Keeping Your Washer in Optimal Condition

You rely on your washing machine to keep your clothes clean and fresh smelling. Your washer works hard to clean your clothes and it is constantly dealing with wear and tear. It needs to be regularly maintained to ensure that it can continue to do its job. In this blog post, we will explore common maintenance tasks to keep your washing machine in its optimal condition.

Clean the Drum and Dispensers: Over time, laundry detergent residue and debris in your clothing like lint, coins, and hair can build up in the drum and dispensers. This leads to unpleasant odors and reduced cleaning efficiency. Routinely clean your drum and dispensers by running an empty load with hot water and a cup of white vinegar. For stubborn residue, use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the dispensers.

Check and Clean the Filter: Many washing machines have a filter that traps lint, coins, and other debris. You should regularly clean the filter to ensure proper water flow and prevent clogs. Every machine is unique, and you need to refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on locating and cleaning your filter.

Inspect and Clean the Rubber Seal: The rubber seal around your washing machine lid creates a watertight seal so that the water doesn’t escape the washer during the washing process. Over time, soap scum, lint, debris, and moisture can build up on and around the seal leading to mold growth. You should regularly clean the rubber seal to get rid of toxic mold and prevent damage to the seal. Wipe it down with a mixture of water and mild detergent and ensure it is completely dry before closing the lid.

Balance the Machine: A washing machine that is improperly balanced will experience excessive shaking and noise. This puts extra stress on various components of the washer and can diminish the lifespan of the machine. Use a spirit level to determine if the machine is level. If it is not, adjust the feet to get the washer balanced and prevent undue wear and tear.

Use the Right Detergent: Using the wrong detergent or excessive amounts can lead to soap residue buildup and affect the machine's performance. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use the recommended amount of detergent for each load. Consider using high-efficiency (HE) detergents, which are specifically designed for modern washing machines.

Avoid Overloading: We are all tempted to stuff our washers with as much laundry as possible to do as few loads as we can. However, this can be damaging to your washer. Overloading can put undue strain on the components of the washing machine and reduce its cleaning efficiency. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load capacity.