Three Useful Ways To Boost The Lifespan Of Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine drastically makes your life easier, especially if you have a large family. As such, the last thing you want to deal with is an appliance breakdown that requires either a repair or for you to replace the washing machine entirely. Going even a few days without a working washing machine can cause your laundry baskets to overflow quickly. Fortunately, there are several different strategies you can use to prolong the lifespan of your machine. Keep these three methods in mind when you use the appliance and you'll be increasing the likelihood of it running properly for as long as possible.

Adjust The Feet To Ensure It's Level

Your washing machine vibrates significantly while it runs – especially during the spin cycle. This vibration isn't a concern if the machine is sitting level on the floor of your laundry room, but it can pose a problem if the appliance isn't level. When it's not level, the vibration will be greater; excessive vibration can cause the machine's components to wear prematurely. You can ensure that the washing machine is perfectly level by individually adjusting the feet – all you need to do is turn them clockwise or counter-clockwise – until the machine doesn't wobble when you push on it from either side.

Don't Overdo The Detergent

It's easy to fall into the habit of adding a little extra detergent to dirty loads, but doing so can shorten the lifespan of the washing machine. When there's an excessive amount of detergent in the water, the machine's motor has to work harder to move the agitator. Additionally, if your clothes aren't completely devoid of soap residue by the end of the rinse cycle, you'll need to run the load through the machine again, which puts unnecessary wear and tear on all the components. Read your owner's manual to learn the recommended amount of detergent and make sure to follow this recommendation.

Open The Lid Between Loads

Leaving the lid of your washing machine closed when you're not using it can promote the growth of mildew. Over time, this problem can develop to the point that it's difficult to clean and you'll find yourself in the market for a new machine. You can negate this problem simply by keeping the lid of the machine open when you're not using it. Doing so allows the moist interior to dry and reduces the likelihood of mildew growth.

For more care tips, contact a company like Hudson Appliance Center.