You rely on your washing machine to work properly every day – so you need to keep it in good order to avoid it breaking down and causing costly repairs. Well-maintained washing machines use less energy, need fewer repairs, and last longer. The average lifespan of a new washing machine is about 11 years – for older models, this is slightly reduced to a washing machine lifespan of about eight years. So keeping on top of maintenance will ensure any outlays are kept to a minimum – see how to extend the life of your washing machine here…
1. Over and Under Loading
Overloading your washing machine adds wear and tear to the motor and can cause damage and leaks. Clothes need to be able to move freely during a wash cycle – if the machine is jammed full of garments it takes more energy to move them around and puts additional strain on transmission, belts, and other parts.
Under loading the machine can lead to cycles that are off balance – this puts a strain on the drive components and also wastes energy and water.
2. Levelling
If your washing machine isn’t level any strong vibrations can cause it to move along the floor and may seriously damage the machine. You can easily rectify this problem by adjusting the Front-levelling legs to the proper height and tightening the lock nut in place. An off-balance washing machine can also be very noisy as the drum moves unevenly as it spins.
The washer must be level from front to back, and side to side and all four feet must be touching the ground. If you can rock the machine the feet aren’t secure and level – use a spirit level to ensure any adjustments are accurate.
3. Adding Detergent
The average life of a washing machine can be extended simply by using the correct amount of detergent as recommended by the manufacturer. Excessive use of detergent can quickly cause a build-up of mould and mildew in the detergent drawer, and the drum itself may begin to smell.
Overdoses of detergent will be recognised by new washing machine models and the machine will automatically lock and display an error code – too many suds can damage the machine and even destroy water level pressure switches. Too much soap can also cause dark spots on garments – transferred from mould growing inside the washer door seals.
4. Removing Lint
Most washing machines will collect lint during the wash cycle and send it down the drain. You need to clean the lint filter by using a paper towel to clean the filter screen and afterwards rinse the filter in hot water to remove any detergent or fabric softener residue. If you find loose lint inside the machine then you should peel it away. Drainage issues may be caused by a build-up of lint in the drain pipes.
5. Checking Hoses
Water fill hoses can leak or split – so you need to check them on a regular basis for any signs of weakness or wear. The average life of washing machine hoses is about five years so you’ll need to bear this in mind nearer the time.
To safely check your hoses you’ll need to locate the circuit breaker and shit off the power – then find the water supply knobs behind your washing machine and turn them off to seal off the water supply. You can then remove the hoses to check for any leaks.
6. Deep Cleaning
You can pour the citric acid powder into the detergent compartment and carry out an empty hot wash cycle – the draining water will be milky white which is the result of exfoliated scum. The drawer can be thoroughly cleaned with an old toothbrush and cleaning products to remove any accumulated dirt and deposits.
White vinegar can be helpful in removing hard-water build up inside the drum – pour a gallon into the tub and do an entire empty cycle on the hottest and longest wash. Wiping the inside of the drum regularly ensures any non-colourfast dye remains are removed.
You can also run an empty load with hot water and two cups of white vinegar and then in the middle of the wash cycle add ½ cup of detergent and let the cycle complete.
Keep the washing machine door open between loads to avoid any unpleasant smells – clean the seals with a white vinegar and water solution to kill any bacteria.
When You Need Professional Help
Washing machine repair London experts are just at the end of the phone – or you can contact Exclusive Repairs online to get a quote on the washing machine repair you need doing upfront. A trained and qualified technician will provide you with a fully insured service – and a six months quality guarantee. You’ll be able to make a short notice appointment if you’ve got a real problem – and you can make a booking six days a week all for the same fee.
