If you’re lucky enough to have your own washing machine, treat it well. Your washer gets a ton of action on a weekly basis, and as with any mechanical item, it requires routine maintenance to continue functioning optimally. At G&G Appliance Service, we know it’s easy to take your appliances for granted, but when they (inevitably) malfunction, you’ll wish you hadn’t.
To help you maintain your washer in tip-top condition, we’ve outlined a few helpful maintenance tips every washing machine owner should practice. Routine care can make the difference between years of faithful service and premature breakdown, so take heed!
Don’t Overload Your Machine
It can be tempting to wash all your dirty clothes in a single load, but if your hamper is bursting at the seams, washing one massive load is never a smart idea. When you fill your washing machine past its recommended capacity, the excessive weight places undue stress on the washer’s motor and bearings.
As the washer moves through its cycles, that weight can cause premature wear-and-tear as the drum agitates and spins, and eventually, that wear can force the drum to move out of its normal alignment. If that happens, a professional washer repair service may be your only hope for salvaging your machine.
Measure the Recommended Amount of Detergent
If you’re in the habit of pouring detergent straight from the bottle into your washer, chances are you’re damaging the machine. Most modern washing machines are high efficiency, meaning they require very little detergent to clean your clothes thoroughly. Because high-efficiency detergent generates far more suds than traditional detergent, when you use too much, the washer cannot effectively remove the soap residue during the rinse and drainage cycles.
As excessive residue accumulates, it places undue stress on your washer’s pump and motor, which can cause premature failure. If you continue your willy-nilly detergent habits, you’ll be on the phone with a washer repair specialist before you know it.
Inspect the Hoses
Your washing machine has three hoses: a hot water hose, a cold water hose, and a drain pipe. To maintain optimal washer function, it’s important that you inspect each of these hoses on a regular basis for signs of wear and deterioration. If you’re not familiar with your machine’s components, here’s how to conduct a hose inspection:
● Pull the washing machine away from the wall.
● Locate the three hoses where they attach to the back of the machine.
● Visually inspect each hose for signs wear, such as cracks, pinholes, and bulges
● Start a quick wash cycle and monitor the hoses as the washer fills and proceeds to rinse. Watch for minor leaks or signs of poor function.
● Monitor the drain hose for leaks during the drain cycle.
● If you locate a leak, turn off the machine and contact a washer repair service to replace the offending hose.
Clean the Filters
Most modern washers come equipped with one or more filters, and if your machine has one, it’s important to keep it clean. If your machine has a mesh filter at the water supply intake hose, make sure you clean it at least once per year, preferably twice. Debris filters also require routine cleaning, but at much more frequent intervals. We recommend removing buildup at least five or six times annually for optimal performance.
Level the Machine
If all four feet of your washing machine don’t make full contact with the floor, the machine can vibrate or wobble violently during agitation or throughout the spin cycle. Depending on the severity of the imbalance, your machine might even end up halfway across your laundry room at the end of the cycle!
Unfortunately, the inconvenience of repositioning your washing machine isn’t the only problem you’ll encounter when your machine is unbalanced. Severe vibration is a common cause of washer leaks and mechanical problems, so adjust the appliance’s feet until they’re perfectly level. If your machine continues vibrating after you’ve leveled it, contact a washer repair specialist who can diagnose the source of the problem.
Washing Machine on the Blink? Contact G&G Appliance Service Today
If your washer is acting up, don’t hesitate to contact our appliance repair team at G&G Appliance service. We specialize in warranty-based and non-warranty repairs for all types of major appliances, from leading industry brands to lesser-known manufacturers. No matter where you live in our service areas, we’ll have a technician at your door as promptly as possible, and our straightforward pricing model won’t leave you gawking at unexpected upcharges.
Wherever you live in New York state, if we have a location near you, contact our team at 718-848-2100 to learn more about our appliance repair process and how we can help you. For your convenience, you can also request a diagnostic quote and schedule your repair online.