A new washing machine can cost you a lot of money but it’s a necessary appliance for modern-day living. It takes the burden of cleaning clothes, towels and other garments off your shoulders, allowing you to focus your time and energy on other activities. This is why it’s important to get as much as use out of your washing machine as possible. With these handy tips, your washing machine will be running smoothly for years to come.
1. Door
Always leave the door of the machine open after every wash. Leaving a small crack is enough already. Closing the door will make the leftover water remain inside for longer and that means mould and bacteria can grow inside the drum. Leaving the door open will prevent this from happening.
2. Hoses
The majority of washers come with black, rubber hoses, that after a while can get fragile and eventually might even tear, which can cause a flood. You should replace these hoses, even if they look alright, with sturdier stainless steel hoses. If you do so, you’ll prevent your machine from unexpectedly breaking down in the future. Plus, you’ll also save yourself a hefty bill if you don’t have to get it fixed.
3. Level
Is your washing machine level?. If it’s not level, the vibrations caused by the machine can damage your floor and important parts of the machine can start to wear out prematurely, like the tub bearings and shock absorbers. Place a level on top of the machine and then adjust the feet of the machine until it’s standing completely level. If this doesn’t help, you can use a piece of plywood that’s larger than the machine itself, which will help to at least absorb the vibrations.
4. Check Your Pockets
No matter what you own a top-loader or front-loader, the golden rule of using a washing machine is to check your pants’ pockets before starting a load of laundry. Small items such as pens, coins, paperclips and keys can damage or even destroy the unit’s drum, and they can also get sucked down into the drain line, preventing the water inside your washing machine from draining properly.
5. Use Detergent Wisely
In terms of laundry detergent, it’s usually best to follow the less is more approach. Far too many people overload their unit with an excessive amount of detergent, assuming it will yield cleaner clothes. But in fact, the abundance of detergent promotes the growth of mildew and mold, which can settle into hard-to-reach cracks and crevices.
6. Wash Full Loads
You can extend the life of your washing machine by washing full loads. Instead of washing a handful of socks, wait until you have other garments to complete the load. Besides prolonging the life of your unit, it will also reduce your water usage, which subsequently saves you money on your monthly utility bills
7. Cleaning the washing machine
It is advisable that you clean your washing machine about once a month. For this, it’s best to use a bleach-free washer cleaner, which will properly clean the drum of the machine and combat dirty and musty smells. Then, run the machine empty on a hot cycle.
Sources: tips-and-tricks.co, fredsappliance.com
