Washing Machine Care

By now, everyone has seen the tip to use a top-loading washing machine as an ice chest for storing beverages in the event of bad weather. The question someone asked is, “Will that damage my washing machine?”

Our answer is, “That depends.”

One of the essential ingredients of washing machine care is to protect it from damage. A twist tie or plastic tab from bagged ice can damage your washer by scratching the inside of the drum (thanks to the wire in a twist tie) or by clogging the drainage hose. So, the solution is, if you decide to use your washer as an ice chest, please be meticulously careful to avoid leaving any foreign objects in it after the fact. Other items which can damage a machine include coins. (Although we’ve all done it!)

Keep the lid open

One of the easiest ways to protect your washing machine is to keep the lid open whenever it isn’t in an active wash cycle. Even if it’s only open a little, it will keep away the potential for mildew to grow and cause odors.

Keep it clean

Take a damp rag with a little vinegar on it and clean the outside of the machine, the door gasket, soap dispensers, the drum, and controls. Use two cups of vinegar in the hottest water wash and the longest cycle. In the last few minutes, add laundry detergent and let that agitate, too. Do this every few months or let the rate at which it gets dirty tell you how often to clean it.

Limit loads

Limit loads to a 1) reasonable amount of clothing and 2) articles which can balance appropriately in the drum of a top-loading machine. An unbalanced load can damage your washer, especially if it’s something substantial. Stay away from items with shed heavily, or have projections that can damage the machine such as eye hooks.

Detergent and dyes

If your machine instructions recommend a low suds detergent, follow that directive! Using too much soap is almost worse than using too little. It makes the dirt cling to certain areas of the clothing, and won’t allow clothes to agitate against one another, which is a big part of how a washing machine functions.

While some dye makers recommend using your washing machine to dye large items, use your best judgment. If you are considering using your washer, clean the machine thoroughly afterward, especially plastic parts.

Mechanics

Periodically make sure your machine is still stable and that the hoses are in good shape. Make sure the door shuts correctly and the drum spins smoothly. If your washer breaks, give us a call. We will come out and have it working again in short order!

Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call  813-302-7672 today!