With the summer months upon us, laundry can seem to be a never ending job. The only thing worse than having an endless pile of dirty clothes around the house is having a washing machine on the fritz. Keep your washing machine in top shape with these tips and you'll have an end in sight for that nasty mountain of soiled laundry.
Loads of outdoor activity for the family can mean multiple changes of clothing. Multiply that by more than one person and you have yourself a full-time job when it comes time to washing, drying, folding and putting away all that clothing. Take care of your washing machine so that it will take care of you during the busiest season of the year.
Keep it clean
Put a little more effort into cleaning your washing machine. A simple wipe of the surface will do nothing to prevent breakdowns. If your clothes aren't coming out as clean as they once did or you detect an odor coming from your washing machine, it's time for a deep clean. There are several cleaners on the market that will get the job done, but a cup of vinegar in a very hot cycle is often all that's needed. Done on a regular basis, your washing machine will perform as it did the day you brought it home.
Be gentle and follow the rules
Your washing machine likes a certain climate of conditions and this includes being level. Ensure that it is level both from side to side and front to back. This ensures that your machine won't have to work as hard to get the job done. Don't overload it. Although front load machines enjoys and actually perform better with a full load, be careful not to overload it. Years of use coupled with this kind of abuse will shorten the lifespan of your washing machine. More isn't always better. Using too much detergent can clog pipes and actually hinder your machine's ability to clean well.
Inspect
At the start of each season, take the time to inspect your machine. Check for clogs in the hoses. A partial clog may not be immediately evident but will affect the way your machine operates and could lead to bigger problems down the road. Check on the soap and fabric softener dispensers and ensure they have not become gummed up with residue. Check that your machine is getting a good seal. That the rubber surrounding the lid is soft and intact. Check for leaks. A small leak will soon become a big mess unless caught early.
If you've ever had to do without a washing machine in the middle of the summer, you've already learned the hard way that a little prevention can go a long way. Take care of your washing machine and it will take care of you.
In the event that your washer or dryer does break down during the summer time A. McKenna Plumbing can fix your washer or dryer in a jiffy and is committed to your satisfaction. Check out our Current Specials or Contact Us today!