Washing machines are a critical appliance to every homeowner; it seems that they break down at the worst possible times and can be expensive to repair. You’ve probably spent hours sitting and waiting for a repairman, but did you know that most broken washing machines problems could have been avoided with very simple maintenance?
Identifying common washing machine issues
Nearly all washing machine problems arise from one or more of the following causes:
- Problems with the water supply system
- Incorrect loading of clothes into the washing machine
- Not using high-quality detergents and fabric softeners
- Incorrect levels of detergent
- Clothes coming out dirtier than when they went in (this is very costly in terms of wasted energy)
Keeping your washing machine in shape
Even though a washing machine’s specific parts and components vary from model to model, most washing machines have a few things in common. The following tips apply to all standard-size top-load clothes washers:
- Keep your eyes on the water supply hoses. Continuous water flow can cause leaks that are difficult to detect. If the hoses are leaking, they need to be replaced.
- Make sure you have enough clothes in the washer, so there is a minimum of 1/2 inch of water above the center of the load after it spins. This ensures proper wash action, optimal water usage and helps eliminate the need to re-wash items.
- Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs that would prevent water from draining correctly. Clean out any debris found in the hose.
- Clean the filter screen often to keep it free of residue buildup (i.e., lint, etc.)
If, despite this, you find yourself in need of washing machine repairs, contact All Area Appliance. We‘re committed to keeping your appliances in top condition. Visit our website today to learn more.