Keep your washing machine working well with these pointers
For many homeowners, the washing machine is an indispensable part of the household. Without it, work clothes might remain unwashed and bed sheets might just stay dirty. It's therefore not surprising for the news to reinforce why washing machines matter. According to Statista, washing machines are a major part of the global smart homes appliance market. This reflects how many of these appliances are in use as of now, and how many owners are expected to care for their washers.
Learning proper maintenance for your washing machine matters, as it could spell the difference between continued functionality and having to invest in a new washing machine. Whether you're an independent young professional or a parent raising kids, here are some maintenance tips easy enough to do for your washing machine. Whether you have a top-loading machine, which is often easier to maintain, or a front-loading model, use these tips to keep your machine in top condition.
Dirt-Free Filter
The filter of your washing machine is responsible for catching any small particles that might cause blockage to the pump. Common examples include lint, coins or fiber. Once these accumulate in the filter, they might lead to blockage if not removed immediately. To prevent blocked filters from causing malfunctions, experts recommend locating where the filter is and cleaning it out regularly. For instance, Samsung advises its customers to clean the two filters found in its washing machine appliances. For debris filters, the company recommends cleaning five or six times annually and once or twice annually for the mesh filter.
Balance in the Appliance
It's also essential to see that the washing machine isn't off-kilter or tilted. According to State Farm, an uneven balance can cause the appliance to move erratically and damage the machine or surrounding objects. To avoid this, make sure the washing machine is at an even level during its spin cycle. This would make it stay put and not vibrate, rock, or produce disruptive sounds and movements. As it spins, a balanced washing machine functions properly and prevent any damages to its moving parts, such as its agitator, drain, or hose. Maintaining the machine at an even level could also prevent any spills or leakage.
Avoid an Overload
Just like any other machine, the washer will malfunction if forced to work beyond its capacity. Owners should make sure that the laundry being put inside is within what's recommended. For instance, you can wash heavy fabrics in batches instead of putting them all at once, so you won't strain the agitator. Another way to avoid an overload is to observe equal parts: for every load or laundry batch, there needs the right amount of water. This helps get some stress off the rotating part during the washer's spin cycle. Some machines even have features that help monitor the balance if there is an issue.
Hose With No Kinks
As for the hose, maintaining it requires checks for defects like cracks, leaks, bulges, or frays. This helps you ascertain if the material of the hose can still support water flow or if it wastes it. According to the National Park Service, 41 gallons of water are used by the average household washing machine. This compels owners to practice water conservation, which can be achieved by keeping hoses protected against wear and tear that might cause leaks. For good measure, make sure that your washer is situated some feet from a wall or partition. Doing so would keep the hose free from getting squeezed by tight spaces.
Out With The Damp
Lastly, taking out newly washed clothes out of the machine maintains the cleanliness of your washing machine interiors. Damp clothes left inside could invite mold growth and musty odors, which in turn could inconvenience household residents. Make it a habit to take fresh laundry out immediately, and then leaving the washer lid open to dry out. For front-loading washers, wiping off the door's rubber seal to can bad smells and mildew.
Bubble With No Trouble
To sum it up, homeowners today benefit from following maintenance tips for their washing machines. To ensure the long-term functionality of your washer, make sure its hose stays durable, there's space between the washer and the wall, wet clothes are taken out immediately, the washer doesn't get tilted, and the filter stays unclogged via cleaning. These tips are doable for every homeowner genuinely concerned about their washers at home. Once you follow these care tips for your washing machine, you'll be able to do laundry and make bubbles with no trouble at all.
Resources — National Park Service, Samsung, State Farm, Statista
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