If our mattress is infested with bed bugs: we call the bed bug exterminator or replace the mattress. If we have a plumbing issue, we get a plumber, if our water tank explodes, we must replace it. How often can we prevent these types of mishaps with daily, or yearly, maintenance habits?
Depending on your living situation, your washer and dryer might be one of the essential appliances in your home. Considering the high quantity of people using a washing and drying machine to do their laundry, you would think we would consider the upkeep more of a priority. If they are correctly maintained, an excellent automatic washer and dryer will last you years. Otherwise, expect some issues with your machinery.
We are here to offer several tips and tricks to extend the life of your automatic washer and dryer! These apply to top loaders and front loaders alike, as well as make and model.
Never Let Wet Clothes Sit in the Washer
Firstly, it is crucial never to overload your washer or dryer. It can be detrimental to your clothes and can cause a machine to be overbalanced and eventually break down. Leave space for your clothes with smaller, more manageable loads to ensure your clothes are properly cleaned and dried. If you leave your wet clothes in the washer for an extended time, you risk mold and mildew buildup, as well as the growth of bacteria. By avoiding this easy step, you are tending to an essential washer maintenance step.
Periodic Maintenance Washes
Approximately two or three times a year – more often if your schedule permits it – run a maintenance wash with no clothes in the washer drum. Use the usual amount of detergent as you would with a load, throw a half a cup of disinfecting white vinegar in the fabric softener area, and run the wash as you would normally. This can keep your drainpipe cleans, clear out any mildew or mold buildup, as well as removing dirt and hard water build-up.
Inspect the Hoses
One of the most important – and often overlooked before it is too late – facets of washer maintenance is the internal machinery. Regularly clean your washer door, the gaskets and drum every month with a mixture of vinegar and water to prevent molding. By keeping an eye on the water hoses, you are avoiding a burst that can cost you an excessive amount of money to replace (or worse, to replace the whole washing unit). Replace the water hoses approximately every five years, and routinely check for loosening hose, cracks or breaks.
Clean the Dryer’s Venting Duct
It’s simple but effective: like keeping your washer door open after washes, and routinely clearing out your lint trap, locate the dryer’s venting system and thoroughly clean it once a year. Replace the duct if needed, keep the outside of the vent free, or hire a professional to keep up this routine for you.
Balance the Dryer
A washer or dryer is thrown off balance due to the overloading of clothes, but a balanced machine will always perform better and have an extended life. You can detect an off-balance washer drum immediately if you hear several, loud banging noises emitting from your laundry room during the dry cycle. You must adjust the feet underneath to correct this issue, either with your dryers’ built-in level adjusting legs or uniform pieces of wood. You can also contact a professional for how to fix this issue specifically on your model.
Final Thoughts
We all need to do our laundry one way or another; we might as well make our most trusted units last as long as possible!
