Washing machines are a wonderful convenience, but they can also go from helpful to hazardous in a hurry. A little maintenance now and again can mean the difference between an appliance that lasts for years and one that gives you a scare every time it’s turned on.
Unfortunately, cleaning and maintaining your washing machine doesn’t exactly send your heart racing with excitement. Most people consider it to be something of an afterthought—something you only need to do once in a blue moon.
But regular maintenance is vital, whether you own a top-of-the-line model or an old rattler that whirs away in the basement. Neglecting even this small task can lead to some serious problems down the road.
How Long Should Your Washing Machine Last?
Nowadays, things don’t seem to last as long as they used to. But given how expensive washing machines can be, you certainly want them to last as long as possible.
The good news is that with reasonable use, regular cleaning and maintenance, and maybe some minor repairs, your washing machine should last for many years before a major failure.
After their own research on the topic, CHOICE estimates that the life expectancy of your washing machine depends on its initial price point:
– Budget/entry level: 5 years
– Mid-range: 8 years
– High-end: 11 years
Depending on its quality, your washing machine should last for 5 to 11 years before a major failure.
To repair or replace?
CHOICE also estimates that it becomes cheaper to replace a top-loading washing machine after 7–12 years of use and a front-loading machine after 12–20+ years.
It becomes cheaper to replace a top-loader washing machine after 7–12 years of use and a front-loader machine after 12–20+ years.
This is important because sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether it is better to repair or replace your old laundry machine.
Of course, repairing should be your initial go-to. You don’t want to pay for an expensive washer before exploring all your options.
In particular, some repairs might be easier to fix than you think. For example, unclogging a front-loader’s pump is often a do-it-yourself job that doesn’t call for an expensive repair, as are fixes to your washing machine’s switches, mechanical timers, and broken door seals.
Even seemingly bigger problems might be okay. For example, if your washing machine’s drum is no longer spinning properly, it might only require a simple drive belt replacement.
However, as your washing machine gets older, repairing it might only get you so far before it becomes too expensive. After about 6 years, a major fault might mean it’s time to get a new washer.
Any faults that affect the electronics, gearbox, or motor might mean the end, particularly if it starts costing over $300 per fix. Chances are, as you fix one issue, another will soon appear. Not a situation you want to be in.
***Things to do before you make a call to your washing machine repairer***
Given how expensive service calls can be, it’s generally a good idea to do all you can before making the call. They may even charge you to just give you a quote.
Before you finally make the decision, here are a couple of simple solutions you can try:
1. If you can find it, consult the troubleshooting section of your owner’s manual
2. On the manufacturer’s website, look through the “support” sections. If nothing is there, try and contact their customer support team
3. Try Googling, it might just be your best friend here. You never know, someone else might have had the same problem already and found an inexpensive solution for it.
How Do You Handle Mould And Scrud In Your Washing Machine?
Mould
No one likes seeing (or smelling) mould on their washing machine (e.g. on your washer’s seals or in the drum itself).
It can be left on your clothes and the offensive smell can also make your clothes smell.
This happens because your washing machine is actually designed to allow water to sit in its seal and unfortunately, this promotes mould growth.
Washing your clothes in hot water generally keeps this to a minimum (or none), but since most of us wash our clothes in cold water, mould can stick around.
This doesn’t mean you now need to run every wash with hot water and significantly increase your household energy costs.
We recommend following the below tips to keep the mould to a minimum:
– Clean your washing machine’s rubber seals (including the door seals) with hot water and detergent after every use
– Leave your detergent dispenser and washing machine door open between washes
– Avoid using fabric softener – it’s expensive, unnecessary and can lead to mould and scrud build-up
– Every month, run a hot wash cycle with a strong powder detergent
Avoid using fabric softener – it’s expensive, unnecessary and can lead to mould and scrud build-up.
Scrud
If you’re not sure what scrud is, see Laundry Mythbusting: The Truth About Laundry to understand just how bad scrud can be for you and your clothes.
You’ll find that your fabric softener (and detergent) are the main sources of this disgusting phenomenon.
Basically, scrud is this sticky, waxy substance that can build up in your washing machine – and unfortunately for you and your clothes, it can damage your washing machine and leave stains on your precious garments.
Yeah, scrud is not nice. Cleaning your washer regularly is a great way to reduce it, though!
Limiting your use of detergent – sometimes you only need half the recommended dosage – and fabric softener can do wonders for reducing how much scrud forms in your washing machine. Your clothes will thank you for it.
Looking After Your Washing Machine After Every Use
A quick clean of your washing machine after every use can go a long way toward extending its lifespan. It will also make your washer more efficient, which is a bonus.
Clean the rubber seals and keep doors open
A good place to start is to clean the inside of your washing machine’s rubber seals (e.g. door seals), which have a habit of collecting mould and scrud if not wiped down and dried regularly.
We also recommend leaving the washer’s door ajar (if possible) to improve the longevity of its seals.
Follow this philosophy with the detergent dispenser as well. Leaving it to air dry between washes is a good way to reduce mould buildup.
Clean your lint filter
If your washing machine is fitted with the classic mesh trap lint filter under your washer’s drum – and doesn’t feature a self-cleaning system – it’s important to keep it clean after every use.
Otherwise, your clothes may, over time, come out dirtier every time you wash them. Not exactly what we want.
Your washing machine’s lint filter is designed to stop particles from being redeposited onto your clothes – and this is great for maintaining their cleanliness.
But if you fail to clean it regularly, it may not work as well and your clothes may suffer for it.
Clean your washing machine’s lint filter regularly to ensure your clothes come out clean every time.
Our recommendation: clean your washer’s lint filter after every use.
Re-balance your washing machine
During a normal wash, especially if it is a larger load, it’s easy for your washing machine to become off-balance.
It’s always a good idea to re-balance it by either adjusting the feet of your washing machine or simply moving it back into place.
You may need more than one person for this. Your washing machine’s manufacturing guide should have instructions on how to do this if you’re having trouble.
The reason you want to correct an off-balance washing machine as soon as possible is for two main reasons.
One, it can make your washing machine spin more violently and you may notice that it produces a lot more noise than usual.
And two, an over-balanced load can actually damage your washer and reduce its lifespan – which costs you more money.
Here are some tips you can use to stop your washing machine from becoming unbalanced:
– Evenly load your clothes into the machine, alternating between small and large items
– If you can, avoid washing large items (like towels and bed sheets) on their own. Add some smaller items as well
– Don’t fill your washing machine up to the max
– Avoid wrapping your clothes around the washer’s agitator.
Empty the pockets of your clothes
Although only some of us do this, you should make it a habit to check the pockets of your clothes (e.g. pants, shorts, hoodies, etc.) before putting them in the wash.
Loose coins, keys and tissues can bypass seals and make their way into the gap between your washer’s inner and outer drum where they can cause serious damage to your machine.
Your laundry room being flooded with water is a real possibility when this happens.
Use a laundry bag
For small items and delicates, it is a good idea to place them in a laundry bag before every wash.
It stops them from getting damaged, as well as stuck in seals and other joins.
Make sure no clothes are left in the washing machine
Accidentally leaving damp clothes in your washer after a wash can produce a not-so-nice smell that could be left on your clothes in subsequent washes.
It can cause rust spots to appear on your washing machine’s drum, which risks future malfunctions and repairs.
Looking After Your Washing Machine Every Month
On top of what you should be doing after each wash, here is a list of things you should be doing every month to keep your washing machine in top shape.
Run a cleaning or hot cycle
This one doesn’t apply to those who regularly wash their clothes in hot water, so feel free to ignore this suggestion if this is you.
Otherwise, for most of us who wash our clothes in cold water, we recommend running a cleaning or hot water cycle (with some detergent and no clothes).
This will help in your ongoing battle with mould and scrud build-up in and on your washing machine.
If you normally wash your clothes in cold water, running a hot water cycle (with some detergent) will minimise mould and scrud build-up.
Clean visible mould
Especially on door seals and other surfaces, we suggest giving them a good clean with hot soapy water to get rid of the mould.
Your clothes (and you) will appreciate it!
Remove visible scrud
As you did with the mould, grab some hot soapy water and clean any visible scrud.
You’ll find that scrud commonly builds up in the drum of your washing machine. Give it a good clean.
Looking After Your Washing Machine Every Year
Keeping your washing machine in tip-top shape is an all-year-round job. Here are some of the things you should be doing every year.
Make sure your washing machine is level
To avoid an off-balance washing machine causing damage and for a better wash, it’s always good to double-check that your washing machine is level.
Get your hands dirty and adjust the feet of your washer if you notice any tilt.
Clean up remnant detergent
For a complete clean, it’s time to get an old toothbrush and clean out any remnant detergent from all nooks and crannies of your washing machine.
I know it seems obvious, but don’t forget about the detergent dispenser!
Cleaning and maintaining your washing machine is an easy and important task that can help extend its lifespan. The cleaning process is easy and doesn’t require any special equipment, just some elbow grease. Just remember to wear gloves, as you don’t want to get any grit or grime on you.
Let us know if you are any other suggestions to clean and maintain the lifespan of your precious washing machines.
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