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Quick Guide to Maintaining Your Washer and Dryer
Any appliance worth buying is worth maintaining: washers and dryers are no exception. Unfortunately, today’s consumer culture has led people to believe that items should be replaced as soon as they show any signs of trouble and that you should throw away old appliances much more often than necessary.
In reality, with regular maintenance, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by using the same appliances for ten years or longer.
With some elbow grease and a little know-how, you can keep your washer and dryer running for years and years. Here are our top tips for maintaining these crucial appliances:
- After every load … clean out the dryer lint filter. This will improve efficiency and reduce the chance of lint catching fire. Double check the door and gaskets for gaps, and make sure the washing machine is firmly level. Ensure that your detergent is compatible with the machine — certain detergents can damage specific models. Lastly, put your clothes in the dryer ASAP. The longer they stay in the washer, the more likely mold and mildew will develop
- Once a month … look over the washing machine hoses and note any bulges, tight fittings, or signs of dry rot. Keep in mind that if a hose breaks, it can spill gallons upon gallons of water each hour, causing exorbitant amounts of water damage and a massive headache. As such, replace any hoses that are damaged but otherwise replace them once every few years. Look over dryer exhaust ducts and remove any obstructions or folded corners. Many people also forget to clean their gaskets (use a solution of water and vinegar), as well as the drain pump filter on front-loading washers. The filter can get clogged and cause overflow as well, so don’t overlook this one!
- Once a year … clean the entire duct line, from your dryer to the port outside your house. A clean duct will dramatically improve efficiency, which saves you money on your energy bill. Furthermore, this ensures you won’t experience a house fire as a result of a clogged duct. The National Fire Protection Association reports that over 16,000 house fires occur every year as a result of dryers and washing machines, making this part of a maintenance a must.
Still have questions or concerns about how to best maintain your washer and dryer ? Here at Doc’s Appliances, we take great pride in our work assisting handymen in the Metro Detroit area. Give us a call and we’d be happy to walk you through these maintenance steps or provide any advice you may need. Call us today!
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