The washing machine is one of the appliances that works most hard in a household and its usage can be prolonged through proper maintenance, making repairs less frequent and the clothes always fresh. Although people often neglect washing machine maintenance, if they apply some basic tips, their washer will most certainly keep them happy for longer.
This article will provide insightful washing machine maintenance tips every homeowner ought to adopt in order to avoid common problems such as leaks, bad smells, and low efficiency of washing machines.
Over time, dirt, detergent, softener, etc can build up on the inner surface of the washing machine drum causing bad smells and even affecting the clean laundry in it.
How to clean the drum:
How often?
It is usually advised to carry out the cleaning of the drum once in a month and even sooner if on the case that the washer is used very often.
Detergent drawers can accumulate residues from the liquid and powder detergents, and fabric softeners which in the end will block, mildew, and cause bad smell.
How to clean the detergent drawer:
How often?
The detergent drawer needs to be cleaned every after a few months or more hours if there is any residue.
The front load washing machines usually have build-up of moister and soap scum within the door seal providing an environment for the mold and mildew. This always happens due to moisture getting lodged in the seal making it a best fit for moisture to harbor.
How to clean the door seal:
How often?
After every usage of the seal, make sure to wipe it dry and make sure to clean it properly after a few months has passed.
One problem most individuals experience is overstuffing the washing machine which adds strain to the internal parts and the washing machine as a whole. Overstuffing with clothes can also cause unbalanced spins, low cleaning performance and excessive strain on the motor and bearings.
Best practices:
How often?
Under no circumstance should people overstuff since most machines will perform better and longer if this is avoided.
Similar to dryers, washing machines also have lint filters that captures lint, hair and tiny debris produced from dirty clothes. Over tim, these filters become blocked and can impede water intake.
How to clean the lint filter:
How frequently?
Clean the lint filter every few months, or more often when washing heavily soiled clothes or articles for which plenty of lint comes off.
6. Be Careful Not to Use More Detergent than Required Well, you might not have clothes that are any cleaner just because you used more laundry soap than required! Extra amounts of detergent can be detrimental as well, as they leave residue in your washing machine and on your clothes. This residue may lead to some stinking odors and poor washing and clogs.
Best practices:
Observe the manufacturer’s directions on the use of the detergent. Use the appropriate detergent size if you are using a washing machine which is of the high-efficiency type, buy high-efficiency (HE) detergent because it does not use much soap.
How frequently?
Measure the right amount of detergent per load and avoid build up of detergent and clogs that require maintenance to be performed on the washer.
Balance the Washing Machine An unbalanced washing machine can imbalance you when it is going through the spin cycle and cause excessive shaking that may lead to damaging the machine and the floor. It is imperative that you ensure that your washer is leveled and balanced.
Place a level on the top surface of the washing machine to confirm that it’s horizontal. Should it be found to be plumb, then you need to raise or lower each corner of the washer by turning its feet until it is stable.
What are the recommended intervals for this?
If there are abnormal vibrations or sounds during wash and spin cycles, check the washing machine’s balance.
This filter is located in the drain pump and prevents dirty water spillage from the washer onto the floor and catches all sorts of tissues, coins, or other small items people forget to take from their pockets before putting their clothes into the washing machine. With time, this filter will get heavy with debris and will cause drainage problems.
How to clean the drain pump filter:
What are the recommended intervals for this?
How often?
After every wash cycle, the door should be left open for ventilation of the washing machine and prevention of bad odor.
Adopting these DIY maintenance tips is commendable, however, it is prudent to make a schedule for professional maintenance for your washing machine every couple of years. A technician is able to check parts such as the motor, drum bearings, and hoses for faults or misfunction.
If you apply even these simple washing machine maintenance tips, this household appliance can serve you for a long time without super costly overhauls and surgeries. Regular maintenance awareness truly helps not only to prolong one’s appliance but to ensure there is no wastage of time and money in the future.
In addition, do not hesitate to call for professional appliance repair services whenever you have problems that you are not sure how to overcome.