HE washing machines, it is critical to use only soaps labeled with the HE label. Conventional detergent is problematic in the minimal-water engineering of HE washers and creates suds-related issues that compound with every wash. For most everyday loads, just 1–2 tablespoons of liquid detergent is sufficient. If you are unsure, check your washer's manual for measurement instructions based on load size and water hardness.
Run a Drum-Cleaning Cycle Every Month
The inner surface of a washing machine tub can collect considerable residue of soap buildup, fabric softener, body oils, and hard water deposits even when it looks clean. Running a monthly drum-cleaning cycle is one of the most powerful maintenance habits you can build into your schedule.
Many of the latest washers come equipped with a built-in tub-clean cycle intended specifically to flush out the drum and internal components. If yours is not equipped with one, simply run an unloaded cycle on the highest temperature using a cleaning tablet, two cups of white vinegar, or sodium bicarbonate. The hot water and cleaning solution dissolve residue, eliminate microorganisms that cause bad odors, and preserve the condition of the gaskets and internal hoses. This practice is most beneficial for front-loaders, as their tight-fitting rubber door seals tend to hold dampness and are particularly at risk of mold and mildew development.
Regularly Flush the Filter and Dispenser Drawer
The bulk of washing machines are fitted with a debris filter at the base of the front, reachable through a little copyrightd cover. The filter traps fibers, small coins, elastics, and other small objects before they can enter the drain pump. Once this filter becomes obstructed, the washer struggles to drain as it is designed to, straining the drain pump and sometimes causing water to pool inside the drum after the cycle finishes.
Make it a practice to take out and rinse the debris filter once a month or so. Just take out it, clean it with running water, clear any caught material, and put it back in position. At the same time, remove the soap dispenser completely and clean it well under fresh water. Soap and softener buildup accumulates rapidly in the drawer and can obstruct the water jets that wash detergent through to the drum, compromising results silently.
Keep a Close Eye on the Supply Hoses
The inlet hoses at the back of your washing machine are something most homeowners ignore, yet a burst hose is one of the most common causes of major water damage in the household. Over time, rubber hoses weaken from the inside and form compromised sections that can give way unexpectedly, especially under the ongoing stress of a in-use machine.
Check your hoses twice a year for signs of bulging, cracking, fraying at the connection points, or discoloration. The common advice from most brands is to swap rubber hoses every 3–5 years as a preventive measure. Upgrading to stainless steel braided hoses is a worthwhile decision, as they are significantly stronger and much less likely to bursting. Ensure the fittings are tight at both connection points, at the machine and at the water supply valve, and check for any signs of dripping or water.
Empty Pockets Before Every Wash
As simple as it appears, items left in pockets cause a surprising portion of washing machine malfunctions. Rigid items like loose change, keys, screws, and metal clips can work their way through holes in the drum and either wear out the drum bearings directly or block the pump, causing a rattle that gets worse over time. Paper tissues disintegrates during the wash and leaves fibrous residue in the drain filter, restricting water flow. Items like chapstick and markers can melt or leak mid-wash, staining garments and building up hard-to-remove buildup on the drum interior that is very difficult to eliminate.
Build a quick pocket check into your pre-wash process before every single load. Turn jeans and heavy trousers the other way to access all pockets conveniently, and give children's clothing an extra thorough check since small toys and erasers commonly hidden within.
Keep the Door Ajar After Every Cycle
Finishing a laundry cycle does not mean the inside of your machine is completely dry, as dampness builds up in the drum interior, door seal, and detergent compartment after every cycle. If you shut the door right after a load ends, that sealed-in humidity produces the ideal humid, warm environment where mold and mildew will grow. This issue is most pronounced in front-load washers most significantly due to their close-fitting door seals, which hold water in their ridges with every load.
When you finish taking out the laundry, leave the washer door or lid open for at least an hour to let the interior ventilate thoroughly. For front-loaders, always use a dry cloth to the door gasket after each wash, paying attention to the inner folds where water gathers and mildew is most likely to form. Simply keeping the door open is one of the least expensive and most effective defenses against the stubborn musty smell that plagues machines that are consistently kept closed.
Avoid Vibrating on Hard Surfaces
Tile or hardwood floors beneath a washing machine give no shock absorption for high-speed vibrations, enabling them to steadily push the machine out of position and washing machine repair cause wear on both the appliance and the floor surface. An anti-vibration mat installed underneath the machine is a simple and affordable fix. Made from rubber or dense foam, these pads soak up the energy generated during spinning and keep the machine from creeping across the floor. They are inexpensive, simple to set up, and make a noticeable difference in both sound levels and overall stability.
Contact a local appliance repair service today for fast, affordable washing machine repair.