We all want appliances that last forever. Keeping them in good working order will help avoid problems later on. Although it is true that no appliance will last forever, there are a few helpful habits you can adapt to make your washing machine last longer. Most washing machine problems come from overusing certain chemicals, such as laundry detergent, or using chemicals not intended for washing machines like fabric softeners.
Washing machines can also break down if there is too much build-up of minerals and dirt in the machine. Mold can also grow inside the machine and damage it if not cleaned out properly. Here are ten helpful tips you can keep in mind to make your washing machines last longer.
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1. Check Your Garments’ Pockets
Check the pockets of your clothes before you put them inside your washing machine. Small items are often forgotten in pockets, like pennies or pieces of candy. These little items can get stuck inside your washing machine and can damage it or even tear your other clothes. To help your washing machine last longer, make it a habit to check your pockets before you chuck your clothes inside the washing machine.
2. Fix Scratches
Scratches can make your machine look beat-up. They can also grow larger, especially if it’s an area that often gets bumped or hit. To fix scratches, all you need is some appliance touch up paint which is the same color as your washing machine. Scratches may be inevitable, but that doesn’t mean they’re forever!
3. Shut Off the Water
Shutting off the water supply spigots to your washing machine can help them last longer. This habit is especially helpful if you plan on being away for more than a day. Shutting off the water relieves pressure on the hoses and inlet valves, and this in turn helps machines last longer, too. You can also rest easy when you leave the house, knowing that there’s a lesser chance of those hoses bursting and causing a flood.
4. Use Only the Right Amount of Detergent
It might seem like common sense to use more detergent to make your clothes cleaner, but it doesn’t always work that way. Using too much detergent can cause the wash water to spill over the washer tub ring and get into the drive motor. This can cause the motor of your washing machine to give out. Too much detergent can also cause your clothes to rise to the top of the basket and pull them down the washer’s outer tub. This will inevitably cause your clothes to end up in the water pump, which isn’t good for you – or your washing machine.
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5. Wash Full Loads
Washing full loads instead of doing a few at a time can help prolong the life of your washing machine. As an added bonus, you’re also saving water when you wash only full loads. So the next time, wait till your clothes can fill a full load before running a cycle.
6. Keep the Top Clean
The top part of your washing machine often suffers the most when your machine overflows. Chemicals like bleach or ammonia found in detergent can damage the top part of your washing machine if you don’t clean it immediately.
7. Prevent Buildup
If you live in an area with hard water, a mineral buildup is inevitable. The minerals found in water can collect in your washing machine, specifically the hoses, inlet valves, and pumps. This can easily be solved by occasionally filling a basket with cold water and adding one cup of vinegar. The acids in the vinegar will help loosen the buildup in your machine.
8. Don’t Use Liquid Fabric Softeners
Liquid fabric softeners are a no-no because these often leave a residue on your clothes. These can also leave a coating inside your washing machine that attracts grime and mildew.
9. Don’t Overload Your Washer
Your washing machine will suffer from greater wear and tear if you overload it every time you use it. The more wear and tear a machine suffers, the shorter the lifespan of the appliance. Make sure you know the load accommodations of your machine and follow them correctly.
10. Keep Your Machine Level
Putting your washing machine on an uneven level can further contribute to the wear and tear of the machine – the constant vibration caused by the uneven surface will shorten the lifespan of your machine.
Conclusion
Some wear and tear is to be expected from your washing machines, especially if you use them regularly. By following these habits you can prolong the life of your machine, and reduce the prospect of problems in the future. Always remember that a well-cared machine will definitely last for a long time.
