4 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Washing Machine

Is your washing machine acting up? If you’ve ever had to deal with a washing machine breaking down, you know how frustrating it can be. It’s not just the inconvenience of the laundry piling up, but the potential cost of repairs or replacements! But here’s the good news: you can actually extend the life of your washing machine and avoid those unexpected breakdowns. By taking a few simple steps to maintain it properly, your machine can last longer and perform better. Let’s dive into 5 simple yet effective ways you can keep your washing machine running smoothly!

1. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning your washing machine might sound like an obvious task, but it’s one that’s easy to overlook—until something goes wrong. Just like any other appliance, your washing machine needs regular care to stay in tip-top shape. When you neglect this, you might notice strange smells, build-up inside the drum, or even a decline in performance. Don’t worry; it’s simple to fix! Regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your machine running efficiently, and trust me, it’s worth the small effort.

Clean the Drum

The drum of your washing machine is where all the magic happens, but it can easily accumulate grime, detergent residue, and other nasty things if not cleaned properly. Over time, detergent and fabric softener can leave a film inside the drum, which causes an unpleasant odor and can lead to mold growth. To clean your drum, follow these steps:

Run an Empty Cycle with Vinegar: Fill the drum with white vinegar and set the washing machine to run a hot water cycle. This will help remove soap scum, detergent residues, and any built-up grime. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that fights odors and kills bacteria.

Use Baking Soda: If your washing machine still smells after using vinegar, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda inside the drum and run another empty cycle. Baking soda will help eliminate odors and brighten the drum.

Wipe Down the Drum: After running these cleaning cycles, take a clean cloth and wipe down the inside of the drum, including the rubber door seal. Mold tends to build up in these areas, so regular wiping helps prevent that.

Leave the Door Open: After every wash, leave the washing machine door open for a while to allow the drum to dry out completely. This prevents moisture from accumulating and creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Check and Clean the Filter

Another crucial part of your washing machine is the filter. The filter helps trap lint, hair, and other debris during the washing process. If it gets clogged, it can affect the efficiency of your machine. Cleaning the filter is easy, and it should be part of your regular maintenance routine.

Locate the Filter: Depending on your machine model, the filter may be located at the front bottom of the machine, behind a small door. If you’re unsure, consult the user manual to find its location.

Remove and Clean the Filter: Once you’ve located the filter, remove it and clean it thoroughly under running water. You can use a small brush to scrub away any debris stuck inside. If the filter is severely clogged, consider replacing it.

Check for Blockages: After cleaning the filter, make sure there are no blockages in the hose or drainage area. If water is not draining properly, it can cause issues with your washing machine’s performance.

Clean the Detergent Dispenser

The detergent dispenser is another area that can accumulate residue over time. The build-up of detergent or fabric softener can cause the dispenser to clog, which can lead to washing problems and odors. It’s simple to clean and can make a big difference.

Remove the Dispenser Drawer: Start by removing the detergent drawer from the washing machine. Most drawers can be pulled out easily, but if you’re unsure, consult your machine’s manual.

Wash the Drawer: Wash the dispenser drawer with warm water and mild soap to remove any detergent or softener build-up. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any tough spots.

Dry and Reinstall: Once the drawer is clean and dry, slide it back into place. Regularly cleaning the dispenser ensures that the detergent is being dispensed correctly and prevents any blockages.

2. Don’t Overload the Machine

It’s tempting to stuff your washing machine with as many clothes as possible to get the laundry done faster. However, overloading your machine can have long-term consequences. Overloading puts unnecessary strain on the drum, motor, and other components of the machine. This can lead to poor washing results and even premature breakdowns. Let’s explore why it’s important to avoid overloading your washing machine and how to load it properly.

Impact of Overloading on Performance

When you overload the washing machine, the clothes don’t have enough room to move around freely, which affects how clean they get. The detergent can’t properly circulate through the load, and clothes may end up still dirty after the wash cycle. In the worst case, the machine might not even complete the cycle properly.

Strain on the Motor: The motor works harder to try and spin and agitate the clothes. This constant strain can wear out the motor over time, leading to costly repairs.

Damaged Drum and Bearings: The drum is designed to move freely, but when it’s overloaded, it has to work harder than intended. This causes unnecessary wear and tear on the drum and bearings, which may result in breakages or expensive repairs.

How to Load Your Washing Machine Correctly

To get the best results and keep your machine in good shape, you need to load it properly. Here’s how:

Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Check your washing machine’s manual for the recommended load size. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overloading.

Don’t Stuff the Drum: Clothes should fit comfortably inside the drum. A good rule of thumb is to fill the drum about three-quarters full. This allows enough space for the clothes to move around and get washed properly.

Distribute the Load Evenly: Make sure that the clothes are evenly distributed around the drum. An uneven load can cause the machine to become unbalanced, leading to vibrations and potential damage.

Avoid Heavy Items with Lighter Clothes: Avoid mixing heavy items like blankets with lighter clothes. This can unbalance the load, and the heavy items can cause the machine to strain.

By not overloading the machine, you’ll not only keep it working well but also improve the quality of your laundry.

3. Check Hoses and Connections Regularly

Your washing machine’s hoses and connections are essential to its operation. Over time, these hoses can wear out or become loose, causing leaks or water flow issues. Regularly inspecting the hoses and connections is a simple but effective way to prevent major problems before they occur.

Inspect the Hoses

The hoses that connect your washing machine to the water supply are under constant pressure. If they become cracked or damaged, they can cause leaks, flooding, or a drop in water pressure. Here’s what to look for:

Check for Cracks or Wear: Inspect the hoses for visible signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, bulges, or leaks. Even small issues can lead to bigger problems, so it’s important to address them quickly.

Replace Old Hoses: If the hoses are showing signs of aging, it’s time to replace them. Most washing machine hoses should be replaced every 5-7 years, even if they look fine. Rubber hoses can degrade over time and pose a risk of failure.

Use Stainless Steel Braided Hoses: Consider upgrading to stainless steel braided hoses. These are more durable and less likely to crack or burst compared to traditional rubber hoses.

Check the Connections

Ensure that all water connections are secure. Loose connections can lead to water leakage, which can damage your floors and the machine itself.

Tighten Loose Connections: If you notice that the water supply connections are loose, tighten them with a wrench. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could cause damage.

Inspect for Leaks: After tightening the connections, turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks. Even small leaks should be addressed immediately to prevent water damage.

Check the Drainage System: Make sure the drainage hose is not kinked, blocked, or damaged. A blocked drainage hose can cause water to back up and affect the washing machine’s performance.

By keeping your hoses and connections in good shape, you can avoid major water damage and ensure that your washing machine functions properly.

4. Level the Washing Machine

Believe it or not, your washing machine needs to be level to work correctly. If it’s not level, it can cause vibrations, noise, and even damage to the machine. A washing machine that’s off-balance will also perform poorly, leaving clothes wetter than they should be and making the cycle last longer.

Why Leveling Is Important

When your washing machine isn’t level, it can cause the drum to spin unevenly, leading to excessive vibrations. Over time, these vibrations can cause damage to the internal parts of the machine, including the bearings and suspension system. A washing machine that isn’t level can also make loud, annoying noises during the spin cycle.

Even Spin for Efficient Washing: A level machine ensures that the drum spins evenly, improving the wash quality and the extraction of water from the clothes. This will leave your clothes dryer at the end of the cycle.

Avoid Vibration and Noise: An uneven machine will shake and vibrate during its cycle. This can be very noisy and distracting, not to mention damaging to the machine.

How to Check and Adjust the Level

To keep your washing machine level:

Use a Spirit Level: Place a spirit level on top of the washing machine to check if it’s level from side to side and front to back. If the bubble is off-center, your machine is not level.

Adjust the Feet: Most washing machines have adjustable feet. Turn the feet clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the machine until it is level.

Check Stability: Once you’ve adjusted the feet, give the machine a gentle push to see if it wobbles. If it does, adjust the feet again until it’s stable.

Regularly checking and adjusting the level of your washing machine will help it work more efficiently and avoid unnecessary damage.

I hope these simple tips help you extend the life of your washing machine! With just a little maintenance, your machine can keep running smoothly, saving you from costly repairs or replacements. Remember, keeping it clean, properly loaded, and well-maintained is the key to ensuring that your washing machine stays with you for years to come.

Are These Questions in Your Mind?

Is it necessary to clean the washing machine regularly?

Yes, cleaning your washing machine is essential to maintain its performance and prevent odors, mold, and build-up inside the drum and detergent dispenser.

Can I use any detergent for my washing machine?

It’s important to use the right detergent that’s suitable for your machine type. For HE washers, use HE detergent to avoid excess suds.

Do I need to replace the hoses in my washing machine?

Yes, hoses should be replaced every 5-7 years to prevent leaks and ensure water flows correctly into the machine.

Is it okay to overload my washing machine?

No, overloading can cause strain on the motor, poor wash quality, and damage to internal parts like the drum.

Can I use vinegar to clean my washing machine?

Yes, vinegar is a great natural cleaner for removing detergent residue and preventing odors.

Do I need to level my washing machine?

Yes, keeping your washing machine level ensures proper performance and prevents vibrations that could damage the machine.

Is it important to leave the door open after using the washing machine?

Yes, leaving the door open helps the drum dry out and prevents mold or bacteria buildup inside the machine.

Can I clean the filter myself?

Yes, cleaning the filter is a simple task that can be done easily and should be part of your regular maintenance routine.

Do I need to call a professional for washing machine maintenance?

Regular maintenance tasks like cleaning and checking hoses can be done yourself, but for major repairs, it’s best to call a professional.

Can I wash heavy items like blankets in my washing machine?

You can wash heavy items, but make sure not to overload the machine, and balance the load properly to avoid strain on the motor.