How to make your washing machine live longer.
The average washing machine can live for up to 11 years or even longer if you follow these simple tips.
- Clean the detergent drawer regularly. If this clogs up, liquids may overflow into the electrical parts.
- To preserve the belt, avoid overloading. Keep within the manufacturer’s maximum recommended weight.
- One of the biggest threats to longevity is the build up of minerals if you live in a hard water area. Limescale can clog up hoses, valves and the pump, which not only reduces water flow but creates unwanted friction. Regular use of Calgon or similar products helps prevent this, but here’s a cheap and environmentally friendly trick that works just as well:
Fill up the basket with water,
add a cup of vinegar and run
a full cycle.
Do this every few months.
- Wash and soak the filter once a month.
- Turning off the water supply before you go on holiday will reduce the pressure on the hose and valves, as well as preventing coming home to a flooded house in the event of a burst hose.
- To avoid an unpleasant smell gathering, always leave the door ajar between washes.
- An empty wash at 60C or 90C using a detergent like bleach every month can ensure that your wash stays fresh.
- Try not to change the dial or timer setting once the wash has started. Always turn the dial slowly and clockwise to ensure a longer life.
Hope you found this useful. Come back next week for more useful tips.
The Appliance Doctor 