Talking About Appliance Repairs

Posted on: 1 November 2016

From washing your kid's clothes to laundering your sheets and towels, it is easy to see the amount of use your washer and dryer get over time. While cleaning and drying your clothes and linens, these appliances are also becoming dirty and worn. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not place much energy into cleaning and maintaining their washer or dry. Considering the average cost of a front load washing machine is between $600 and $1200, protecting this investment with regular maintenance is smart. With this guide, you will learn how to maintain your washing machine to ensure it keeps laundering your clothes and linens in an effective and efficient manner..

After Each Use

Whether you wash a load of laundry each day or you use the washing machine every few days, you should take some time to wipe down the interior tub after each use. Use a simple towel or microfiber cloth to soak up any leftover moisture from inside the tub. Also, use the towel or cloth to wipe down the interior of the door and the door gasket.

This will reduce the risk of the unappealing odor caused by mildew. In addition, removing the moisture will prevent mold from growing inside your tub.

Consider leaving your washer's door open after each use to circulate air. This will reduce the moisture content inside your machine.

Every Few Weeks

Make sure to continue wiping down the interior of your washing machine after each use. However, you inspect the rubber seal on the interior of the washer's door every few weeks. Even with ongoing maintenance, moisture, dirt, and debris can trap inside this rubber seal. Over time, the buildup can lead to foul odors and mold while reducing the door's ability to close properly.

Use your cloth to get inside the grooves of the rubber seal to dry up any water that you see. Be sure to wipe away any leftover detergent or fabric softener from the connected dispensers, as well.

Every Few Months

Run an empty, hot-water cycle every few months. Hot water will create steam inside your washing machine, which will eat through dirt, dust, and any stubborn build up that may linger inside the tub.

As the cycle is running, the hot water will move through the washer's drain lines. This will flush out any buildup that may be clogging the lines, preventing your washer from draining properly.

In a spray bottle, combine 2 cups of warm water with 1 cup of white vinegar. Shake to mix. Once the cycle completes, spray the vinegar solution onto a clean microfiber cloth before using to wipe down the interior of your washing machine.

The vinegar's antibacterial agents will remove leftover residue while killing germs and bacteria inside your washer.

Twice a Year

Inspecting your washer's drain pump is also necessary. The drain pump moves water from your home's plumbing system into the washer, allowing you to wash a load of laundry. Since it moves water that is outside your home and bring it into your appliance, the drain pump can clog up with dirt. If clogged, clean water will not run freely into your washing machine.

Thankfully, cleaning your drain pump is not complicated. The pump is located on the bottom of your washing machine, closer to the front of the appliance. Once located, wipe the drain pump down with a damp cloth. If debris is thick and difficult to remove, spray a generous amount of the vinegar solution onto the drain pump before wiping off with a clean cloth.

Maintaining your washing machine can be a load of fun. With this guide, you will learn how to keep this machine clean so it can keep cleaning your clothes. Reach out to a professional in your area when you do finally need washing machine repair.