Front load washers are widely popular due to their efficiency in conserving energy and water. However, as with all things in life, good usage habits as well as regular maintenance will help to improve the service lifespan of the washer you have at home. Whether you have an Electrolux front load washer or a Maytag washer or a Fisher & Paykel washing machine, the maintenance tips in this article will you the make the most out of your electric appliance.
USING THE RIGHT DETERGENT MINIMALLY
Traditionally, regular detergent produces quite a large amount of suds and this can lead to a build-up of mold on the drum and the hoses. By using detergent that are meant for high-efficiency washers, you will be able to protect the inner appliance parts of your washing machine for longer. Also, take note that you should not be using an excessive amount of detergent for front load washers as this type of washing machines uses less water in their operations.
CLEANING THE RUBBER SEAL & DISPENSER REGULARLY
You should clean the rubber seal and the dispenser at least once a month so that you can prevent mold from growing inside your washer. Using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, you can clean these two components well. For the rubber seal, you can also rely on Q-Tips to clean those hard-to-reach areas. For the dispenser, if your washer has a self-cleaning option, then you don’t need to clean it manually but simply refer to your user manual on how to use the self-cleaning function.
CHECK AND CLEAN THE DRAIN PUMP FILTER
The drain pump filter can often experience a clog due to fabric bits, hair and other types of debris. When this happens, the drainage will become sluggish and can cause other issues such as unusual pauses during the wash cycle, excessive vibrations, wet clothes after the wash cycle, and more. So make sure you clean the drain pump filter every few weeks or when you notice an issue with drainage.
REMOVING CLOTHES AND LEAVING THE WASHER DOOR OPEN
Once you have finished a wash cycle, it is recommended to remove the clothes immediately from your washer. Don’t let wet clothes stay inside the washer for too long because this will again promote the growth of mold and mildew. In addition, you should leave the washer door open when not in use so that you can introduce better air circulation into the washer, and this will again prevent mold and mildew growth.
USE SOFTENER AND BLEACH SPARINGLY
Many of us like to use a large amount of liquid fabric softener because we think that it will make our clothes smell better. Do you know that just one teaspoon of the softener is able to soften a max capacity load? Just remember the front load washers use less water in their operations so we shouldn’t be over-using softeners and the same goes for bleach (regardless whether it’s concentrated or regular).
If you follow these maintenance tips for front load washers well, you’re sure to help your washing machines stay in a tip-top condition for longer. However, if your front load washer has completely malfunctioned and is beyond repair, maybe it’s time to look for your next front load washer!
