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Top Tips for Keeping Your Washing Machine in Top Shape

Your washing machine is a laundry hero because it tirelessly cleans your clothes and keeps them fresh. But if you want this hero to continue to save you from the toughness of this chore, it needs some TLC (tender loving care) to make certain that it continues to work for you. Here is the ultimate guide to washing machine maintenance. It includes simple tips you can do yourself to keep your washer happy and your clothes clean.

Cleaning the Inside

The first step to washing machine maintenance is giving it a good cleaning. Soap residue, detergent buildup and forgotten tissues can accumulate inside the washer, creating musty odors and mold growth. The good news is that cleaning your washer is easy! Most washing machines have a designated cleaning cycle.

If your washer does not have a built-in cleaning cycle, you can usually clean it with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Pour a few cups of vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run the washer on a hot water cycle without any clothes in it. The vinegar will help break down any residue and leave your washer smelling fresh.

Do not forget to wipe down the rubber gasket around the door! Mold and mildew can grow in this damp spot. Just use a damp cloth with some bleach diluted with water to wipe down the gasket. Always unplug your washer from the outlet before cleaning the gasket to avoid electrical shock.

Descaling Your Washer

Hard water can cause mineral buildup inside your washing machine, and this is also known as scaling. This can reduce its efficiency and shorten its lifespan. If you live in an area with hard water, it is a good idea to descale your washer every few months. You can buy commercial descaling products specifically designed for washing machines.

Lint Love: Cleaning the Lint Trap

The lint trap is a small but mighty compartment in your washer that catches lint and debris shed from your clothes during the washing cycle. A clogged lint trap can reduce airflow in the machine and make it work harder and take longer to dry your clothes. It can also be a fire hazard! That is why it is important to clean the lint trap after every single wash cycle.

Simply remove the lint trap. This is usually located near the front or bottom of the washer. Empty the lint into the trash. You might also need to wipe away any fuzz or debris stuck inside the trap compartment.

Using the Right Settings

Using the right washing machine settings for your load size and fabric type will help your clothes get clean while saving water and energy. Do not overload the washer! Overstuffed loads can put extra strain on the machine and may not get your clothes clean.

Schedule Yearly Maintenance

Yearly maintenance from an appliance repair professional will also help to keep your washing machine in decent shape. During this appointment, our specialists will professionally clean all components and will find and repair small problems to avoid some serious disasters.

Taking care of your washing machine is an investment that will pay off. For washer and dryer services in Boise, ID, call Major Appliance Repair.

Contact Major Appliance Repair Service to schedule an appliance repair today!