Washing machines are crucial home appliances that we use on a day-to-day basis. They are prone to malfunctions and breaking down, though this is, in part, because people don’t know how to maintain them. With proper use and maintenance, you can prolong the life of your washing machine significantly. More importantly, you can avoid costly appliance repairs before they’re absolutely necessary.
Here are a few tips to help you use your washing machine more efficiently and prevent malfunctions.
Clean the machine regularly
As washing machines tend to come into contact with a lot of dirt and residue, it should come as no surprise that they need occasional cleaning. A dirty washing machine is more likely to require frequent maintenance and repairs, hence the need for cleaning. The good news is that cleaning it isn’t too difficult or time-consuming.
You can find various guides to help you better clean your washing machine from different types of residue, but there are some universal methods that do the job just fine. White vinegar and baking soda combinations are especially popular, as they are easy to execute. All you have to do is pour these substances into the drum and set the machine to the highest temperature setting. This will rid the machine of any dirt, mold, bacteria, or anything else that could be contaminating it.
Another option worth considering is a washing machine cleaning agent. These chemicals are exceptionally good at keeping your washing machine clean, but they might not be the most eco-friendly choices. Choose your cleaning agents carefully to minimize their impact on the environment.
Avoid overloading the drum
While it may seem counterintuitive, washing machine drums aren’t designed to be filled up to the brim. In fact, it’s something that can cause damage to the drum and motor, and it could potentially require repairs or replacements. The motor is designed to work with a predetermined amount of power, and stressing it with larger loads won’t do any good.
Another reason to avoid overloading the drum is the fact that this device needs space to clean clothes properly. If the entire drum is filled to the brim, it’s unlikely that the clothes will receive a good wash. Instead, some will stay dirty while others will have a heap of detergent residue on them. A good rule of thumb when washing things is to keep the drum at around two-thirds capacity. This will allow the washing machine to clean everything properly and the motor won’t be at risk of breaking down.
Perform professional maintenance from time to time
When it comes to appliance maintenance, most people don’t bother with it until the appliance breaks down or shows signs of malfunctioning. While this may be fine for some smaller appliances, you shouldn’t wait for the washing machine to break down before performing maintenance. Instead, consider taking it for a yearly service check.
A washing machine service can identify minor problems and take care of them before they spiral into bigger problems that might require more costly repairs. They will take a look at the motor, heater, pipes, and various other integral parts that you don’t normally access. Once you finish the yearly maintenance check, your washing machine will be as good as new, and you don’t have to worry about it breaking down any time soon.
If there’s a major problem with specific parts of the washing machine, you may have to order replacements. There are many third-party suppliers that offer high quality appliance parts if the original manufacturer doesn’t offer replacements. Find the right parts to suit your washing machine, and you shouldn’t have trouble keeping it functional even after something breaks.
Take a look at the instruction manual
Most people don’t take a good look at their washing machine’s instruction manuals. Instead, they find out which settings are optimal for specific types of clothing, and then they never touch the manual again. However, these manuals are invaluable resources when it comes to diagnosing and fixing common washing machine problems. They can tell you what to do in case the machine is making certain noises or if the power goes out during a washing cycle.
More importantly, the manual allows you to set up the device at the start. Connecting the power and drainage pipes properly is essential if you want to avoid leaks and flooding. Because of this, it’s recommended that you go over the washing machine manual thoroughly right after you buy it. It has a lot of useful information that will help you use and maintain the machine and keep it functional for as long as possible.
Put the right amount of detergent
As simple as it may seem, a lot of people get this part of the process wrong when using their first washing machine. While the amount of detergent and fabric softener you put into the machine might not seem like it’s that important, it can impact its performance. Adding too much detergent can cause it to build up inside the washing machine and prevent proper rinsing.
The label on the detergent can be a good baseline for the amount that you should use, but you can go even lower. The soaps in most detergents are incredibly strong, and you don’t need more than a few tablespoons to clean an entire load of laundry. When it comes to fabric softener, you should use the recommended amount and no more.
Don’t forget to clean the detergent and fabric softener compartments from time to time. They can get clogged with residue as well, and cleaning them is essential for prolonging the life of your washing machine.
Conclusion
Taking care of your washing machine isn’t as difficult as it may sound. Most people don’t know how to keep their washing machines in check, mainly because it doesn’t seem like such a big deal. However, repair bills can be hefty when things start to break down, and they will if you don’t maintain the washing machine properly. Consider some of the above tips and see if there’s something you can apply when washing clothes. It’s going to help your washing machine last much longer.
