How to Extend the Life of Your Washing Machine: Practical Tips
The washing machine is an indispensable tool in the house today, as due to it you can save time and energy. However, like any appliance, it requires care in order to serve us for many years. Neglecting the basic rules of use may lead to premature breakdowns, like a rare coin forgotten in a pocket of clothes, losing its luster and value. Asking questions like how much is a 1943 steel penny worth makes collectors realize how important it is to take care of their finds. In the same way, due to taking care of your washing machine you may extend its life, as well as its efficiency.
Today, we would like to talk about how simple and regular actions can not only save your budget on repairs but also make using your washing machine as convenient as possible.
Regular Cleaning: The Key to the Longevity of Your Appliance
The most common cause of washing machine breakdowns is a lack of basic maintenance. Many users forget that a washing machine does not only wash clothes, but also collects dirt, plaque, detergent residue and even foreign objects.
Filter cleaning: Why Is It Important?
According to service center statistics, up to 30% of all washing machine breakdowns are due to clogged filters. Filters protect the pump and other internal components of the machine from clogs. If the filter is clogged, it increases the load on the pump, reduces the performance of the machine and can lead to its breakdown.
How to clean the filters correctly? First of all, unplug the washing machine and find the filter cover (usually it is located at the bottom of the housing). Remember to place a small container under the filter cover to collect excess water, and gently open the cover. Then remove the filter and remove any debris such as threads, hair, coins, buttons and rinse the filter under running water and reinstall.
Tip: If you find coins while cleaning the filter, be sure to check them. Many users tell how they have found rare specimens that were valued at more than the face value of the coin. For your convenience and quick verification of a coin's features and even its market value, download the Coin ID Scanner app.
Drum Cleaning: Cleanliness Is the Key to Wellness
Your washing machine drum encounters dirt, detergent residue and grease on a daily basis. Without regular cleaning, this leads to buildup of plaque, bad odor and even mold.
How to clean the drum:
Once a month, run the empty machine at the maximum temperature (90-95 °C).
Add 200 g of citric acid or 250 ml of vinegar to the detergent compartment.
At the end of the program, ventilate the drum with the door open.
Tip: Use special tablets or powders to clean the drum - they effectively remove deposits and prolong the life of the heating element. You can also add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to the drum before washing to help prevent odors.
Gaskets: A Little Thing Often Forgotten
The gasket around the door protects your machine from leaks, but more often than anything else, it accumulates dirt, moisture, and even mold.
How can you care for the gaskets? After each wash, wipe the gasket with a dry cloth. Once a month, clean the rubber band with a weak solution of vinegar, baking soda or a specialized product. If you find mold, use special means for its removal, because mold on the gasket - not just an aesthetic problem but also a potential source of allergens.
Also remember that proper maintenance prevents half of the problems - always leave the door slightly open after washing or install a small dehumidifier near the machine if it is in a humid environment (e.g. bathroom).
Correct Use: Maintenance Basics
Even the most modern washing machine needs to be treated with care. In addition to regular cleaning, it is important to use it properly to avoid unnecessary strain and damage.
Check Pockets before Washing
In 2021, a study found that forgotten metal objects such as coins and hairpins cause up to 15% of washing machine breakdowns in the UK.
It may seem like a small thing but things forgotten in pockets are a real threat to your washing machine. Coins, keys, buttons or even paper napkins can clog filters, scratch the drum or worse, damage the pump. Make checking your pockets a habit before every wash to keep the machine safe and save you from unpleasant surprises, such as torn pieces of paper that you'll have to pull out of the laundry or gasket later.
An additional trick: Keep a small basket near the washing machine for “finds” from your pockets. It will not only make it easier to check but also avoid losing small items.
Do Not Overload the Drum
Overloading the drum is one of the most common causes of washing machine failure. Overloading increases the pressure on the motor, belt and bearings, causing them to wear out quickly.
How to determine the optimal load:
Cotton laundry: Load the drum to 70% of its capacity.
Synthetics: Leave 50% space.
Delicate fabrics: No more than 30% of the drum capacity.
Tip: If you don't have a scale to weigh your laundry, use a simple test: after loading the drum, there should be a space about the width of your palm.
Use the Right Detergents
The wrong detergent can damage the internal components of your washing machine, especially the rubber gaskets and the heating element. And too much detergent can not only damage the washing machine but also cause an unpleasant odor as powder or gel residue accumulates inside the drum.
Tip: Choose detergents marked “for automatic machines”. They are less foamy and prevent the formation of plaque inside the machine. By the way, laundry capsules are a great choice because they contain a precisely measured amount of detergent. This is convenient and prevents overdosing, which can lead to sludge formation.
Your Machine Will Be Grateful to You
Proper care of your washing machine is not just a ritual, but an investment in its long and efficient service. When you treat your household helper with care, it will repay you with many years of faithful work, without requiring unnecessary repair costs. Just like rare coins, important little things have their value - pay attention to every detail and the result will not be long in coming.