Expert tips for using & maintaining a washing machine

While doing laundry has been made more simple than ever by the availability of washing machines, it’s important to make sure you’re informed about how to use them properly and safely to keep them running well.

By following a few safety and maintenance tips, you can lower repair costs, prevent damage due to wear and tear, avoid injuries and extend the life of your washing machine.

If you need any replacement parts for your washer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all kinds of DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, part replacements, etc. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the manufacturer documentation for your specific appliance model or contact us with any questions.

Read more: Surprising Things That Can & Can’t Go in the Washer

General maintenance & safety tips

Keep your washer in top shape and safe to use by following these recommendations.

Read the use and care manual

Before washing the first load of laundry, take the time to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instruction manual to prevent any hiccups. This documentation provides:

• Guidance on using all cycles, buttons, and indicator lights properly
• Safety information about hazards and how to avoid them
• Maintenance procedures for cleaning, upkeep and installation
• Basic troubleshooting tips you can attempt yourself

Restrict access

Washing machines may seem like the perfect size for playtime for kids and pets. To prevent hazardous situations:

• Use baby gates, doors, or other barriers to keep laundry areas inaccessible.
• Avoid leaving the lid or door open if you aren’t around the washer to supervise.
• Install child locks on machine controls so the washer can’t be accidentally activated.
• Install a vented, secure cover over the lid of the washer when it’s not in use so it can dry without the risk of accidents.

Keep the laundry room dry

Spilled detergent, splashed water, and leaks around the washing machine can create slippery floors and other safety hazards.

• Immediately wipe any detergent spills or water puddles.
• Address leaks from hoses, pumps or fittings as soon as possible.
• Use a dehumidifier, open windows or open the door if the laundry room air stays humid. Good ventilation and air circulation prevent mold and mildew growth, which can damage surfaces over time.

Check the hoses

Over time, washing machine hoses steadily weaken from constant water pressure and bending. If one of these hoses bursts, it can flood an entire home in just a few hours.

Inspect the hoses periodically for:

• Cracks, leaks, kinks, bulges, and corrosion, all of which signal hose deterioration
• Loose connections
• Older, rubber hoses, which can be replaced with newer steel-reinforced ones

Catching weak hoses early can help prevent catastrophic water damage and flooding expenses. If you know you’ll be away from home for an extended period, it’s best to turn off the water supply to the washer to prevent any negative surprises when you return.

Use a grounded electrical outlet

Only plug a washing machine into a properly grounded wall outlet. Grounding provides critical protection if an electrical malfunction occurs. Signs of faulty wiring include:

• Frequently blown fuses when the washer runs
• Lights that are dimming or flickering when the machine turns on
• The user receives small shocks from the machine

If you notice any indications of faulty wiring, call a licensed electrician immediately and don’t use the washing machine until the issue is corrected.

Clean the lint filter 

If you have a front-load washer, it may have a lint filter that’s designed to catch and trap lint, hair, and other small debris that gets dislodged from clothing during the wash cycle. The lint filter helps prevent those particles from clogging the machine’s drainage system and pump. 

If your washer model has a lint filter, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in the use and care manual for your specific model. Manufacturers typically recommend cleaning the filter every 3-6 months, depending on how much you use the washer.

General steps for cleaning the filter:

1. Find the filter access panel. It’s typically located at the front bottom of the machine, behind a small panel or cover. It may also be on the side or back, depending on the model. 
2. Check the tub to make sure there’s no standing water in it before you remove the filter.
3. Unscrew or pop open the panel to access the filter. 
4. Remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise unless indicated differently on the filter housing. 
5. Have a towel or bowl ready under the filter area to catch any remaining water in the housing. 
6. Rinse the filter under running water to remove any lint, debris or blockages. HE (high efficiency) washers often have a finer mesh filter that’s designed to capture smaller particles. This type of filter may require more thorough cleaning to remove lint and debris that can build up over time. You can use a soft brush to scrub it clean.
7. Once the filter is clean, reinsert it by turning it clockwise until it’s secured in place. 
8. Close the filter panel.

Read more: Tips For Preventing Laundry Damage in Your Washing Machine

Maintenance tips for everyday use

Here’s what you should do each time you use your washing machine.

Check your pockets

Always check your clothing pockets and shake out laundry before washing them. Loose items like tissues, chapstick, coins, nails, pens, buckles, or small toys often get overlooked in pockets and, if they enter the washing machine, they can cause considerable damage.

Small items can get lodged in small crevices and pump parts or puncture through the drum rubber seal or tub and allow leaks. They can also tear, rip, or damage clothing and fabrics during a wash cycle.

Check the washer’s interior before use

While it’s important to leave the lid or door of your washing machine open when not in use to prevent mold and mildew accumulation, it’s just as important to take a peek inside the machine before loading it with laundry.

If there are pets and/or children in your home, they could climb inside the washer if it’s left open. This could result in injuries or death if the washer isn’t checked before starting a cycle. Always supervise children and pets in the household and look closely in the machine before you hit the start button.

Don’t overload the tub

While you might be tempted to overload the washer with extra clothes, overloading can cause several issues, including:

• Poor washing performance, as detergent and water can’t properly circulate through tightly packed items
• Added stress on the motor, drive belt, drum bearings, and other parts, which can cause them to wear out faster.
• Increased chance of weight imbalance, which can cause excess vibration and shaking

For the best washing experience and results, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended maximum load capacity for your specific washer model.

Use the right detergent

With many different types of laundry detergent on the market, it’s important to make sure you select the right one for your washing machine model. Here are some things to consider:

• Liquid detergents provide superior stain removal but may create too many suds in some machines.
• Powder detergents excel at lifting dirt but some may not fully dissolve, which can leave residue on laundry and in the machine.
• HE (high-efficiency) detergent is formulated to produce fewer suds and should be used in HE machines since regular detergent will create too many suds in these models.

Read more: Pros And Cons Of Top-Load Vs Front-Load Washing Machines

Ongoing maintenance tips

Like any major appliance, washing machines need regular maintenance to maximize their performance and lifespan. Over time, washers experience wear and tear, some of which can be avoided. Here’s how you can clean your washing machine so it provides the best results with each load of laundry.

• Run a cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner, vinegar or baking soda to remove any built-up debris or odors.
• If you have a top-load model, check the agitator for lint buildup and debris inside the basket.
• Inspect the water supply lines for any signs of mineral buildup, damage or leaks. Replace any damaged or leaking lines.
• Inspect the drain hose for any signs of damage or leaks. Replace it if needed.
• Clean the top panel, lid and hinges of debris and check for rust.
• Check the detergent dispenser for blockages or clogs. Flush it with warm water to clear any debris.
• If you have a front-load model, check and clean the drain pump filter at least once every six months. Remove any debris you find.
• In a front-load model, inspect the rubber door seal for damage or debris and clean it with a mild detergent and water solution at least once a month. Leave the door open between cycles to prevent mold buildup. Replace the seal if it’s damaged.

Read more: How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any appliance repair needs or projects, you can find other resources and our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in 2-3 business days.

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