Your washing machine is an expensive appliance that should last many years. Just how long it lasts, however, depends partly on how well you take care of it. For more info about what you can do to prolong the life of your washing machine, read the following three tips:
- Make sure the washing machine is level
- Use vinegar for hard water
- Check the hoses every year
Keep the Washing Machine Level
A level washing machine is very important. If the appliance is not level, it will rock back and forth when you use it, especially on the regular spin cycle. Prolonged rocking motion can loosen parts that will eventually break. Adjust the leg height to level the machine. Make sure the top is level front to back, side to side, and diagonally. The leveling needs to be done every time you move the appliance to a new location. Also, level the machine if you notice that it happens to be rocking back and forth while in use. When you purchase a washing machine, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to adjust the leg height of your particular machine.
Use Vinegar
Not only does hard water make your clothes dingy, hard water deposits can build up in your washing machine. Vinegar is a great antidote for hard water. Rather than using a rinse aid, try adding a quarter cup of vinegar to your machine’s rinse cycle. This will help the hard water rinse out of your clothes and help prevent buildup on the machine. Periodically, dump about half a gallon of vinegar in the washing machine and run it through a rinse cycle to remove any deposits that have built up.
Check Hoses Every Year
Hoses wear out over time. They can split or break without your knowledge. It is a good idea to check your hoses each year as part of winterizing your home or doing spring cleaning. Look for cracks or splitting in the hoses. At the first sign, make sure you get them replaced. You also might want to consider installing stainless steel, corded hoses. These hoses are burst-resistant and last much longer than traditional rubber hoses. For more info about burst-resistant hoses, talk with a local appliance repair company.
