Let’s be honest, our washing machines take a real beating. Most of us overfill them and run them for cycles that aren’t exactly necessary. It’s time to treat them with a little more respect.
Think about it, the machine is literally designed to spin with a great deal of speed while being weighed down by wet clothes. It’s a rough job, but it sure beats washing the clothes ourselves with a washboard. So why then is the washing machine one of the appliances that receives the least TLC? It’s time to change that! Here are 3 useful things to know about regular washing machine upkeep.
1. Always make sure the machine is level.
This is the main way to minimize kinetic damage to the machine. If the washer is not completely level, the machine will shake, rattle, and roll far more than it should. This leads to pieces coming loose, parts wearing out, and the energy used in the spinning mechanism will then be spent moving the machine instead of washing the clothes. It’s just physics.
The fix is to simply level your washing machine. Some machines have self leveling legs while others require adjusting the legs. Consult your use and care guide for assistance. This is important: a level surface is essential in a balanced washing machine. Some units spin up to 900 rpms, so a soft or unlevel floor just won’t work.
2. Keep the washer clean and clear!
Let’s think about the shower stall or bathtub. As time passes, the water and soap will create a film. If not cleaned regularly, this will become an unfortunate and nasty mess. Our washers have the same problem. In time, the soap, fabric softener, dirt, lint, and whatnot will create that same nasty mess. This is why it needs to be cleaned regularly. Think of it this way, if you wouldn’t bathe in it, don’t let your clothes bathe in it. To clean the washer, you can use cleaning tablets such as Affresh, or you can use a home remedy of about 3 to 4 cups of white vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda. In both cases, use hot water and DO NOT include clothes.
3. Be sure that your machine’s water hose is up to par.
Generally speaking, a new washing machine will come with a hose that isn’t exactly top of the line. They are typically given a 4-5 year life span, but will wear out at their own speed sooner or later. Just like checking your car’s radiator hose for leaks, it’s imperative to monitor your washer’s hose to make sure there are no leaks or worn out areas. Ignoring these warning signs could result in very expensive damage, including having to replace the machine itself and repairing water damage to your home.
A good rule of thumb when it’s time to replace your washer’s hose is to opt for the higher quality hose recommended by your manufacturer. Not all hoses work on all models and not all stainless steel hoses are quality built. Consult your use and care notes for more specific hose information. These hoses have a longer lifespan, and are far more durable than their counterparts. A larger investment now could mean great savings on down the line.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or are in need of professional diagnosis, feel free to contact Guinco at Guinco.com or call us at 844.3.GUINCO for assistance. Thanks for letting our family help yours!
