Protecting The Interior Of Your Washing Machine From Rust
Posted on: 23 May 2018
If you have your washing machine in your damp basement, rust could become a problem. Although your washing machine looks great from the front, there could be rust forming behind the paint which will cause parts to fail and the machine to fall apart. You can protect your washing machine from rust. A little work and applying some rust-inhibiting spray paint will help to extend the life of your washing machine substantially. Here's how to do it.
Supply List
- Masking tape and newspaper
- Sandpaper
- Screwdriver
- Paper mask, safety goggles, and rubber gloves – to protect yourself from the overspray
- Rust inhibiting primer and paint
Prep Work
Turn off the water and disconnect the power, lines and drain hose. Pull the washing machine away from the wall.
Use a screwdriver to remove all of the screws on the back of the machine and lift off the rear cover. This will expose a lot of the internal components of the machine.
Wrap the wash drum and all of the mechanical components with newspaper and tape it firmly in place.
Lay newspaper on the floor around the washing machine to protect it from overspray.
Open windows and doors and turn on a fan to improve ventilation, so you don't inhale too much paint fumes.
Sand the Rust
If you see any rust, get your sandpaper and sand as much of it away as possible. The more time you spend removing the rust that has formed already, the better the results will be and the better protected your machine will be from future rust.
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Paint the Machine
You want to apply at least two coats of rust inhibiting primer allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Once the primer has cured completely, apply a coat of paint and then another. Two coats of primer and two coats of paint should do the trick.
Finish Up
Remove the newspaper and replace the back panel. Slide the machine back into place, connect all of the houses and plug it back in. Run an empty cycle with a few cups of white vinegar I place of laundry detergent; this will help to absorb the paint fumes and prevent them from getting trapped in the clothes that you wash.
If, while you work on this project, you find damage to the machine, contact your local appliance and washing machine repair professional. He or she will assist with making the best decision about the repairs to keep your machine washing for years to come.
Share