Washing machine maintenance works to keep the machine in good condition so it is energy efficient and runs properly. When you regularly inspect and perform maintenance on your washer, you reduce wear and tear to the appliance which could cause machines to break down and require repairs or even replacement.
With these washing machine maintenance tips from Williams Comfort Air, keep your washing machine and its hoses clean and in good shape to prevent leaks, protect your clothes, and get more years of service from laundry machines. Learn to care for your washer as well as how to identify signs that show your appliance is in need of maintenance.
If you haven’t made washing machine maintenance part of your regular routine, your washer may show signs of needing service right now! While some appliance maintenance tasks need to be performed monthly, others are required less often and you need to keep an eye out for signs it’s time to complete these steps.
Whether you have a front-loading high-efficiency washer or a top-loading machine, watch for these signs that tell you it’s time for washing machine maintenance.
Follow these washing machine maintenance tips regularly to keep the machine working properly and prevent water leaks as well as the need for professional repairs. Monthly inspection and maintenance will protect your appliance from wear and tear.
Washing machine hoses typically last three to five years. However, a supply or drain hose can experience wear and become damaged before you reach five years. Water leaks due to a busted washing machine hose are incredibly common so inspect hoses and search for signs of damage like bulging, cracked rubber, and fraying on a monthly basis. If you find damage, drain water from the old hose and detach it from the appliance. Install a new hose and make sure it has a tight seal to the machine and the supply valve fittings for hot water and cold water. If you are replacing drain hoses, check to see that the hose is properly inserted into the drain before you run a load of laundry.
Washing machines can move around the room during operation, especially during the spin cycle if you overload them with clothes. It’s important to leave at least four inches of space between washing machines and the wall of the room or dryer. This space helps prevent kinks in rubber hoses which could lead to water leaks and hose damage.
If machines do move around, adjust the appliance legs to keep them level and limit movement. To lower a leg, turn it clockwise; to raise a leg, turn it counterclockwise.
Fabric and clothing release fibers during a wash cycle, leaving lint in the water. As water drains, the machine will trap lint particles so lint does not cause clogs in your home’s plumbing.
For older top-loading washing machines, the lint filter is located either:
Clean the lint filter by removing the trap and soaking it in hot water for at least 10 minutes. Clean the lint from the trap with a towel or soft brush, then reinstall it. If your washing machine uses a disposable lint filter, simply remove it and replace it with a new one each month.
New high-efficiency front-loading and top-loading machines do not have a lint filter – these washing machines trap lint with a self-cleaning pump. Check the pump regularly and clean away lint blockages as needed.
Washing machines develop odors due to the buildup of fabric softener and detergent residue, as well as the presence of mold and mildew. Clean your machine to eliminate odors and keep fabric and clothing smelling fresh.
Every month, add two cups of baking soda to the drum and run an empty load through the machine. After the load is finished, run a second load using hot water along with two cups of white vinegar. These cleaning cycles remove detergent and fabric softener buildup as well as mineral deposits left behind by hard water.
Use a cloth to wipe down and clean the drum, detergent dispensers, door, and the door gasket with vinegar. The gasket creates a seal between the door and the machine to hold water inside. To remove hard stains from the appliance, scrub with baking soda and a sponge. Leave the door open to allow the machine to dry.
If the door gasket is damaged or has excessive mold, you can replace the gasket. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing a new door gasket.
Using your washing machine with these best practices will improve appliance maintenance and help keep the machine in top shape at all times.
Proper maintenance for your home’s washing machine helps prevent plumbing problems that require professional repair. Perform maintenance regularly and each time you run loads of laundry. When you are in need of plumbing services for your Indianapolis home, call Williams Comfort Air right away!