Buying a washing machine is an expensive investment. But what can be more costly is its maintenance. Before your washing machine requires professional help for repairing parts, you can maintain it daily to keep it clean, protected and safe, thereby eliminating or reducing the maintenance costs.
By following a simple routine and avoiding general mistakes while operating the washing machine, you can keep it running for a long time. Let’s look at the general errors we make while using a washing machine and what we should do to keep the machine new for a long time.
Avoid Overloading Your Machine
Every small or big washing machine has its capacity. Do not put more clothes than the capacity served by the washing machine as it can reduce the device’s efficiency. On repetitive attempts, it can also damage the machine drum. At the same time, do not run the washing machine with one or two clothes; the device should be 40% loaded before running.
Check the Pockets of the Garments Before Putting Them in the Machine
If you are someone who dumps the clothes into the machine without checking the pockets, it is time to change this habit. Often, the clothes pockets have keys, coins, hooks and other materials that should be kept out of the machine. These can break the machine internally, and you might have to send it to repair immediately.
Don’t Use More Than the Detergent Amount Specified in the User Manual
Be it a 3 kg or a 6.5 kg automatic washing machine, you must abide by the manufacturer’s instructions and only use an adequate amount of detergent required to clean the clothes. If used in excess, it can leave residue on the washing machine, making it hard to clean.
Don’t Fill the Water Manually
Water should be filled in the machine through the inlet hose only. Do not fill the water manually in top or front load washing machines.
Don’t Keep the Washing Machine on an Uneven surface
The spinner within the washing machine runs at a high speed, which causes vibration through the machine. So, if it is not placed on an even floor, it can get imbalanced and fall. This can lead to high-cost repairs and even a new purchase if required.
Don’t Avoid Regular Cleaning
Instead of keeping the cleaning to once a month or once every six months, regular cleaning can keep your washing machine running for a long time. Follow the user manual and the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning effectively by adhering to the safety guidelines.
Avoid Keeping Candles, Heaters, Irons on Top of the Washing Machine
Keeping candles, heaters, and irons on the top of the washing machine can be dangerous. If either of them trips or falls on the electric socket due to the vibration of the motor running, it can cause a disaster.
Avoid Putting Glittery Clothes in the Washing Machine
Whether you have a 3-star or 5-star washing machine, putting glitter clothes in the machine can be a problem. The glitter can come off and stick to the other garments. Besides, they can also stick on the machine’s surface, which can be difficult to clean.
Don’t Keep the Washing Machine Door and Detergent Tray Closed After Wash
Ensure to keep the tray and the door open after every wash cycle to eliminate the smell. Besides, doing this will help the moisture to escape after the wash, thereby restricting mould formation on the interior walls.
In a Nutshell
Remember these eight points to maintain the washing machine effectively and increase its lifespan. So, if you notice a bad smell from the washing machine or realise it is not working as it used to, follow this procedure and the safety measures to maintain its functionality for a long time and remove the unwanted smell. And , if you’re planning to purchase a washing machine, practice these from the start to avoid facing such situations in the future.
