People are busier than ever these days, and consumers are eager to find solutions that can make their lives run more smoothly. Having a washing machine in your house is one such way to accomplish this. With a relatively modest capital outlay, you can purchase an appliance that allows you to do the washing in your home whilst tending to other chores and activities at the same time. That’s an essential consideration when there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to tend to all of your responsibilities.
When you have your own washing machine, you’re in charge of when and how your clothes are laundered. You can avoid the premium rates associated with using a commercial service, and there’s no need to cart your laundry and a stack of coins to and from your local launderette.
With your own washing machine, you can take care of this task in tandem with other household chores. And due to advances in technology, today’s washing machines are more energy efficient than ever. Take comfort in the fact that you’re doing your part for the environment and enjoy savings on your energy and water bills at the same time.
For all the benefits and advantages of having a washing machine in your own home, owning one of these appliances also comes with its own set of responsibilities. Most importantly, owners must commit to a schedule of ongoing maintenance to ensure their washing machine provides them with years of efficient and care-free use.
In this post, we’re going to go over a few of the basic steps you can take to extend the life and usefulness of your washing machine. We’ll also offer insight into when it’s time to seek out local washing machine repair companies in your area.
- Check Your Washing Machine Hoses Regularly
This is something you will want to see to several times a year (let’s say every three to four months). Look for blistering, cracks or any other type of damage to the hoses, and replace them immediately if problems like this are discovered. It’s worth investing in higher-quality hoses, as these will last longer and generally provide better value for money.
Cracked or broken hoses can lead to a large volume of water leaking (or even flooding) into the room where you keep your washing machine. Repairing this damage can be extremely expensive, so you are much better off staying ahead of this problem with a schedule of routine inspections.
- Use the Right Detergent for Your Washing Machine
One of the most important considerations when it comes to caring for your washing machine involves choosing the right detergent. In some respects, the type of detergent you use affects how clean your clothes become without really having an effect on your machine. However, certain machines do require specific types of detergents.
As an example, high-efficiency machines use less water and electricity. For this reason, they require a specialized, low-suds detergent. When normal detergents are used in a high-efficiency machine, a film can build up on the drum. This can promote the growth of mildew and mould, ultimately damaging it over time. Avoid this by reading your washing machine’s manual to confirm the type of detergent that should be used.
- Leave the Door Open When Not in Use
This may seem like an untidy way to care for your washing machine, but leaving the door slightly ajar allows for better air circulation. This, in turn, discourages mildew and mould from accumulating. Bear in mind that you don’t have to leave the door completely open in order to take advantage of this effect. And if you notice any mould or mildew building up already, calling out a local washing machine repair service now could save you from a headache down the road. - Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine
It is easy to understand why some people are prone to overloading their washing machines. Placing more than the recommended amount of laundry in the machine can help you consolidate your work into fewer tasks – potentially saving you money in energy and water bills as well. But doing so incurs a high cost for your machine.
Overloading a laundry machine will throw it off balance. As the wet clothes are rotated in the tumbler, their momentum can cause the machine to rock. This can damage the machine, shorten its lifespan and even scratch the flooring on which the machine stands.
- Make Sure Your Washing Machine is Level
On a related note, an out of level washing machine can also be subject to rocking and swaying. Virtually all washing machines have adjustable legs. And the newer models even have self-adjusting rear legs that will keep your machine level. However, it’s still a good idea to check to ensure yours sits level (and low) to the floor. If you’re having trouble levelling your machine, consider calling out a local repair company for some routine maintenance. - Regularly Clean the Inside of Your Washing Machine
Finally, it’s a good idea to clean the drum of your washing machine at least once a month. This prevents the build-up of residue that could ultimately damage your machine. It can also lead to bad smells building up on your clothing. Here’s a useful online tutorial that will walk you through the basics of cleaning your washing machine.
Make a Note of Your Local Washing Machine Repair Companies
Even if you adhere to the strictest maintenance schedule, there will still be times when you need to call out a laundry repair service to tend to more serious issues concerning wear and tear. And when it comes to taking advantage of these repair services, it’s always better to perform your due diligence ahead of time to ensure that you know who you are going to turn to when a problem arises. With that in mind, take a moment to research local washing machine repair companies and make note of their contact details. That way, you’ll have their information when you need it.
