5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Washing Machine
The average washing machine has an expected life span of 10 to 15 years. Where your device falls within this range, or if it even lasts longer, depends on how well you take care of it. Some smart usage strategies and
appliance service techniques will maximize its life span to help you get the most out of your investment.
How to Maximize Your Washing Machine's Life Span
1. Empty Your Pockets
When loading the machine, check every pocket of every garment. Metal objects such as keys or coins will damage the drum as they tumble around inside the drum. Other items such as tissues or gum may get wet and then clog up the exit plumbing as the machine drains.
2. Limit Detergent Use
Many people unknowingly use more detergent than they should, thinking it will make their clothes cleaner. However, less is more. Detergent suds up easily, and too much of it will gum up the inner workings of the machine. The washer will also have to work harder, running longer to thoroughly rinse the clothes and drain fully, which wears it out more quickly.
3. Don't Overload It
The drum of the washer should have some empty space, which gives the items plenty of room to tumble around as they are washed and rinsed. If it's overloaded, it has to work harder to clean your items. This causes premature wear on parts such as the agitator, which moves the clothes around inside the drum.
4. Remove Wet Clothes Immediately
When wet clothes sit in the machine, all that moisture fuels mold and mildew growth on the clothes themselves and inside the machine. It may corrode the metal parts in the washer as well, destroying them prematurely. Only run a load when you know you'll be home to move the items into the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished.
5. Clean It
Even if you use your machine perfectly, things such as soap scum and mineral buildup still occur. These might gum up moving parts or block the plumbing, which forces the machine to work harder to do its job. If your washer has a self-clean cycle, set it to run once every few months.
Otherwise, you can do the appliance service yourself. Fill the empty washer with hot water and add a quart of bleach. Let it run for one minute, then open the top and let it sit for an hour. Then run for a full cycle. Repeat with one quart of white vinegar instead of bleach.
If your washing machine ever shows signs of distress such as strange noises or difficulty draining, get an appliance repair as soon as possible. Expert Appliance Solutions offers appliance service for all models of machines in Elyria, OH. Their services will keep your machine working reliably for as long as possible. Learn more on their website and call (844) 423-9737 to schedule your washing machine repairs.
