Tips To Prolong The Lifespan Of Your Front Load Washer

Posted on: 1 November 2017

You may not realize how much abuse your washing machine takes. From using the wrong cycles to washing continuous loads to laundering an enormous amount of heavy, bulky items, a great deal of stress is placed on this appliance. Unfortunately, the average lifespan of a front loading washer is around 14 years, so you may need to replace yours at one point in time. Thankfully, certain tasks will help protect the function of your washer for many years to come. Using this guide, you will learn a few simple tips to help prolong the lifespan of your front load washing machine.

Proper Use

First and foremost, you need to learn how to use your front load washer. Each manufacturer has their own recommendations on how to use the washer properly, so consult the owner's manual or contact them directly. However, here are a few tips to ensure you are using your front load washer properly:

  • Detergent – Front load models are capable of washing clothes using less water and less energy, but you should use a detergent designed for these efficient washers. Do not add an excessive amount of laundry detergent or powder to the dispenser tray, since the efficient detergent cleans without producing a lot of suds. If you are using pods, place the detergent pod at the bottom of the washer's tub before adding the clothes.
  • Loading – You do not need to pay attention to the weight of the items you are loading into the tub, but you should take the bulk of your laundry into consideration. Do not overstuff your laundry into the tub. The clothes, towels, or sheets should be placed in the tub so they are loose and not compacted together. A bulkier, stuffed load will imbalance the machine, resulting in noises, extra stress, and improperly washed and rinsed laundry.
  • Empty – While loading clothes into the washer, check each pocket or pouch. Make sure to remove all loose items and personal belongings from pockets and pouches before placing them into the washer's tub.
  • Remove – Never let damp clothes sit in the tub of your washer machine. As soon as your cycle is complete, remove them from the tub and place in your dryer. The moisture from the clothes will cause mold and mildew to develop inside your washer. Allow the front loading door to remain open for a few minutes after removing the damp laundry. This will help air out the tub.

Maintenance

You may think your front load washer does not require cleaning and maintenance, but these tasks are essential for protecting its function and lifespan.

To get started, consider cleaning out the interior tub every few weeks. Use a solution containing warm water and white vinegar. Spray the solution onto a cloth and wipe out the interior tub and door of your washer machine to remove any dirt, debris, mold, or mildew.

Locate the drain pump filters of your front load washer. This is usually located in the front at the bottom of your washer machine. Open the trap door and inspect the filter. Dirt, hair, and fabric will build up on this filter over time, so remove the filter and dispose of any debris. Rinse the filter with warm water before replacing. Without cleaning the filter, your washer will not drain water in an effective and efficient way. This can lead to excess moisture in the tub and unclean laundry.

Your front loader is important for your home and family's needs, so proper use and ongoing maintenance is necessary. With these tips, you will learn how to use and maintain your front load washer to ensure it is working properly for longer periods of time. For more information, contact companies like Affordable Appliance Repair.

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