Washing machines are great time-savers and some of the hardest working appliances in our homes. Since they don’t come too cheap, and repairing them can get costly too, you should do your best to keep your washing machine in good condition.
Washing machines need to be washed too! Use a damp cloth, with or without some cleaning liquid, to wipe the outside of the machine and remove any marks and stains. Every now and then, clean the detergent drawer to prevent the buildup of encrusted washing powder and mold. Every couple of months, run an empty cycle on hot wash with a machine cleaner to clean the drum and remove the smells and bacteria. You can also use white vinegar or baking soda for the same purpose.
Don’t forget to leave the door (or lid) of your machine open after every load to give the moisture the chance to evaporate. Don’t leave wet clothes in your machine overnight, or it will stink up both the clothes and the machine. Regularly wipe the rubber seals. Check filters at least once a month! Filters can clog: remove any lint that has gathered inside.
Is your washing machine moving around during a heavy spin circle? When your machine is not level, standing with all four legs firmly on the floor, it can cause it to vibrate strongly. Make sure that the legs of your machine are adjusted to the proper height. Adjust the legs if needed, or install gripping pads or silent feet to keep your machine in place. Never overload your washing machine with the clothes: this disturbs the balance and can lead to not only vibrations and strange noises, but can cause damage too.
Don’t use too much detergent, because it won’t be rinsed out properly. More detergent doesn’t automatically mean cleaner clothes! It will only lead to buildup and odors, and make your machine unnecessarily work harder and use more energy.
Washing machine water supply hoses should be replaced every five years. Check your hoses on a regular basis to prevent future problems. When the machine is not in use, turn the water supply valves off.
Did you know that ninety percent of energy that your machine uses is utilized for heating the water? To save energy, always use cold water for the rinse circle. You can dissolve detergent in warm water and then switch to cold water if needed.
