Top 8 Easy Ways to Improve Your Washing Machine Lifespan

Increasing the longevity of your washing machine is easier than you think, and small habit changes can protect your investment in this indispensable laundry workhorse. From maximizing load capacities and avoiding overuse with each wash to choosing the best detergents for fabric types, we go over the best ways to extend the washing machine lifespan. 

Featuring steps for comprehensive care and maintenance such as cleaning buildup, checking vents and hoses, and pre-wash pocket checks that catch rogue pens ruining entire loads, gain peace of mind by following simple strategies for keeping clothes and costs cleaner with a longer-lasting washer.

How To Improve Washing Machine Lifespan

To increase the longevity of your washing machine, implement some simple proactive care habits. You can extend the life of your appliance by keeping track of usage patterns, cleaning schedules, and components that require routine maintenance. 

We outline key steps that have a significant positive impact in protecting against scale deposits, unbalanced loads, and deterioration:

Regular Cleaning 

Regular cleaning ensures that you prolong the lifespan of your washing machine. The exterior and door wiping should be done monthly, gaskets should also be cleaned every month, use mild detergent only. 

Clear the detergent drawer of the dispenser drawer at least once in every few months to ensure that there is no residue buildup. Run a hot water cycle to deter impurities and bacteria. Possess a cleaning routine to ensure your washer is always clean and live long. Just a few minor steps of maintenance can make a big difference in the lifetime of any appliance.

Don’t Overload the Machine

Overloading your washing machine stresses the motor and reduces its lifespan. For optimal load sizes, consult the user manual. Top loaders usually have a 3/4th full, while front loaders are 1/2 to 2/3rd capacity. Distribute clothes evenly while preventing packing them too full. 

Wash heavy items such as blankets one at a time. Keeping loads properly sized improves washing performance as well as increases the longevity of your machine.

Use the Right Detergent

Using the correct detergent is the main thing in the longer use life of the washing machine. Choose a detergent that is made specifically for your type of machine and the type of laundry you are washing. 

An excess of detergent is likely to produce too much foam that will prevent efficient rinsing and eventually cause plaque. It can, however, result in strain on the machine’s components which then reduces a machine’s performance and lifetime. 

To achieve the best washing effects and the lifetime at the same time, you need to follow the manufacturer's care and use guidelines, especially the type and amount of detergents to be used.

Check Lint Filter and Vents

Regardless, getting the lint traps and vents checked permanently is critical to maintaining the quality of service and washing machine lifespan. Lint catchers and vents also allow dirt to be removed so that the machine can drain smoothly. 

Blocked-up filters and vents can lead to airflow reduction or drainage blockages resulting in reduced performance and damage to the machine. By cleaning the parts all the time, you will stop the blockages and make sure that the water flows normally. 

Besides, the use of a water softener for washing machine, like Akira Wash, will additionally help in preventing mineral buildup that can reduce the life of the machine and will make it more effective and efficient. Routine ventilators, lint filters, and water softener maintenance are critical for the efficient use of the machine.

Keep the Washer Balanced

A balanced washer, however, is one that will extend its life for a long time. The spin cycle can get very shaky if the machine is not balanced. This might even damage the internal components or even cause the machine to shift from its location. 

You should use a spirit level to make sure that the washer is level on the ground, and you shall adjust the feet if you find this necessary. Proper balance ensures that the machine does not place too much strain on itself which in turn makes it run smoother and for longer periods. 

Routine verification and maintenance of the set level can be helpful in saving the life of the washer and in protecting against expensive repairs.

Check Pockets before Washing

There is something to check before you wash. Such items as pounds, keys, and other small things may break the washing machine. These materials may clump up in the pump or damage internal parts during washing.

Also, use a water softener in your laundering process to prevent mineral deposits on your washer machines hence they work gently for longer. A water softener is an easy way to ensure the durability of the washing machine and checking the pockets is a simple trade-off.

Use Water Softener

Water softeners prevent hard water damage and thus extend the life of washing machines. Hard water leaves mineral deposits that can clog pipes and hoses. A softener removes these minerals so they don't stick and accumulate inside the machine. This allows parts to run smoothly for many years without requiring expensive repairs. 

Easy external options, such as Teknovus' Akira filter, attach to pipes and use safe waves to change the water before it enters the washer. 

Softeners also make cleaning easier because they keep inner parts clear. When hardness minerals are prevented from harming machines, people notice that their washers work as well as they did years ago.

Do Regular Maintenance 

At the same time, scheduled maintenance is a very crucial factor for extending the lifespan of your washing machine. The same applies to checking the hoses and their wear or damage, by the way, and replacing them if necessary. 

Furthermore, washing the drawer and dispenser of the detergent regularly prevents the detergent buildup and improves the functions.

You also need to do much the same as you'd check and tighten any loose bolts and screws and look for possible leaks in order to make sure your machine is in good working order.

Conclusion

Simple but effective methods like water softener use can really extend the service life of your washing machine. Using methods that deal with issues like mineral accumulation and keeping it in optimum performance by regular maintenance, you will be able to operate the device efficiently for a long time. 

Moreover, steps like checking pockets before washing or putting an egg tray in the clothes drum will make it even longer lasting. 

Consequently, spending some time and effort on the maintenance of your washing machine will not only enable you to save your money on repairs but also ensure that it reliably continues to provide the service it must do, even after a cycle.