Our laundry machines can be the unsung heroes of our homes, diligently scrubbing away grime and smells from our clothes while we accomplish other tasks. However, all this magic does come with a price, and if you’re not careful, your washer or dryer may cause a lot of hassle and mess without proper maintenance.
The good news is you don’t have to hire a handyman to come out and do it all for you–we’ve done the research and compiled some quick tips from Storage Units in Grand Junction Kansas to get you started on the most important of washer and dryer maintenance.
There are some easy things that you can be doing each day, month, or year depending on the task for your washer and dryer to extend their life cycle and guarantee the cleanest laundry possible.
Front Loading Washers
- Many of today’s washing machines are front loaders–they use less water, less detergent, fit more laundry, and many claim they clean clothes better!
- A stinky smell is a common deterrent from a front loading washer, but many owners have found regular maintenance to prevent this from happening.
- Make sure to leave the washer door propped open when not in use, and after putting a load in the dryer, use a clean, dry towel to dry off the seal around the door.
- Don’t leave wet clothes in the dryer for more than a few hours.
- Only use the recommended amount of detergent (less really is more in front loaders!) and make sure it is safe for HE machines.
- Run a monthly self-cleaning cycle with bleach or soaps made specifically for washing machines. (Washing your washing machine?! Take our word for it–it’s a good idea!)
Top Loading Machines
- Top loading machines are a bit easier to maintain, but also need some daily and weekly cleanings to keep them running well.
- Leaving the lid open on your washer when not in use is also a good idea for top loaders.
- Regularly clean out the fabric softener dispenser and the bleach dispenser.
- Run a monthly self cleaning with hot water and bleach or soap designed for washing machines.
Intake Screens on Washers
- Once a month, remove and clean the intake screens where water-supply hoses enter the washing machine–this applies to any type of washer.
- These screens can become clogged with dirt and mineral buildup from your water supply.
Dryers
- Make sure to clean the lint filter after every load is dried.
- Check to see if your door seal is letting out hot air, forcing your dryer to work harder for each load. Hold a tissue near the door while the dryer is running–if the tissue is sucked toward the door, you need to replace the door seal.
- Twice a year, clean the lint filter with soap and hot water to remove build up from the products used to clean your clothes.
- Using your vacuum cleaner, suck lint out of the exhaust duct of your dryer and out of the dryer heat box–this should at least be done once a year, preferably more.
These are some easy-to-do daily and weekly tips that can really help your machines work more efficiently and last longer–saving you time in utilities, repairs, and the cost of new machines!
If you’ve had your washer and dryer in storage for a while or just moved into a home with a new-to-you washer and dryer, you’ll definitely want to follow these steps right away before starting your household’s laundry routine.
And, if you find yourself needing to store your washer and dryer during a move or travel, give us at Self Assured Storage a call! We are experts at safely and securely storing your property, keeping it in great condition until you need it again!
