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Could you live without your washing machine? Probably not. The average family uses their washing machine several times a week, sometimes more, depending on how many kids you have.
The good news is that you can prolong the life of your washing machine by taking good care of it. Here are some helpful tips to keep you on the straight and narrow.
Washing Machine Maintenance Tips
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Keep the Washing Machine Level
Washing machines with washer and dryer have adjustable feet. When you first put the machine in position, adjust these feet to balance it.
If the machine isn’t level, it will rock and bounce around on a spin cycle, which is extremely noisy. Over time, the excessive movement will cause damage to your washing machine.
Loading Up a Washing Machine
Be very careful about how you load your washing machine. If you overload the drum by ramming as much in as possible, it will eventually cause damage.
Washing heavy and bulky items puts extra pressure on the machine. Separate large loads into smaller piles and wash two small loads rather than one big load.
If you overload the machine, it may cause the bearings to wear out faster.
Be careful how you place items in the drum, too. Distribute heavy garments in the load, so they are not all at the bottom of the drum.
Keep Your Machine Clean
Washing machines clean our clothes, but how often do you think about actually cleaning the machine itself? Soap residue and dirt can quickly build up in the detergent drawer and around the door seals.
If left, the mould may start to grow. Remove the detergent drawer and wash it out manually.
Use a solution of mild detergent and bleach to wipe down the door seals and inside the drum. Use a commercial cleaning tablet and run the machine on empty for a cycle.
This will remove dirt and limescale from the inner-workings of your machine.
If you live in a hard water area, add limescale removing tablet to the drum every week when you wash a load of laundry. This will help to keep limescale under control and prolongs the life of your washing machine’s components.
A solution of white vinegar, baking soda, and warm water will achieve the same result.
Don’t forget to clean out the lint filter too. This is where fluff and lint build-up. If you don’t keep it clean, the washing machine will eventually stop working properly.
For more useful tips, check out these videos about how to clean your machine.
Leave the Door Open Between Loads
When we are in a rush, it’s very easy to empty the washing machine and slam the door shut. The problem with that is that the drum doesn’t get a chance to dry out.
When things stay damp for a while, mould and mildew forms. This doesn’t smell too good and is unhealthy for you and the clothes.
The easiest way to prevent mould and mildew from forming inside a washing machine and around the door seals is to let the machine air after you use it.
Check and Replace Water Hoses
Water hoses don’t last forever. It is a good idea to check all inlet and outlet hoses from time to time. Look for cracks, splits, bulges, and fraying sections.
If you spot any signs of damage, replace the hose immediately. You can pick up replacement water hoses from any good spares shop and it’s very easy to swap one hose for another.
Finally, be careful not to use too much washing detergent. Using too much detergent will cause soap residue to build up. This puts further wear and tear on the machine’s components.
