Your washing machine is among the most relied-upon appliances in your residence, managing countless loads of laundry week after week. The average washing machine lasts between 10 and 14 years, but with the proper routines, you can extend that lifespan significantly while preventing expensive failures and expensive repair expenses. The good news is that keeping your washer in peak condition requires just a few simple, consistent practices that fit into any schedule.
Here is what you should know to do to get the most out of your washing machine.
Avoid Stuffing the Drum Too Full
Cramming your washing machine is one of the surest ways to reduce its service life. Wet garments is far weightier than dry laundry, and an packed drum places significant strain on the motor, internal bearings, and support assembly. Over time, this causes premature deterioration on a number of the most costly parts to repair.
As a standard rule, fill the drum about 75% full and leave room for the laundry to move freely. For bulky single items like thick blankets or cushions, even out the drum by tossing in two or three hand towels to the wash. A drum that is not evenly loaded generates intense vibrations that can steadily move the machine out of alignment and weaken internal components.
Keep the Machine Level
High-performance washing machines can reach spin speeds of 1,600 revolutions per minute or more. At that RPM, even the most minor tilt can cause serious vibration that gradually damages internal parts and loosens connections. Use a bubble level to assess the machine from all angles. If it be off-level, undo the locking nuts on the leveling feet, correct each one until the machine is even, and tighten the locking nuts securely back in place. Taking a few minutes to balance your washer correctly can add meaningful years to its life and stop the loud vibrations that develops during unbalanced spin cycles.
Use the Right Amount of Detergent
More soap does not equal cleaner clothes, and it definitely does not result in a longer-running machine. Too much detergent generates too many suds, which the machine must strain to rinse away, often triggering more cycles in the effort. With continued excessive use, detergent buildup collects in the drum, internal pipes, and pump, promoting bacteria and resulting in lingering odors.
Operators of HE washers should exclusively use detergent that is made for HE machines. Standard detergent generates far too many suds in HE washers, which are engineered for very little water, and can cause mechanical issues over time. In most instances, a tablespoon or two of liquid detergent is all you need for a standard load. If you are unsure, refer to your washer's manual for dosage instructions based on load size and water mineral content.
Keep the Drum Clean With Regular Maintenance
Even if your machine looks clean from the exterior, buildup from soap, softener, skin oils, and hard water minerals slowly collects inside the washer drum over time. A regular once-a-month drum-cleaning cycle is one of the best upkeep habits any washing machine owner can take.
Most contemporary washers have a dedicated drum-clean cycle available in the controls. If yours lacks this feature, simply run an empty cycle on the hottest available cycle using a washing machine cleaning tablet, white washing machine repair vinegar, or sodium bicarbonate. This process eliminates accumulated residue, eliminates bacteria behind bad odors, and prolongs the life of door seals and internal hoses. This habit is particularly beneficial for front-load machines, as their snug rubber door seals often collect moisture and are especially prone to mildew.
Do Not Forget the Filter and Soap Drawer
The bulk of washing machines are fitted with a debris filter at the lower section of the front panel, reachable through a small copyrightd cover. Its purpose is to catch lint, loose change, hair ties, and other small items that make their way in the wash. A obstructed filter stops the machine from draining as it should, adding more load on the pump and sometimes allowing standing water within the machine after the cycle completes.
Check and rinse this filter at least every four weeks. Just remove it, rinse it under fresh water, clear any caught material, and put it back in securely. While you are at it, pull out the soap drawer completely and give it a complete wash. Detergent and fabric softener residue collects quickly in the dispenser and can clog the jets that wash detergent into the drum, reducing results without you realizing it.
Keep a Close Eye on the Supply Hoses
The supply hoses at the back of your washing machine are a component most homeowners overlook, yet a burst hose is one of the most leading causes of significant water damage in the home. Over time, rubber supply hoses weaken from the inside and form compromised sections that can fail unexpectedly, especially under the constant pressure of a operating machine.
Every six months, examine your supply hoses thoroughly for any bulging, cracking, deterioration at the connection points, or unusual coloring that indicate the rubber is deteriorating. The general guidance from most brands is to swap standard hoses every three to five years as a precautionary practice. Reinforced steel hoses are a worthwhile investment over standard rubber, providing greatly improved strength and a significantly reduced chance of sudden failure. Also confirm that the hose connections at both sides, at the washer and at the wall valve, are tight and completely free of drips or seeping.
Make Sure Pockets Are Empty Before Starting a Cycle
As basic as it appears, items left in clothing pockets cause a large proportion of washing machine breakdowns. Metal objects like coins, house keys, small hardware, and metal clips can slip through drum gaps and either harm the bearings immediately or block the drainage system, causing a rattling noise that worsens over time. Paper napkins disintegrate in the wash and deposit lint behind that blocks the drain filter over time. Items like balm and pens can break open mid-wash, ruining clothes and leaving difficult stains on the inside of the drum that is very hard to remove.
Make it a point to empty every trouser pocket before loading laundry. Invert heavy trousers and heavy bottoms to the inside to reach all pocket sections easily, and give children's garments an extra thorough check since miniature toys and erasers commonly concealed inside.
Leave the Door Open Between Washes
Every time you end a load, residual moisture remains inside the machine, along the door seal, and inside the dispenser drawer. Closing the door immediately after a cycle seals in that humidity inside, creating the ideal damp, warm environment for mold and mildew to flourish. This problem is most pronounced in front-loaders most significantly due to their tight rubber seals, which hold water in their folds with every cycle.
When you complete taking out the laundry, leave the door or hatch open for at least one full hour to let the drum and seals ventilate completely. For front-loaders, always apply a dry towel to the door gasket after every cycle, paying attention to the inner ridges where moisture collects and mold and mildew is most prone to develop. Simply keeping the door open is one of the least expensive and most powerful steps against the persistent musty smell that affects machines that are always kept sealed.
Avoid Vibrating on Hard Surfaces
If your washing machine stands directly on a tile or hardwood floor, the vibrations during the spin cycle can slowly shift the machine, loosen internal components, and even damage flooring over time. Consider placing an anti-vibration mat under the machine. Foam or rubber anti-vibration mats dampen the mechanical energy produced by the spin cycle and anchor the machine solidly to its position. These cushions are inexpensive, take seconds to position, and result in a clear reduction in both operational noise and the stability of the washer.
Contact a local appliance repair service today for fast, affordable washing machine repair.