There are few appliances you rely on more than your washing machine. You use your machine several times per week to avoid a giant pile of dirty laundry. Frequent use is what makes washer maintenance so important for preventing breakdowns. Below are tips for how to best avoid washing machine repair so your machine is ready to go when you need it.
4 Simple Ways to Help Prevent Washing Machine Repair
Preventing washing machine breakdowns usually doesn’t require drastic measures. A little routine maintenance can prolong your washer’s lifespan and help you avoid a washing machine repair.
Here are 4 easy tips to keep in mind for some washer TLC:
#1. Clean Your Washer Regularly
The wash tub can often be left with dirty residue and soap suds after a cleaning cycle. Residue and soap suds combined with the warm, moist environment can quickly lead to bad odors. You may even find that your washer smells like mildew!
Here’s how we recommend keeping your washer clean to avoid washing machine repair:
- Use a washing machine cleaner on a monthly basis for a deep clean to remove hard-to-reach buildup.
- Wipe down your washer’s tub after each cycle with machine wipes formulated to remove buildup. Don’t forget the door gasket and detergent dispensers!
#2. Use the Correct Detergent for Your Washer
As we mentioned above, detergents can leave behind excess soap suds. This not only leads to a buildup of residue, but can also result in a washing machine repair for high-efficiency models. These machines require HE detergent that works best with their lower water levels.
If you use regular detergent in HE washers, you run the risk of poorly-washed clothing. Repeated use could lead to leaks and other repair problems. Fortunately, there are many powerful cleaners to choose from when searching for the correct detergent for your washer.
#3. Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine
It can be so tempting to stuff your washing machine with clothes to reduce the number of loads. But when you overload your washer, your laundry won’t be as clean as it should be. You may even find holes and tears in the fabric.
Overloading frequently can lead to problems like your washer won’t spin or your washer makes loud noise. In these cases, you may need professional washer repair services. Here are some washer loading tips to avoid the threat of repairs:
- Leave a 6-inch gap between the top of the washer tub and the pile of clothes.
- Mix large and small items to create a balanced load.
- For top-loading washers, place clothing evenly around the agitator.
- For front-loading washers, the machine fills with water from the bottom. We suggest placing heavily soiled items in first so they have prolonged contact with water and detergent.
#4 Empty Pockets to Prevent Clogs
When a puddle of water is left in the washer tub after a wash cycle, it’s possible your washer isn’t draining properly. One of the easiest ways to prevent this problem is to check the pockets of your clothes and remove small items before washing. Objects like loose coins and wrappers can easily clog the machine’s components and you may find your washer won’t drain.
#5 Washer Maintenance Tips
Basic maintenance for your washing machine is quick, easy, and will save you time and money in the future. Try to make a habit out of following these few simple procedures:
- Add one scoop of OxyClean to your washer drum with each bleachable load you run. This not only helps whites stay whiter, but also keeps your wash drum clean and fresh.
- Using one tablespoon of OxyClean mixed with 2 tablespoons of detergent is another tried-and-true method for keeping your machine clean and running well.
- If you notice white residue forming, hard water is likely leaving behind calcium buildup. The best way to clean this is to use our special citric acid cleaning formula which we use during our service calls. We also sell this cleaner to customers, so contact us today for more information about this powerful product.
If you follow these simple tips, they could help you avoid washing machine repairs in the future. And if you find yourself in need of dependable repair service, or our citric acid cleaning formula, just call the washer experts at Cody’s Appliance Repair.
