A washing machine is an everyday household essential. Foods, clothes, and shelter are a human’s necessities. Clean clothes? Even better. But as you may have already learned through experience or read about through others’ woes, washing machines can be a finicky lot. So here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your new washing machine.
About Your New Washer
The good news is that the average lifespan of a new washer is anywhere from five to twelve years… wow, that’s a big disparity. So what makes a washer last five years and not twelve years? Well, the brand certainly makes a difference. Before you even buy a new washer, do your homework; read some reviews. It’s a fact that some manufacturers have gotten it right, and others haven’t.
It’s also important to (gasp!) read the manual that came with your new washing machine. This seems unimportant, especially as newer models are so user-friendly with their digital displays and touch pads, but the manufacturer provides important instructions for caring for your washer that shouldn’t be ignored.
Hard Water Is The Enemy
You’ve probably heard about hard water; especially from women about how their hair is frizzy or their skin is dry, or maybe you’ve had dishes come out of the dishwasher with streaks on them? These are all the result of hard water. When mineral deposits, such as magnesium and calcium, build up in your pipes, the result is hard water.
Hard water entering your washer can result in mineral deposits in the lines, which can eventually lead to your washer not working efficiently or malfunctioning altogether.
The best solution is to install a water softener or filter on your main water line. This will remove minerals from your water before they enter your house. Not only will it extend the life of your washer, it will also fix your hard water-related streaky dishes and dry skin problems.
Use A Washing Machine Cleaner
A common complaint among owners of new washing machines (especially front-loaders) is washer odor. Washer odor can be caused by a variety of things including residual water, detergent mistakes, and a build-up of lint and other material. Washer odor can transfer to your “clean” clothes and cause an embarrassing, and stinky, situation. But the real “ick” factor is what causes washer odor: mildew.
To dissuade mildew from ever dreaming of taking up residence in your washer, use a washing machine cleaner, such as Smelly Washer, regularly. A washing machine cleaner should be used with no clothes in the tub on the hottest or preset “clean” cycle, about twice a month. Smelly Washer is made of all-natural ingredients that safely and effectively eliminate and prevent mildew, fungus, and odor from your washing machine. Use a washing machine cleaner to maintain that fresh-out-of-the-box “new washer” smell for years to come.
Posted under How to Choose Your Washing Machine, How to Clean Your Appliances, How to Repair Your Appliances
This post was written by smellywasher on September 4, 2009
We have very hard water at our house, and we cannot afford a water softener at this time. Can we not add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to prevent mineral build-up inside the washer?
Linda,
Go to http://bit.ly/ewagkl to read opinions on using white vinegar rather than rinse aid in dishwashers.
Thanks, Paul