Tips for Extending Your Washing Machine’s Life

The washing machine serves your household on a day-to-day basis, and it’s a hefty investment to replace it. The most effective way to save time and money on replacing appliances is to extend their lives. Keep reading below to learn about the best practices for extending the life of your washing machine.

Wash the Machine

Many are guilty of making mistakes that can damage your washer machine. A piece of maintenance owners often neglect is washing the machine itself, which should be done either once a month or after 30 washes. Cleaning your washer removes soap scum and build up, allowing the appliance to clean loads more efficiently. Locate the user manual for your washer type to determine the best cleaning methods.

Remove Wet Clothes

Leaving a load of wet clothing in the washer can deplete the quality of your garments and the lifespan of the appliance. The dark and wet environment makes your washer susceptible to mold, which can damage your clothes and the appliance. Prevent mold and mildew growth inside your washer by removing the wet load as soon as the wash cycle completes.

Inspect Clothing Pockets

Before loading the washer, it’s important to inspect the pockets of your clothing to avoid objects and materials from damaging the appliance. Metal objects, like loose change, can damage the interior of your washer. If you own a front-loading washer, be mindful of clearing the drain pump filter to remove objects or materials that fell out of your clothing pockets.

Don’t Overdo the Detergent

An easy way to extend the life of your washing machine and your budget is to be mindful of the amount of detergent you're using. An excess amount of detergent can leave a soapy residue on the material and an odorous buildup on the inside of the washer. Overdoing the detergent also causes your washer to use more energy to operate longer in removing the soap, which means less detergent saves energy on your appliance.