Washing machines are crucial for the effective and efficient washing of clothes day in and day out. Everything from regular t-shirts to beach towels is cleaned in what seems like a blink of an eye, especially when compared to the tedious task of handwashing.
Whether you live solo or in a full, bustling household with several family members, you want your washing machine to remain in tip-top shape for years to come. All home appliances require regular care and maintenance to remain functional, and your washing machine is no exception.
Here are five simple best practices to take care of your washing machine and ensure its long life:
Leave the Door Open
After you’ve done laundry, you likely close the door tightly and leave the machine closed until the next time you use it. You may be in a hurry to set everything in order, including the washing machine. This is an admirable habit, but it would be better if you don’t close the door immediately after using it.
Leaving the door open helps ensure that all the remaining moisture in the machine dries up. Proper drying and no moisture mean there is no risk for mold or fungal growth over time.
Clean the Components
Automatic washing machines are meant to function correctly all on their own—all you have to do is put in your dirty laundry, add detergent and fabric softeners, then come back to it once the cycle is done. But just because the machine has made this chore easy doesn’t mean you should continue to use it without caring for its components.
Simple things like the internal dispensers and lint filters cannot clean themselves and will cause damage to your clothes the longer you leave them unwashed. Laundry detergent and fabric softener leave behind residue in their individual dispensers. If you allow it to build up over time, they can be a refuge for harmful bacteria and grime to grow. A simple way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to make it a habit to rinse out these dispensers before you use them.
If your washing machine contains a lint filter inside the tub, you should also clean it out regularly. This catch-all filter contains lint and other particles extracted from the washing cycle. Cleaning out this filter ensures peak efficiency in your washing machine, and there is no risk of dirt or debris remaining in your water. This means cleaner clothes and a longer-lasting washing machine!
Deep Cleaning
Every home appliance experiences wear and tear after consistent use. Washing machines are no exception—in fact, they are more vulnerable to long-term damage because of the nature of their function. The constant cycle of water, detergent, and dirt all around the machine will eventually lead to sediment buildup and lower efficiency.
This is why every washing machine needs an occasional deep cleaning. Clean everything inside and out, not just the main drum where the washing occurs but also the rubber gasket, lid, and exterior. Some washing machine models have dedicated washer-cleaning cycles, but if yours doesn’t, you can just run a normal cycle with hot water. There are specialty washing machine cleaners or natural solutions you can use, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Washing machines remove the tremendous burden of hand washing and hand drying clothes, making them a boon to every household. It’s important to take these simple steps above to ensure that your machine will stay with you for many years to come. Besides following our guide, you should also monitor the condition of each and every component.
If you’re in the market for washing machine parts or service, you need to get them from a reputable store in your area. AllSouth is an appliance store in Birmingham, AL, that provides sales, delivery, service, and installation of over 100 brands of household appliances for your laundry, kitchen, bathroom, and more. We have the perfect appliances to fit your budget, needs, and taste. Check out our store today!
