Of all the modern appliances that are in use today, none works harder than the humble washing machine. The gears must work hard to twist, turn, agitate, and spin the basket at a high speed. Besides strain on the motor, there are a number of other factors that can cause damage to washers. Please see below some tips to help you get the longest, most trouble-free use out of your washing machine!
1. Monitor What Goes Into the Washing Machine
The interior of a washing machine drum is typically coated with enamel to prevent the metal from rusting due to its constant exposure to water and to prevent rust stains passing onto clothing. The enamel coating can be damaged by hooks on clothing, such as bras and pants, zippers, metal buttons, coins, and anything else hard enough to scratch it. Buckles and heavier metal objects can actually crack and break the glass door on a front loading machine! Remove loose items from pockets, put smaller items in mesh laundry bags and turn larger clothes inside out before washing.
2. Do Not Overload the Washing Machine
Remember that clothing becomes heavier when it is wet! This is especially true of denim jeans, towels, and other thick and heavy fabrics that absorb a lot of water. Overloading a washing machine beyond what the motor is capable of handling puts undue stress on the bearings that can strip, and on the motor that can burn out. Overloading the washer is one of the leading reasons that people require washer repair or even replacement of the appliance.
3. Remove Clothing When Done
When wet clothes sit in a washing machine after the load is done, they can become musty and even begin to grow mold if left too long! Naturally, this is not good for the musty clothing or future washing loads as the smell can remain in the washer long after.
4. Use Appropriate Determent Amount
Although more may seem better, when it comes to laundry detergent it is usually a waste of money and can even be detrimental as the detergent may leave residue on clothing and coat the inside of the washing machine with a thin film! In addition, the more soap added to a load, the more rinsing required to get it out.
5. Protect Against Electrical Surges
Washing machines have computerized parts that can be damaged or destroyed by a power surge. Expensive washers, along with other appliances, should be protected by plugging them into a power strip and not directly into an outlet.
Taking good care of a washing machine requires little more than ensuring that whatever goes into the machine will not damage it physically or mechanically. Know your washing machine’s limitations and adhere to them. An occasional maintenance cycle run with a washer cleaner and de-scaling agent is also helpful to allow this appliance a full and useful life!
