Very few people think about the maintenance their washing machine needs to keep operating perfectly. Most of us simply load up our machines with as many clothes as we can, toss in the detergent, and press start, but using your machine on a weekly basis will start to cause some natural wear and tear. If you want to keep your machine in good working order for as long as possible, it’s important to treat it right. This way, your clothes will always come out looking and smelling great. Here are just a few tips to get you started:
Repair faults as soon as possible
It can be very tempting to ignore the things that are wrong with your washing machine, especially if it’s still functioning. But one day your trusty appliance might not switch on anymore and then you’ll be in a whole world of trouble. If you need to fix your machine or are thinking about hiring a professional, make sure you check out replacement parts online and never buy a new machine unless your current one is completely beyond repair. Both your pocket and the planet will be much happier for it.
If your washing machine is from a popular, high-quality brand like Maytag, it’ll be easier for you to find the exact parts you need from different stores. For example, if you have a Maytag machine, then you can find parts for a Maytag washer at reputable retailers like Appliance Parts Pros. On the Appliance Parts Pros website, you can also find lots of helpful tutorials on how to repair your home appliances.
Use the recommended amount of detergent
Adding lots and lots of washing powder won’t actually get your clothes cleaner. What’s more, your washing machine can suffer as a result. Over time, adding a lot of detergent to your washing machine will cause build-ups that won’t wash away during a normal cycle. This can result in clogs and a lack of drainage, which will mean your clothes won’t come out as clean. Always use the little measuring cup that comes with your detergent and base the amount on the number of clothes you’ve loaded into the drum.
Run a cleaning cycle
Did you know that your washing machine needs to be cleaned every now and again? Just because your clothes always come out clean doesn’t mean the inner workings of your appliance are free from grime. You can buy special washing machine cleaners that are designed to leave the drum and tubes sparkling clean and fresh, ridding your appliance of mildew and residues. You may have to run a cleaning cycle more often if you frequently wash clothes that are very dirty or muddy, but most people shouldn’t need to clean their machines more than every few months.
Allow your washing machine to air out
After you’ve pulled your clean laundry out of your machine, do you shut the door firmly? It’s actually better to leave the door open for a while once a cycle is complete. This is because the damp conditions of your washing machine can promote the growth of mold and bacteria. Even if mold doesn’t grow, your machine certainly won’t smell as nice, which can affect your clothes too.
Caring for your washing machine isn’t a particularly taxing job, so make sure you build a habit around these tips. This way, your machine will serve you well for years to come.
Carol
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