Washing machines are one of the modern conveniences we get to enjoy today. With a push of a button, our clothes are washed and dried. But once a part of the machine breaks down, the washing machine becomes less efficient. Worse, it may break down, which results in you having to pay for repairs or even a replacement!
Having no machine may cause a lot of inconveniences, but the good news is, this is preventable. Taking proper care of your washing machine can prolong its lifespan and save you cash. With a proper scrub and some regular maintenance, your washing machine will always be ready to take a load.
Do a deep clean
Do you find that your clothes aren’t as clean as they normally are? Do you detect a weird smell from the inside of the machine? Your machine may be due for deep cleaning. Once a month, run your machine on an empty cycle on hot wash and place a mixture of warm water and machine cleaner or powdered laundry detergent.
Let this run and your machine will come out cleaner and smelling better.
Clean the filter and dryer vents
The dryer vent ensures that your clothes are dry. If you neglect to clean it, it may result in small fibers getting stuck in the vents that may accumulate and have damaging effects on your machine. If you’re unsure how to clean it, you can look for dryer vent cleaning in Concord, New Hampshire.
Once a month, clean up the lint filter inside your machine. This filter helps collect lint and other particles. Failing to clean this up may result in debris buildup on your clothes as well as in your machine.
Look at the gasket
The rubber gasket gets a lot of wear and tear as you use your washing machine. The gasket is wrapped around the edges of the washer and dryer to protect your clothes from damage, and your hands from any sharp edges.
Some microparticles will get into the gasket every time you open the lid and gathers on the sides and edges of the gasket. Detergent and fabric softener may also leave residue on the gasket. Once a week, keep the gasket clean by wiping it with a damp towel.
Leave the door open
One of the common mistakes people do is closing the washing machine lid immediately after use. While this is done to prevent dust and other particles from settling into the machine, closing it quickly will leave the machine damp.
Prevent bacteria and mold from building up in the machine by leaving the lid open for 15-30 minutes. This will allow the machine to be air-dried. Then, use a thick dry cloth to wipe off any excess moisture.
Clear the spills
Washing machines are prone to spillage from detergent and other laundry aids. These spills may result in a sticky residue that will smell bad over time. Make sure to clean them up with warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid to get rid of the residue. Then wipe off any excess buildup with a damp cloth.
Clean all dispensers
Newer washing machine models have separate slots for detergent and fabric softener. Prolonged use of these containers without cleaning them may result in bacterial growth and concentrated toxic elements that may build up on your clothes. After use, clean up the dispenser with a damp cloth to remove residue.
As with most appliances, if you love your machine, it will love you back too. Take the time to clean up and take care of your washing machine, so it lasts you a long time.
