Washing machine maintenance​

Regular washing machine maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity and efficiency. Ignoring it can lead to funky smells, sluggish performance, and frequent repairs. This blog gives you some special tips to maintain your washing machine. It extends the machine’s life and ensures optimal performance. 

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is the first step in proper maintenance. Whether it is a front-loading, top-loading, and semi or fully automatic washing machine, you must prioritize cleaning.  

• Clean the detergent and fabric softener residue buildup in the drawer, which can lead to clogs and odours. Remove the drawer, wash it with warm, soapy water, and use a damp cloth to wipe the machine. 
• Filters trap the debris and lint, leaving it reduces the machine’s efficiency. So, clean it regularly using a soft brush and rinse it with water. 
• Run monthly cleaning cycles, and hope you are aware of the clean drum and self-clean wash cycle programs that automatically clean the machine. Make sure to run this cycle at least once a month. 
• Ensure deep cleaning every 3 to 6 months, you must clean the filters, check drainage, drain hoses, and other parts of the machine thoroughly. Doing it can restore the machine’s performance and operational efficiency. 
• Users can also avail the help of professionals for optimal performance and preventing major issues every 1 to 2 years. 

Levelling and Placement

Levelling and placement of washing machines are very crucial for long-term maintenance and extending the machine’s lifespan. It prevents excessive wear and tear, noise, and other potential damage to the edges and sides of the washing machine. So, use anti-vibration pads for machines as they can absorb vibrations and fix the machine in a stable position while spinning. 

Check and Clean the Hose

Evaluating the hose can prevent leaks, promote proper water flow, and extend the machine’s lifespan. It increases the washing machine's efficiency. It also helps prevent plumbing issues, leaks, and electrical hazards. 

Inspect the hose for any damage that may cause leaks or other issues, and clean the drain hose periodically. So that you can remove the debris and buildup that could lead to clogs. You can also consider hot water flush annually, which dissolves detergent residue and other mineral deposits. 

Use the Right Detergent

Use high-efficiency detergents in front-loading washing machines, as they are formulated to produce fewer suds and are apt for lower water usage. Regular detergents are enough for top-loading washing machines. Measure the detergent accurately before adding it to the drawers; overdosing can result in excessive residue buildup on clothes and in the machine. 

Prevent Mould and Mildew

Clean the washing machine's door gasket and lint filter to avoid mould and mildew growth. You can also leave the door open for a while. Wipe the moisture in the detergent drawer and filter after every wash, run a clean cycle or a hot water cycle without clothes to wash the drum thoroughly. 

Avoid Hard Water Damage

Hard water or borewell water can damage home appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers. Because it contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can clog pipes, filters and other internal components. 

You can also expect plumbing issues, ineffective cleaning, roughness of clothes, and a reduction in overall operational efficiency. You must prefer adding water softeners or treating the water before using hard water in washing machines. Avoiding hard water is an even better choice than treating it. 

Balance the Load

Uneven distribution and imbalances of laundry can cause excessive vibration and noise, damage the components, make washing very difficult, and result in repairs. It can also reduce the cleaning effectiveness, increase energy consumption, and drainage issues. 

Therefore, load the clothes evenly and avoid overloading of laundry to prevent repairs. 

Run Regular Maintenance Cycles

This is the part that many people ignore. But following it properly can prevent costly repairs. Running regular maintenance cycles improves the efficiency of washing machines in several ways. It includes the prevention of detergent and mineral buildup, removal of odour, optimal performance and extending the machine’s lifespan. 

Follow these steps to run the regular maintenance cycles 

• Read the user manual to understand the specific cleaning program available for your machine, as per the model and brand. 
• It can be a clean washer, drum clean, or self-cleaner. 
• You need to run an empty wash cycle without loading the laundry. 
• In some machines, there is a need to use specialized washing machine cleaners or detergents. So, cross-check once with the manual or the installation team.  

Conclusion

Regular cleaning, proper placement, and timely inspections can keep the washing machine running efficiently for years. Therefore, prioritize the maintenance tips mentioned in this article to enhance its overall performance. Additionally, consider professional cleaning once a year to identify any underlying issues early.

FAQs

What maintenance does your washing machine need?

Regular cleaning of the lint filter, door seal, and drum is essential. And, timely inspection of hoses and drain vents is required to avoid damage in the future. 

How do I keep my washing machine for optimal performance?

Maintaining it properly at regular intervals is more than enough to keep your washing machine in good condition. However, you can also prefer professional cleaning services to make the machines even more efficient. 

Why is it essential to clean the washing machine filters?

It prevents drainage issues, mould and mildew development, and improves machine operational efficiency. So, cleaning the filter every 1 to 3 months is very important.