HOW TO MAINTAIN A WASHING MACHINE?
Washing machines are the most used household appliance. Yet, we ignore their maintenance. It leads to odors, leakages, machine breakdown & poor performance. We can avoid all of the above problems simply by taking time out to maintain washing machine regularly.
Things you will need
White vinegar
Sponge
Rags
A new seal suitable for your washing machine
Baking Soda
Hot water
A toothbrush
Step 1
Remove bad smells & prevent them from developing again!
Over time, an unpleasant smell develops in the washing machine. It sometimes even adheres to washed clothes. There are two reasons due to which this occurs. One is the leftover soapy residue & gunk buildup & the second reason is not allowing the washing unit to air dry. Therefore, rinse your washing machine thoroughly after you finish doing laundry.
You can also do a high-temperature vacuum wash with vinegar or baking soda to eliminate bacteria. It will remove all the unpleasant odors from the washing machine. Also, keep the washer lid or window open between laundry rounds or after you have finished.
Step 2
Checking & replacing the window seal
If you have a front-loading washing machine, moisture and mold accumulate on the window seal causing unpleasant odors. Therefore, clean the rubber seal lining the door with vinegar & a regular detergent. If you realize that the seal is cracked or worn out, we advise you to replace it. First, remove the window of the washing machine with a screwdriver. Then remove the spring or clamping collar (depending on your washing machine) that holds the seal. If it’s a spring, you can detach it with a flathead screwdriver. For a clamp, all you have to do is loosen it to remove it. Then gently remove the used seal, being careful not to cut yourself. You can now install the new seal. To do this, first, lubricate the area using WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant to facilitate its insertion. Then install the new seal following the reverse procedure.
Step 3
Check the hoses
All kinds of washing machines, be it semi-automatic or automatic, have hoses that serve as water inlets & for water drainage. Keep an eye on these for any cracks or leaks. Cracks & leaks will result in water wastage. Check the drainage pipes for any bulging or bends. It may occur due to the accumulation of lint or dirt. Be sure to empty the drainage pipes thoroughly.
Step 4
Clean the detergent tray
The detergent tray also tends to get dirty over time, so you must add this step to your maintenance regimen. Take the detergent tray out of the washing machine. Then soak it for thirty minutes in hot water mixed with two tablespoons of bicarbonate. Then remove dirt from the grooves and hard-to-reach areas of the bin by rubbing with an old toothbrush. Finally, rinse well under running water and dry it with a dry cloth before putting it back in the washing machine.
Step 5
Clean the lint filter
The lint filter is a small yet essential part of the washing tub. It collects lint & other debris during the wash. You need to clean this ideally after every laundry session. Because if the lint filter bag gets full, it will not be able to collect the debris. The debris will remain in the water & adhere to the clothes as well. Not only this, but a dirty lint filter can also cause significant damage to the agitator & pulsator. Thus, affecting the performance of the washing machine negatively.
Step 6
Remove squeaks from the lid or door of the washing machine window!
If the window door emits strange squeaks, lubricate the window hinge with the WD-40 Multifunction Product to ensure a smooth opening and closing with each use. For top-loading machines, you can follow the same process of lubricating the hinges. It will not only prevent them from squeaking but also make opening the lid easier.
Step 7
Clean the outer body of the washing machine
Since you’ve decided to take care of your washing machine, do not forget its outer casing & body. Wipe it with a dry & clean cloth after you finish the laundry. Keep the washing machine covered when not in use to avoid dirt & dust accumulation.
Conclusion
By following the above steps, you can easily maintain your washing machine without any hassle. You can prolong its life & improve its efficiency too. Plus, you don’t need to call in a professional to help you do this task. Therefore, get started & let us know how it turned out.
Disclaimer
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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