A washing machine is a convenient thing to have. But the things that are clean for you need to be maintained. Here are some tips to keep your washing machine running smoothly.
Clean the Pipes Often
Washing machines use the pipe system in your home. Water comes in and gets flushed out. But with all the dirt and lint that accumulates, it can get pretty grimy in there. So you need to clean out the pipes regularly. You can do this by running an empty hot wash with some bleach. Or by physically disconnecting the attachments and rinsing them with hot water. However, this method can be tricky, and you might need a residential plumbing repair service if you mess it up. If you aren’t sure, just go for a chemical treatment that should solve most issues.
Don’t Pour Fat Down the Sink
You might not realize it, but the pipes connected to your washing machine are also connected to the kitchen sink if they are in close proximity. So if the sink gets blocked, it could impact your washing machine. One of the biggest contributors to a clogged sink is hardened fat. Even in liquid form, when it’s hot, fat will solidify and build up inside the pipes. So there’s no way for your washing machine to flush water. Fortunately, you can unlock these by detaching them from your kitchen S-bend and removing any hardened fat that sits in the system. Just cover your nose!
Keep Your Washing Machine Running by Descaling
Hard water is a massive problem that causes scaling in water appliances. In the United States alone, hard water is supplied to over 90% of homes. Scaling is a build-up of the minerals found in hard water and, over time, becomes so bad that your washing machine will fail. However, you can easily combat limescale with pipe maintenance. Running a hot wash at 90 degrees with descaling tablets is usually enough to prevent most scaling issues. Most experts recommend you do this after every 3 to 4 washes. But it varies from washing machine brand to brand.
Keep the Machine Level
All too often, it’s easier to just put your machine in its place and leave it as it is. But your washing machine needs to be level for the best performance. And not doing this can have an impact on the lifespan of the engine and damage your flooring. When a washing machine spins, it breathes intense vibration strong enough to damage tiles. And it can move if not positioned correctly. Fortunately, almost all washing machines have legs you can adjust up and down. So use a spirit level while adjusting the legs to check your machine is in its best position.
Don’t Overload the Drum
Overloading a washing machine is a common issue. Most standard washing machines are designed for no more than 8 kg of weight. Any more than the recommended weight means your clothes can’t tumble properly and therefore won’t clean the way they are intended. Completely missing the point. And going over this can damage the machine. Additionally, a condenser washer dryer will take hours or even fail to dry your clothes if there is too much in there. Finally, you will use far more water than you need by running a machine over its capacity.
Summary
Washing machines can be a big help. But you need to look after them. To keep your washing machine running correctly, clean the pipes, descale often, and never overload the drum.
