No one wants to have to replace a washing machine early or to have to pay for expensive repairs. And luckily, there’s an easy way to save more money and keep your washing machine running for years to come — by properly maintaining it. While most people don’t realize it, washing machines require regular maintenance, and in our last blog, the washer/dryer repair experts in Lansing from Lane’s Appliance Repair touched on a few tips for maintaining your washing machine. Here are a few more:
#6. Make sure you’re using the right amount of detergent.
In part one of this series, we talked about the importance of using the right kind of detergent for your washing machine, but it’s also important to make sure you’re using the right amount of detergent — regardless of what the directions say on the detergent itself. If you use too much detergent, it can add more wear and tear to your machine. Plus, it causes a build-up of residue on your machine and makes it difficult to rinse all of the suds out of your clothes.
#7. Keep the lint trap clean.
Most people know that they need to clean the lint trap in the dryer, but many people don’t even realize that washing machines have them, too. You can usually find the lint trap inside the center agitator, along the top of the washer drum or at the end of the drainage hose. High-efficiency washing machines don’t typically have lint traps. Instead, they have self-cleaning pumps that can be cleaned by simply running an empty wash cycle.
#8. Avoid mold and mildew.
Washing machines are prone to mold and mildew; however, there are lots of things you can do to prevent it. First, it’s essential that you don’t let wet laundry sit in your machine for long periods of time. All laundry should be immediately loaded into the dryer or hung to dry after the cycle is finished. Second, leave the door to the washing machine ajar for several minutes after your last load to give it time to dry out. Third, if you have a front-load washing machine, make sure that you wipe the rubber seal on the door after each load.
#9. Wash the inside of your washing machine.
Most people don’t think about cleaning their washing machines, but it’s something that should be done every month or so to keep it in good shape and running efficiently. Using a store-bought cleaner or a mix of hot water, baking soda and vinegar, run an empty load to clean your washing machine. It’s also important to wipe down the gasket, door and drum on a regular basis.
As you can see, there are lots of things you can do to keep your washing machine working properly and extend its life. If you have questions or concerns about any of the maintenance tips we’ve covered, or if you’re in need of washing machine repair in Lansing, don’t hesitate to give the experts at Lane’s Appliance Repair a call today.