Your efforts to maintain your washing machine matter. They will determine how long it lasts and how well it performs.
Regular upkeep and periodic cleanings are vital. Without them, you will find yourself dealing with inefficient washing, offensive smells, and even fabric damage.
This is all easily avoidable, though. As you are about to learn, keeping your washing machine in tip-top condition is far simpler than you would think.
Why Regular Upkeep Matters
Washing machines just do not clean themselves after every use. It’s a myth that they do.
Detergents and fabric softeners leave a little residue inside the appliance with every wash. Lint and bacteria also amass over time.
Together, these compromise the functionality of the machine. It could also cause odd smells and mould development.
Regular cleanings and maintenance prevent issues, ensure fresh laundry, and extend the washing machine’s life. They also reduce the risk of malfunctions and energy use, helping both the environment and your wallet.
How Often to Clean Your Washing Machine
Your usage patterns determine how frequently you should clean your machine.
If you run it several times a week, give it a thorough clean once a month. For larger households with more laundry, cleanings twice a week are recommended.
Use your washing machine less often? Clean it every three months.
Your washing machine type affects maintenance. Front-loaders are prone to mildew and mould due to trapped moisture.
Complete Cleaning Instructions
The following steps will help you keep your washing machine spotless.
Wipe the Detergent Drawer
The dispenser drawer accumulates sticky residue from detergents and fabric softeners over time. In return, this affects the way your machine distributes cleaning solutions.
Most drawers are designed to be easily removed. Pull it out carefully and rub it with a soft sponge under warm water.
If the soap scum has accumulated too much, scrub it gently with an old toothbrush, and be sure to get those narrow corners. Upon finishing, pat dry the drawer with a clean cloth before placing it back.
Clean the Drum
The washing machine drum usually seems spotless after every cycle, but looks can be misleading.
Soap scum, water minerals, and fabric shreds gather in the drum and rubber seals over time. To get rid of those, run an empty cycle with hot water.
It is a good idea to pour two cups of white vinegar straight into the drum to completely eliminate stubborn sediments and unpleasant odours.
Wipe the drum with a fresh cloth soaked in vinegar and water once the cycle is complete.
Pay close attention to the rubber gasket around the door. This region often accumulates moisture, debris, and grime that could lead to mould growth.
Clear the Filter
The washing machine filter keeps impurities out. Examples include: lint, hair, and other debris from clogging the pump. These cause drainage issues when caught in the filter. Over time, this hinders the overall efficiency of your appliance.
Usually, the filter is located behind a small panel or door at the front of the machine. Before taking it out, lay down a towel to catch any excess water. Then, remove and wash the filter under running water.
Secure it firmly in place once you have given it a careful scrubbing and removed all stuck debris.
Keep the Exterior Spotless
Though the inner parts of the machine do all the heavy lifting, the exterior still deserves some attention. Dust, lint, and detergent spills can easily cover the outer part of the appliance.
While this does not affect its performance, it does impact the general cleanliness of your laundry area and can also stain your clothes as you are pulling them out.
Polish it with a soft cloth and a gentle detergent, but be extra careful around the control panel. Make sure that no moisture gets inside the electronic components.
Air the Machine After Use
Leaving the washing machine door open between loads is one of the easiest yet most effective steps in any house maintenance routine. Allowing the interior to dry out entirely prevents mildew and mould from growing.
This is especially important for front-loading machines. They are more prone to this because of their moisture-trapping gaskets.
While it is often an afterthought, this little step is essential for keeping your laundry smelling fresh.
Tips for Long-Term Maintenance
Maintaining any appliance operational for as long as it can depends on appropriate use.
Thus, try to avoid these typical mistakes. Doing so will enhance the performance and life expectancy of your machine.
Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Despite what you would expect, putting a little extra detergent in that drawer will not make your clothes any cleaner.
Use the right amount of detergent to avoid soap scum. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust for the number of dirty clothes.
Avoid Overloading the Machine
Most people toss everything in sight into the machine. This is a grave mistake.
Overloading your washing machine strains the engine and drum unnecessarily. Additionally, clothes and pillows require room to move around for a thorough wash.
Sticking to the manufacturer’s recommended load sizes guarantees optimal operation of your equipment and prevents excessive wear and tear.
Choose the Right Wash Settings
There is a reason why washing machines have multiple settings.
Using the correct ones for different kinds of fabric enhances both the machine’s longevity and the wash efficacy. It also helps maintain the quality of your clothes for much longer.
Whether they are made of delicate or heavy-duty materials, you must always review the labels on your clothes and choose the most appropriate settings accordingly.
When Professional Help Is Needed
Sometimes, appliances break down despite your best efforts. You need to call an expert repairman if your machine starts making odd noises, leaks water, or malfunctions in any way.
Many appliance repair companies provide preventative house maintenance for different devices. This often entails inspecting the internal components to verify that everything is working as it should.
Regular specialist visits can also find and fix minor problems before they growinto more costly disasters.
Conclusion
You can keep your washing machine running smoothly with these quick and easy steps.
Spending a little time each month on these tasks will keep your clothes clean and fresh, and save you a lot of future repair expenses.
All in all, giving your washing machine the treatment it deserves will make your laundry days a breeze.
