Like your other appliances, it’s vital you take steps to take optimal care of your washing machine to keep it active for much longer and keep it working at peak efficiency. On average, washing machines last up to 10 years, making them a major investment. With that in mind, it pays to give them plenty of TLC to maximize their lifespan. Regular maintenance and tender, loving care are key to keeping your machine healthy when washing your clothes.
Here’s a list of tips to ensure you’re giving the washing machine the care it deserves.
1.Keep the washer balanced
Keeping the washer on a level surface is a simple way to look after its health. As a washing machine works, it produces vibrations. A level surface provides stability and ensures the vibrations don’t affect the machine’s inner workings. Pay attention to any unusual sounds. Unusual sounds are a general sign that the washing machine needs repair. In this case, an off-balance washing machine typically has the drum moving around inside, leading to the noises.
Check that all four feet are touching the ground to ensure that it’s adequately balanced. Use a level front-to-back and side-to-side to make certain that the balance is right, and adjust accordingly. Take note if you still hear sounds after adjusting the machine. There may be a deeper problem, so call for a repairman to take a look at it.
2.Avoid overloading
It’s often tempting to put all your clothes into one load to save time and maximize cleaning, but it actually does more harm than good. Washing machines are designed to work with a predefined amount of power to wash a specific load.
Going over that limit can put a strain on the machine and shorten its useful life. Clothes also need adequate space to move during a wash cycle; denying them that space will take a toll on your appliance’s moving parts. Inadequate space also means your clothes won’t be cleaned properly during the rinse cycle, leaving detergent residue behind. Respect the machine’s load capacity recommendations to keep the washer functional for years to come.
3.Run full loads
Conversely, it also pays to make sure you’re always running full loads when using the washing machine. It’s often tempting to wash a few dirty clothes in the middle of the week when you absolutely need them, but a good rule of thumb is to stick to washing full loads. Underloading the machine can lead to off-balance wash cycles, putting a strain on the drive components.
Refrain from washing a few dirty socks or shirts and wait until more of your clothes need washing for a more efficient wash cycle.
4.Use the correct amount of detergent
Using the right amount of detergent matters. Placing a large amount of detergent may seem like it may clean clothes better. However, too many suds in the drum makes the machine work harder, which can also trigger extra wash cycles and put more strain on the washer. An hour is typically how long it takes for a washing machine to finish a spin cycle. If it takes longer, there may be a problem.
More modern washers also use much less water than older models, so you need less detergent for cleaning. Check your washing machine’s user manual to give yourself a guideline on how much detergent you need for each wash cycle.
While you’re at it, take some time to pick the right detergent for your machine. Quality detergent is formulated to work with high-efficiency machines, giving you better results with each wash cycle. These detergents produce fewer suds, making them more compatible with more water-efficient washing machines. Using this type of detergent not only puts less strain on your washer, but fewer suds mean less residue to clean when performing regular maintenance.
5.Remove any lint
Most washing machines tend to catch the lint they pick up from your clothes and send it down the drain or capture it in the lint trap. However, lint can build up, reducing the efficiency of washers and dryers.
Clean out the lint trap regularly to avoid build-up. Simply, use a paper towel to clean the filter screen. When you’re done, rinse the filter in hot water to eliminate stubborn detergent or fabric softener residue. Peel away any loose lint in the washer to avoid clogging the filter or drain.
Take note if the washer experiences drainage issues. There may be lint build-up in the drain pipes; call a repairman to take inspect it.
6.pockets before washing
One of the first rules of using a washing machine is to empty your pockets before dumping clothes in. Damaging any items in your pockets is the main concern for many people, but those items can also damage your washer. Small items like keys, pens, and coins can damage the drum, affecting the machine’s efficiency later on. Alternatively, those items could get sucked down the drain, where they can keep water from draining normally.
Make a habit of emptying your pockets before starting a wash cycle to ensure your machine runs smoothly for years to come. Every little bit helps to keep potentially harmful items out of your machine.
7.Take your clothes out right away
Mould is a common issue with many washing machines, but there are steps you can take to minimize its growth. Take finished loads out of the machine as soon as you’re done. This prevents dampness which can encourage mould growth in your washer.
Additionally, keep the door open between loads to give the machine a chance to dry. Remember to clean the seals with a solution of white vinegar and water to kill any germs and minimize any foul smells. Finally, take care to keep children and pets away from the machine to avoid any harm to them or the washer.
8.Perform regular maintenance
Do not neglect to maintain your appliances or wait for them to start developing issues before you have them checked. To keep a machine in good working order, service your washer every year so you can identify any underlying problems and address them early. Regular maintenance is a great way to catch minor issues before they have time to develop into more serious ones.
Normal cleaning is your responsibility as a user, but a professional inspection can take a deeper look at the washer’s inner workings. Professional appliance repair technicians have the skills to check integral parts like the pipes, motor, and heater. Stay on top of regular maintenance to get your washer as good as new every year and cut costs for washing machine repair or replacement.
Your appliances are a major investment, and it always pays to give them quality care whenever they need servicing. At Toronto Refrigeration, we specialize in same day repair services to help get your appliances working again when you need them. We understand emergencies can strike without warning, and we offer 24/7 emergency services to lend a helping hand whenever you need it. Call us now at (416) 918-2700 the next time you need immediate repairs.
