How to Extend the Life of a Washing Machine: 12 Simple Tips from Repair Experts

This is the first and foremost rule for avoiding washing machine breakdowns, says appliance repairman Scott Flint. “Keys, coins and credit cards can damage the drum, break glass and block the drain pipe. Make it a rule to check the pockets of your clothes before putting them in the car: just one missed “intruder” can cause serious damage,” he says.

“The maintenance of household appliances often depends on the conditions in which they are used. If you know your water is hard, use a hard water softener to prevent residue from building up inside your washing machine, causing it to deteriorate more quickly,” says James Wilson, plumber and water expert.

“Want to know how to avoid washing machine breakdowns? Carry out a thorough cleaning every three to four months – this will prevent the device from clogging the drain filter or depositing scale on the heating element, ”says James Peters, employee of an appliance production company household appliances. He advises using either special products or vinegar for maintenance: pour two cups into the powder compartment and start the wash cycle at the highest temperature.

If you needed a reason to save money, here it is: As New York Times appliance and cleaning products editor Sarah Bogdan explains, most manufacturers lie about how much laundry detergent you need : generally, one measure is enough for three to four. kilos of laundry.

And Scott warns that too much soap results in too much suds, which acts as a brake and overloads the motor and pump, eventually leading to serious damage. “The longevity of your washing machine depends on using the right detergents: always choose the right detergents for your type of appliance and never add more than indicated in the instructions,” explains Flint.

Sometimes it’s not action, but inaction that helps extend the life of equipment. If you want to know how to keep your washing machine in good condition, be sure to study this list: it includes all the elements that are dangerous for the device. (You’re probably familiar with underwire bras, but some of the things included on the stop list will definitely surprise you!)

“The longevity of a washing machine depends on how often you run it. For people who do laundry every two weeks, it will last longer than those who do it twice a day,” says CEO Tanya Klien. This is the case when the best equipment maintenance advice rhymes with laziness: you shouldn’t put off washing until tomorrow if you can do it the day after tomorrow.

But it’s not that simple: proper maintenance of the washing machine means that it should not be overloaded with clothes. “If you accumulate too much and fill the drum once, nothing bad will happen. But if you do this repeatedly, the drive belt may break, the bearings may fail, or the drum spider may break,” says Flint.

Keeping your washing machine in good condition is not the most difficult task, but it does require organization. For example, you should not leave wet objects in the drum for a long time – this can cause mold to form inside the device, which will first damage your objects and then the device. -even.

Some preventive measures for your car will also keep your belongings in better condition: for example, Tanya advises washing clothes and linens as little as possible at 60℃ and 90℃. “This way you will kill several birds with one stone. Firstly, the fabric will look new for longer, secondly, you will save electricity, and thirdly, you will reduce the load on the heating elements of the device,” she says.

Have you ever wondered why a washing machine needs a bottom right hatch? There is a drain filter hidden behind it – if it is clogged, the water will not be drained well, and if the filter allows foreign objects into the pump, the device will need to be repaired. So don’t forget to clean the filter every two to four months: this will help avoid serious problems.

As James explains, if the machine is not level, vibrations during the spin cycle can cause damage. Another important tip for using a washing machine concerns its placement: if you place the device close to the wall, it will overheat during operation.

“Regular maintenance of your washing machine is essential to keep it running for a long time,” says Flint. “Maintaining the performance of household appliances is a task reserved for professionals: call in a specialist once a year or every two years so that they can inspect the appliance and resolve problems at an early stage.”

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