5 Tips To Make Your Washing Machine Last Longer

A new washing machine can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 (or more), but it’s a necessary appliance for modern-day living. It takes the burden of cleaning clothes, towels and other garments off your shoulders, allowing you to focus your time and energy on other activities. This is why it’s important to get as much as use out of your washing machine as possible.

 

#1) Check Your Pockets

 

Whether you own a top-loader or front-loader, the golden rule of using a washing machine is to check your pants’ pockets before starting a load of laundry. Small items such as coins, pens, paperclips and keys can damage or even destroy the unit’s drum, and they can also get sucked down into the drain line, preventing the water inside your washing machine from draining properly.

 

#2) Don’t Overload It

 

I think we’ve all been guilty of overloading the washing machine at one point or another. When you have a pile of laundry in your bedroom, you might toss it into a single load rather than splitting it up. Overloading the washing machine, however, can drastically shorten its life by contributing to greater wear of its mechanical components. Read, and follow, the manufacturer’s load capacity recommendations when washing clothes and laundry.

 

#3) Use Detergent Wisely

 

When it comes to laundry detergent, it’s usually best to follow the less is more approach. Far too many people overload their unit with an excessive amount of detergent, assuming it will yield cleaner clothes. But in reality, the abundance of detergent promotes the growth of mildew and mold, which can settle into hard-to-reach cracks and crevices.

 

#4) Keep It Level

 

Is your washing machine level? If not, you should adjust the feet so it’s even and level with the floor. Uneven washing machines are more likely to suffer damage due to the constant vibration and aggressive “bouncing” that occurs during its normal cycles. Thankfully, this problem is easily fixed by adjusting the feet located on the bottom of the unit.

 

#5) Wash Full Loads

 

Last but not least, you can extend the life of your washing machine by washing full loads. Instead of washing a handful of socks, wait until you have other garments to complete the load. In addition to prolonging the life of your unit, it will also reduce your water usage, which subsequently saves you money on your monthly utility bills.