One of your most expensive home items is your washing machine; because of it, you didn’t have to get a laundry delivery service. It’s also one of the things you’d miss the most if you didn’t have it. So, we’ve compiled a list of pointers to ensure that you never have to.
Regular washing machine maintenance can help prevent costly water damage and malfunctions. Take the time to thank your clothes washer for all of the help to your household or laundry pickup service regularly. Washing machine maintenance can help you avoid problems that could put the machine out of service — or cause leaks and expensive water damage.
Another thing to keep in mind is that consult the instruction manual if you have any questions about your machine. Even if manuals aren’t always well written or easy to comprehend, it’s worth a look. Parts and how they should be maintained differ significantly between makes and models.
Water Hoses
Check hoses for bulging, cracking, fraying, and leaking around the ends frequently. If a fault is discovered, replace the hose immediately or every three to five years as a preventative maintenance program.
Move the Washer
To prevent hose kinking, make sure there are at least four inches between your washing machine and the wall.
Level the Washer
Maintain the machine’s level. During the spin cycle, an out-of-whack washing machine might vibrate, rock, or walk across the floor, causing damage to both the floor and the machine. Turn the washer’s legs clockwise to lower it and counterclockwise to elevate it to keep it balanced.
Clean Lint
Remove the lint filter and clean it. Depending on your machine, the lint collector may be positioned in the agitator tube, which is usually the middle column of most machines, or near the top of the washtub. Keep it clean to ensure that your washer runs smoothly.
Wash the Washer
The washing machine should be cleaned. Run an empty load through a store-bought washing machine cleaner or a solution of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to remove soap residue and buildup.
Prevent Odor
Prevent mildew and musty odors. Between loads, leave the lid or door of the washer open to dry it out and keep it smelling good. After completing your clothes, wipe clean the rubber seal surrounding the door on front-loading washers.
Measure Detergent
Pour your detergent into a measuring cup. Make sure you use the correct type and amount of detergent for your machine by reading the appliance’s instruction booklet. A high-efficiency washer requires a particular, low-suds detergent since too much soap might leave residue on your clothes and create excessive wear and tear on your washer.
Don’t Overload
Don’t put too much pressure on the machine. Use the correct amount of water for the load’s size. Because large or bulky things are difficult on the machine, wash them in tiny loads.
Add a Drip Pan
Under your washing machine, place a drip pan. Because water leaks could harm the floors below, this is a crucial addition to an upstairs laundry room.
Preventative maintenance is the greatest method to extend the life of your laundry equipment and avoid significant problems. Keeping these simple routine maintenance tasks in mind can help your machines last as long as possible.
