Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean. But to keep it working its best, it needs some care too. This essential household appliance tackles everything from muddy sports uniforms to delicate linens, operating tirelessly cycle after cycle. However, like any hardworking machine, it can’t maintain peak performance without a little attention from you. Regular washer machine maintenance not only ensures your clothes come out fresh and clean every time, but it also extends the life of your washer, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
Does a Washing Machine Need Professional Maintenance?
While you can do a lot yourself, sometimes you need a pro’s help. Here’s why:
- Spot problems early: A pro can find worn parts before they break. They might notice a belt that’s starting to fray or a hose that’s wearing thin.
- Clean hard-to-reach spots: There are places in your machine you might not even know about. Pros can clean behind the drum and in the pump, areas you can’t easily access.
- Everything works right: They can adjust parts for the best performance. This might include calibrating the spin cycle or checking the water temperature accuracy.
- Give expert advice: They can tell you how to care for your specific machine. Different brands and models have unique needs, and a pro knows these details.
- Check for safety: They make sure your machine isn’t a risk for electrical or water problems. This includes checking for proper grounding and secure water connections.
A study by the National Association of Home Builders found that washing machines usually last about 10 years. But with good care, including pro-check-ups, they can last much longer. Some well-cared-for machines have worked for 15-20 years!
How to Do a Maintenance Wash on a Washing Machine?
Giving your machine a cleaning wash is like giving it a spa day. Here’s how to do it:
- Empty the machine: Make sure there’s no laundry or forgotten items inside.
- Set it to the hottest water setting: Hot water helps kill bacteria and dissolve soap scum.
- Add a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the drum: These natural cleaners are gentle but effective. Vinegar is great for removing odors while baking soda helps scrub away grime.
- Run the longest cycle: This gives the cleaner plenty of time to work its magic.
- Wipe the drum and door seal when it’s done: Use a soft cloth to remove any residue. Pay special attention to folds in the door seal where mold can grow.
- Run another rinse cycle: This ensures all the cleaning solution is gone.
- Leave the door open to dry: This prevents mold and mildew growth. Aim for at least an hour of drying time.
However, you can seek professional assistance from CLT Appliance Repair in Charlotte NYC so that your appliance lasts longer and performs better.
When Does a Washing Machine Need Maintenance?
Your machine will let you know when it needs help. Watch out for these signs:
- Strange noises during washing: Banging, clicking, or squealing could mean loose or worn parts.
- Clothes not getting clean: If your laundry still smells dirty or has soap residue, something’s not right.
- Water not draining well: Standing water in the drum after a cycle is a clear sign of trouble.
- Musty smells: This often means mold or mildew is growing inside the machine.
- Water leaks: Even small puddles around your machine are cause for concern.
- Too much shaking: If your machine “walks” across the floor during spin cycles, it might be unbalanced.
- Cycles taking too long: If your usual 30-minute wash suddenly takes an hour, your machine needs attention.
If you notice these, it’s time for some care. Don’t worry AS you can fix many of these problems at home.
Tips and Tricks for Washing Machine Maintenance
Here are some surprising tips of washing machine maintenance tips to keep your machine working great:
1. Clean the Detergent Drawer
Take out the drawer and scrub it with warm, soapy water every few weeks. Use an old toothbrush for tough spots. Pay attention to the back of the drawer where mold often grows. Some people have found a quarter cup of old soap gunk in there!
2. Leave the Door Open After Use
This lets the drum dry out and stops smells. It’s really important for front-loading machines. Leave it open for at least an hour after washing, or until the drum feels completely dry. This can cut down mold growth by 80%!
3. Check and Clean the Filter
Many machines have a filter that needs cleaning. It’s usually located at the front bottom of the machine. Find it in your manual and clean it every few months. You might find coins, buttons, or even small toys in there! A clean filter helps your machine drain 30% better.
4. Use the Right Amount of Soap
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Too much leaves residue on clothes and in the machine. Usually, you only need 2 tablespoons per load. For high-efficiency machines, you need even less. Using the right amount helps your machine work better and last longer.
5. Run Empty Hot Water Cycles
Once a month, run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar. This cleans out soap scum and mineral build-up. It’s especially important if you live in an area with hard water. Some people say their machines run more quietly after this!
6. Level Your Machine
If your machine isn’t level, it can shake too much. Use a level tool to check, and adjust the feet if needed. Even a slight tilt can cause problems. A level machine can be 50% quieter and shake less, which means less wear and tear on the parts.
7. Don’t Overload
It’s tempting to stuff in lots of clothes, but this can harm your machine. Fill the drum only 3/4 full. This lets clothes move around and get clean. Overloading can strain the motor and lead to poor cleaning results.
Maintenance of Commercial Washing Machine
If you run a laundromat or other business with washing machines, you need to take extra care. These machines work harder and need more attention. Here’s how they compare to home machines:
| Home Washing Machine | Commercial Washing Machine |
| Used 1-2 times a day | Used 10+ times a day |
| Clean monthly | Clean weekly |
| Lasts ~10 years | Lasts ~5-7 years |
For commercial machines, you should:
- Clean the outside and lint filters daily: Wipe down the exterior and check lint traps after each use.
- Check hoses and connections weekly: Look for any signs of wear or leaks.
- Check belts and motors monthly: Listen for unusual noises and check for visible wear.
- Have a pro every three months: Getting assistance from the washing machine repair charlotte nc service helps catch problems early and keeps the machine running efficiently.
Low Maintenance Machine Options
If all this care sounds like too much work, you can buy low-maintenance washing machines. These often have:
- Self-cleaning cycles: These run a washing machine maintenance cycle automatically.
- Parts that fight mold growth: Special coatings or materials that resist mold and mildew.
- Bigger lint traps: These need emptying less often.
- Tougher parts: Made to last longer with less wear and tear.
These machines might cost more at first, but they can save you time and effort later.
Washing Machine Care Approach
Washing machine care and maintenance is a year-round job. Here’s a simple plan:
- Weekly: Wipe the door seal and leave the door open to dry
- Monthly: Do a cleaning wash and clean the soap drawer
- Every three months: Check and clean the filter
- Yearly: Have a pro check it
Following this plan can help avoid surprises regarding washing machine maintenance costs.
DIY vs. Professional
You can do a lot yourself, but sometimes it’s good to call a pro for washing machine maintenance cleaning. Here’s how they compare:
DIY Cleaning:
- Costs less: You only pay for cleaning supplies.
- Takes more of your time: You’ll need to set aside time to do the cleaning yourself.
- Good for regular care: Great for monthly maintenance and quick fixes.
Professional Cleaning:
- Costs more: You’re paying for expertise and thorough service.
- Saves your time: The pro does all the work while you focus on other things.
- Best for deep cleaning and finding problems: They can spot issues you might miss.
A pro service can give your machine a thorough clean and check as compared to DIY Cleaning, catching problems before they get big.
The Cost of Neglect: Why Regular Maintenance Matters
You might think skipping maintenance saves time or money. Consumer Reports conducted a study revealing that many washing machines and dryers do not last as long as expected, with around 20% of washers and 16% of dryers breaking down within 10 years. The study, which surveyed over 100,000 washers and 87,000 dryers, highlights the importance of washing machine regular maintenance practices like keeping washers level, using the correct detergent amount, and regularly cleaning dryer ducts to extend the lifespan of these appliances. But neglecting your machine can lead to:
- Higher energy bills: A poorly maintained machine uses more electricity and water.
- Clothes not getting clean: Build-up in the machine can leave residue on your clothes.
- Bad smells in your laundry: Mold and mildew can grow in a neglected machine.
- Expensive repairs or needing to buy a new machine: Small problems can turn into big, costly issues.
Final Call
Care and maintenance of the washing machine doesn’t have to be hard. Remember, a well-cared-for washing machine doesn’t just clean clothes better – it saves energy, and money, and gives you peace of mind.
Whether you need advice on commercial washing machine maintenance or professional repair services in Charlotte NYC, CLT Appliance Repair is here to help. We’re committed to keeping your appliances running at their best, so you can focus on the things that really matter in life.
Read More: Understanding The Lifespan of Your Household Appliances
Author
- John Bennett is a seasoned appliance repair specialist at CLT Appliance Repair, where he brings over a decade of technical expertise and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. With a background in electrical and mechanical systems, John has built a reputation for reliable, efficient, and honest repair services across a wide range of household appliances-including refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and more.
