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.

Have The Washing Machine Drum Cleaned On A Regular Basis

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:

• Run an empty hot water cycle and add one cup of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to loosen up any scrubbing inside the drum.
• After that cycle has finished, use a soft piece of cloth to wipe the surface of the washing machine drum so that you can clear anything that may have stayed back inside 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.

Inspect and Clean the Detergent Drawer.

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:

• Take out the detergent drawer (check your machine’s manual just in case).
• Place it in warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes.
• Using a cleaning brush, remove the buildup and clean well and replace.

How often?

The detergent drawer needs to be cleaned every after a few months or more hours if there is any residue.

Door Seal Check for Mold and Dirt.

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:

• After each use take a clean and dry cloth and wipe dry the door seal. Wipe off moisture on the door seal after every wash.
• Also, the surface of the door seal should be checked from time to time for dirt dust, lint, etc. And clean it with warm water and a mild detergent or white vinegar solution.
• In case you find mold or mildew protect whatever is nearby and scrub clean using a soft brush or soft cloth.

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.

Don’t Overstuff the Washer

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:

• Do not fill more than what is recommended in the manual of your washing machine.
• It is advisable to wash heavy source separate from light source to equally distribute weights within the drum.

How often?

Under no circumstance should people overstuff since most machines will perform better and longer if this is avoided.

Clean the Lint Filter

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:

• Consult the washing machine manual with specific focus on pages that explain the components of the appliance to locate the lint filter, this is normally found around the centre where the agitator is or at the drain.
• You may also commence with the removal of the filter and the debris inside it and sucking the filter clean or rinsing it under warm water.

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.

How to balance your washer

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.

Open Up and Clear the Drain Pump Filter

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:

• To begin the cleaning of the filter, locate it first. It’s mostly found at the front lower side of the washer behind a small opening.
• Take off the drain pump filter and remove all the residues and lint that are trapped inside. It is normal to have a little water run out when you remove the filter.
• Remember to put the clean filter back in its place and lock the panel back.

What are the recommended intervals for this?

• A clean drain pump filter will only be useful if it is cleaned every 3 to 6 months.
• Let the Door Be Opened After Each Use
• After every wash is complete, remember to open the washer door for some time. This allows the washer tub to dry. This reduces the amount of moisture and thus prevents the growth of mold and mildew in the machine.

How often?

After every wash cycle, the door should be left open for ventilation of the washing machine and prevention of bad odor.

Engage in Professional Maintenance Activities

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.

Conclusion: Persistence is Key to Washing Machine Longevity

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.