Why is it important to read the washing machine’s user manual? How to clean a washing machine using purchased products and homemade solutions?
We all remember how household appliances used to last much longer than they do today. Washing machines worked for decades with occasional repairs, and even televisions had lifespans measured in decades. Today, the situation is a bit different.
However, more frequent replacements of household appliances are primarily due to the fact that we are now bombarded with information about new products with new features that promise to change many things.
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The truth is, today’s household appliances are incomparably more advanced than those from a few decades ago. But that doesn’t mean they can’t last long and perform flawlessly. Modern washing machines offer a wealth of functions, and we shouldn’t shy away from them.
Still, it would be logical to make the most out of the appliance you’ve already purchased. It’s a misconception that today’s washing machines can’t last as long as they used to. All it takes is a little care.
Follow the User Manual
After purchasing a new washing machine, it will be enough to carefully read the user manual. It outlines the most basic things you need to follow, which might be particularly significant for that specific model of the washing machine.
The most important information you’ll find in the manual is how much laundry can be loaded into the washing machine. Avoid overloading it, as this risks overworking the appliance.
The washing machine drum rotates on bearings that will wear out faster due to regular overloading. The same goes for the drum’s suspension, and the motor will also work under greater strain. Overloading the washing machine also means your laundry won’t be as clean. Generally, the washing machine drum should be filled to just over half its capacity.
Regular Cleaning of the Washing Machine is Key
Today, many supermarkets sell a wide range of cleaning products for washing machines. Most of them are effective, and besides removing grease and limescale, higher-quality products also care for the washing machine’s rubber parts, which are the most sensitive.
Tap water, water contains a lot of limescale, so it is recommended to rinse the washing machine at least twice a year. Of course, if you want to save money or prefer more natural solutions, you can effectively clean your washing machine with products you probably already have in your kitchen.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine Using Household Items
Pour as much white vinegar as can fit into the detergent and fabric softener dispenser, and pour the rest of the one-quart bottle into the drum. Start the program with the highest temperature. The vinegar will break down all the limescale that has accumulated over the years.
After the vinegar treatment, mix about 1 cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of warm water and pour this solution into the drum. Set the program to the highest temperature, without pre-washing, and repeat the rinse cycle twice. The longer the program, the more effective the cleaning, as the chemical processes will last longer.
Once the washing cycle is finished, clean the filters, as dirt will have accumulated in them. For older and more neglected machines, the filter should be cleaned twice – before and after the cleaning process.
Regularly Check the Door Seal, Dispenser, and Filter
The door seal of the washing machine is one of the most sensitive parts. Its replacement is usually not expensive or complicated, but a little care is enough to make it last as long as the appliance itself. For example, when you clean the washing machine, check the door seal.
Usually, dirt accumulates in the folds at the bottom, which needs to be removed. It’s not uncommon to find hairpins, coins, and other objects in the folded part at the bottom of the seal.
In addition to checking the seal, cleaning the washing machine can also include washing the detergent and fabric softener dispenser drawer. It can be completely removed from its housing and thoroughly washed above the sink.
When the machine is used regularly, there is always moisture in the dispenser drawer, making it a suitable place for microbes to develop, so cleaning this part may sometimes need to be done more frequently.
In the manual for your appliance, find where the filter is located and how to remove it. Use this regular maintenance to check and clean it as needed. Instructions on how to remove and clean the filter are always included in the manual for the specific appliance you have. If you’ve lost the manual, PDF versions are easily found online.
If Possible, Leave the Washing Machine Door Open
After the every washing cycle is complete, it is advisable to leave the washing machine door open for a while. Just as with dishwashers, after the wash cycle is finished, it’s necessary for the remaining water vapor to exit the appliance. If the washing machine is in a place where it won’t be in the way, the door can always be left slightly open.
Photo. LG