The washing machine has evolved with the times. A top load washing machine was one of the most utilized commodities in the household for decades. The old power horse would thoroughly clean and rinse a cloth which was then taken out and left to dry. Later a remodelled version of the washing machine came along- the front loading type. Energy efficient and water saving, this new machine came stacked with a dryer. Needless to say consumers quickly replaced the top with the front load and today it is so popular enough that soon the top loading version would be out of manufacturing.
However as efficient and convenient as the new model is, it is prone to break down. The parts are complicated (and expensive) and they also have a high breakdown rate and repair cost. Some reviewers and complain sites have stated that it has been more cost- effective to buy a new machine altogether than pay for expensive parts. Here are some washers and dryer maintenance tips that will not only eliminate unnecessary expenses when something breaks down but will also prolong the life of the appliance.
Washer maintenance
One of the most basic suggestions is to avoid overloading the machine. Â Overloading a washer-dryer can result in the dislodging of hoses and vents inside it which can cause malfunctioning. Many consumers notice that too many clothes in the washer often results in its shaking which is often accompanied by the rattling sound of an overworking engine. This is often the result of the airflow being clogged and can be easily avoided by putting a measured amount of clothes, at a time.
Another very simple act one can do is to leave the door open between every wash. It may seem like a strange practice but it has an explanation. After a wash, the insides of a washer accumulates plenty of moisture, which in a damp and closed environment might result in mold growth. Â This growth gives rise to a foul stench and can cause fungal growth in the next batch of clothes, especially in rainy season. It is advisable to leave the front door open at a slight degree angle for this to not happen.
Replace and clean
In order to save money by not having some 3rd party come and replace the machine parts, it is easier if you do it yourself. Washer and dryer maintenance tips that should be duly noted by consumers who use a washing machine frequently should be: replace and clean every few months. This includes cleaning the water filters and vents. The vents and filters can be located using the instruction manual. An online search of the company and model will get you all the information. The vents can get clogged or blocked with food bits and hair follicles and it is wise to clean them every six months or so. The hoses should also be replaced as they often become brittle with excessive usage.
Dryer Maintenance
Similar to washer maintenance, one can take a few precautionary steps to make sure the components of a dryer last longer and run effectively. For example many consumers do not care about the positioning of the washing machine to the wall which results in a long ventilation pipe being used. What this means is that the dryer needs to exert a lot more energy to push out the moist air which results in longer dry cycles. A short vent pipe will make life easier for the dryer. Another thing to keep in mind is to not over dry the clothes. The longer the clothes revolve inside, the faster it wears the dryer, not to mention the extra use of electricity.
The user manual comes with a host of options on how to use the dryer which can be found in the multiple setting options. It is advisable to read up on it and use the correct time and duration settings.
