How do you take care of your washer? Did you just plug it in and forget about maintenance? The majority of homeowners do just that and expect the appliance to last forever.
Meanwhile, without proper care, a washing machine won’t work long. Each appliance has a certain life span. For a washer, it’s about 10 – 14 years. If you want the washing machine to work that long, you need to give it some attention.
We’ve asked appliance repair specialists to share tips that can help your washer last longer. While they aren’t too costly or time-consuming, these simple steps are necessary to avoid serious breakdowns, lengthy repairs, and untimely replacements.
1. Read the Manual
Here is a surprise. Manuals aren’t just for geeks. They contain loads of useful information, from cleaning instructions to filter change tips. Not all washers are created equal. So even if you knew how to care for your old machine, the new one may surprise you.
Take a minute to read the manual to figure out what the machine needs. This seemingly unnecessary brochure can give you some great pointers. From installation tips to operation limitations, you can learn the basics.
2. Find Appliance Repair Specialists
No matter how well you take care of your machine, it can break down. According to Jacksonville, Florida appliance repair specialists, a big number of breakdowns happens regardless of the maintenance schedule. Your machine could stop working due to an unexpected voltage surge or a garment stuck in the pipe.
When any of the problems occur, regardless of their nature, you need to find the right repair service. Consider doing it today, before the breakdown happens. This way you’ll know whom to call in an emergency.
3. Clean it Timely
While all the action seems to be going on inside the machine, the outside needs care as well. Make sure to remove all spills and stains from the surface of the washer as well as from the drum.
Dirt and grime tend to penetrate the surface, leading to rust and deterioration. You can consider wiping the machine at least once a week to ensure longevity.
You can also clean the area around the washer to check for leaks. Plenty of dirt can collect behind the washer, causing it to work improperly.
4. Hire Professionals for Installation
What can be less complicated than installing a washer? In reality, it’s a complex task. DIY installation is possible but doesn’t come recommended. It’s vital to check that all pipes are connected properly, and the machine is balanced.
If you notice signs of misbalance when the washer is working, it’s important to install it properly again. An improperly balanced machine doesn’t just reduce the quality of the washing cycle, it can damage the objects nearby and eventually break down.
5. Don’t Overload
Overloading the machine can lead to numerous unfortunate consequences. The first one is an improper washing cycle. You can get half-washed, half-wrung clothing that would need to be cleaned again. Meanwhile, too many garments inside the washer could throw it off balance.
Another problem with overloading is leaks. The machine may not be able to adjust to an overload. Water may start leaking out. This is especially dangerous if you run the machine while being away from home.
6. Leave it Open
A washing machine is an excellent environment for mold and mildew formation. Pieces of organics that come off the garments coupled with high humidity can turn your washer into a mold-infested hazard. The more mold and mildew forms, the more unpleasant odors start coming out of the washer. Eventually, you would see bad-smelling garments coming out of the machine.
To avoid mold and mildew formation, leave the lid open for at least 12 hours after each cycle to provide ventilation. Wipe all surfaces carefully to ensure none of the mold stays there.
7. Inspect the Machine
Even if your washer seems to be functioning properly, it’s still important to inspect it at least once a month. Check all parts, including pipes and seals to ensure that there aren’t any leaks.
You can also monitor energy bills to check that they don’t become bigger. Higher energy bills may mean that one of your household appliances isn’t functioning properly. The machine may consume more energy than needed when it’s broken or overloaded.
8. Use the Right Amount of Detergent
If you use too much detergent, the machine may not be able to use all of it. As a result, the residue stays on your garments and the interior of the washer. Eventually, it may become hard to remove and interfere with the function of the machine.
Check the manual to find out how much detergent you need for each wash. The majority of people use too much detergent.
9. Clean Filters
Washers have lint filters that may be located in different places depending on the model. Make sure to clean the lint filter every once in a while to prevent clogging. The more often you clean the filter, the more efficient your machine is.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your washing machine is easy. All you have to do is read the manual and follow a few simple steps. However, if you avoid such maintenance, don’t expect the washer to last for several years. Most likely, you’ll be facing repairs often.
