Maintaining Your Washer & Dryer for Optimum Use & Longevity
Laundry is a fact of life for all of us and it’s a huge inconvenience to have the washer or dryer break down and be out of commission for any length of time. It just takes a few simple steps to maintain your appliances so they last longer and repair costs can be minimized. You can take good care of your washer and dryer with the following maintenance tips:
Maintenance Tips for Automatic Washers
There are two basic models that you can get in a home washer:
Front loaders: More expensive that top loaders, but they use approximately 2/3 less water than top loaders.
Top loaders: Initially less expensive than front loaders, but in time their increased water usage adds to the water bill, making them more expensive over time.
Whatever model you have in your home, the following tips can help you to prolong its life.
Do Not Leave Wet Clothes in Washer
This is not only one of the easiest things to do; it’s also absolutely essential. If you leave your wet clothes in the washer too long they will start to smell of mildew and mold. Make it a habit to take them out as soon as the cycle is finished.
Inspect the Gaskets on the Door
If you have a front loader, routinely check the gaskets on the door for moisture. If they remain wet, mold and mildew can build up, preventing the door from completely sealing when for the wash cycle. After every use, wipe down the gaskets to dry them and leave the door slightly open so that circulating air can dry out the moisture that remains. You should also clean both the gaskets and the drum once a month using water and vinegar. If you have a top loader, leave the door up after each wash cycle to allow air to circulate and prevent mildew.
Do Not Overload Your Washer
When you load your washer up with too many clothes, you are bound to get poor wash results. You can also damage your clothing and your washer because the machine will likely be off balance during the cycle. For the most part, you will get cleaner clothes with less damage if you loosely fill your washer rather than cramming it full.
Periodically Run a Maintenance Wash
Several times a year you should run your washer without putting any clothes inside the drum. Use the hottest cycle and the usual amount of detergent. Doing this regularly will keep your washer and drain pipes nice and clean, free from grease and dirt and keep hard-water salts from building up.
Make Sure to Keep Your Washer Level
Check the level of your washing machine because you want the drum to be balanced during the spin cycle. When it spins out of balance, a strain is placed on the parts. This can dramatically reduce the life of your washer. Most washers come with adjustable legs that have locking nuts so that you can level them. The back legs on some washers adjust automatically when the front legs have been adjusted.
Examine the Hoses
Without any notice, a water hose that bursts can pour hundred of gallons of water an hour right into your home. To avoid this disaster, examine your hoses every three or four months. If you notice any breaks or cracks, unplug your washer, turn the water supply off on both hoses because they need to be replaced. It is best to replace them with braided metal hoses because these cannot crack or split open.
While you’re at it, take a strong bristle brush and clean the filters, clearing out the sediment and any other debris. This will improve the water flow in your washer. Make a point of replacing your water hoses every four or five years. Mark the date on them with tape so that you don’t forget.
Take Care of the Exterior
You do not want your washer rusting, so use touch-up paint to fill in any gashes or scratches. Touch-up paint for appliances can be purchased at your local hardware store. Keep the exterior clean with mild soap and water and don’t forget the control dials and buttons. This will prevent them from sticking and malfunctioning. This applies to your dryer as well.
Maintenance Tips for Automatic Home Dryers
Your dryer needs to be maintained just as much as your washer. It may be less complicated, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. Preventive maintenance will ensure that it continues to run smoothly.
Keep the Lint Trap Clean
Lint may seem innocuous, but it can be deadly for both you and your dryer. If lint builds up too much in the ducts or the lint screen, it can suddenly erupt in flames. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that washers or dryers have caused 16,800 fires across the country. After each load, remove the lint screen and thoroughly clean it. With either a hand vacuum or long brush remove the lint collected at the base of the trap. Use a flashlight to make sure you’ve cleared everything out.
Clean the Venting Duct
Your dryer’s complete venting system should be cleaned once a year, going from the dryer all the way outside. If the duct is made of ribbed metal or plastic, it would be best to toss it out and replace it with a smooth metal one. Ensure that the outside vent is not blocked by anything. If this seems too much for you to do yourself, call the professionals at Sparkle Appliance and they can take care of it for you.
Never Put Soiled Clothes in Your Dryer
To keep your dryer clean on the interior and everything running smoothly and efficiently, never run anything soiled or dirty through the dryer. You may be tempted with a damp beach towel, but it is always best to run these things through the washer first.
Do Not Overload Your Dryer
This is the same advice we recommend for your washer and it’s no less important for your dryer. If you think cramming the dryer with clothing saves time, you’re wrong. Clothing needs to circulate freely through all the hot air to dry and when everything is crammed in there tightly, it’s impossible so the drying time just gets extended. Additionally, overloading your dryer can lead to a break down.
Do Not Use Dryer Sheets
Although dryer sheets are less expensive than liquid fabric softener, they leave a residue in the dryer. This residue can clog vents, which will reduce efficiency. Use liquid fabric softener during the wash cycle to avoid residue building up in your dryer.
Balance Your Dryer
Just like your washer, your dryer also has to be balanced for optimum performance as well as longevity. If it has adjustable leveling legs you can take care of this quite easily. If not, use uniformly cut pieces of wood to level it out.
Basic maintenance for your washer and dryer is not at all difficult. Whether or not you are experienced in the care and maintenance of appliances, by following these tips you can take good care of your washer and dryer. As long as you are good to them, they will return the favor for many years to come.
