When you’re down to your last pair of socks, the last thing you want to experience is a broken washer or faulty dryer. For most homeowners, laundry is already one of your least favorite chores without the threat of a costly breakdown!
While our experts at S&S Appliance are perfectly equipped to provide appliance repair and service, efficient at-home cleaning can help prolong the life of your washer and dryer. Our experts have compiled some DIY tips for cleaning your laundry machines.
CLEAN THE DRUM OF THE WASHER
Cleaning the drum can prevent the need for future washing repair and should be completed once per month.
To do this, add two cups of vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda to the drum. Then, simply run a cycle (without clothes) on the highest temperature and longest setting. Once this has finished, you can use water and a sponge to scrub around the inside of the drum. You should wipe it dry at the end, as moisture may promote mold growth.
You should also clean the outer shell and the glass of the door. You can do this by simply wiping a damp cloth over it.
SOAK THE DETERGENT DRAWER
One of the most commonly overlooked washer parts is the detergent drawer. You should do this after completing your monthly maintenance wash (or if mold has become visible or smelly). You can remove the drawer, soak it in hot water for 30 minutes and then use a toothbrush to remove any stubborn deposits.
RINSE THE WASHER FILTER
Finally, if your washer has a filter near the bottom of the unit, you will want to clean this once per month. Place a towel on the floor to stop the inevitable water leakage. Then simply remove the filter, let the water drain into a bowl, and then run the filter under hot water. When reinserting the filter, you must ensure it is tightly screwed.
GET RID OF DUST
If you want to avoid dryer repair work, simple DIY cleaning will significantly help. Cleaning the dryer drum is as easy as wiping it with a damp cloth and then using a microfiber cloth to dry it. Once per month, you should vacuum out the lint trap and the moisture sensor strips.
CHECK THE DRYER FILTER
A central part of your dryer cleaning maintenance will revolve around the filter. Keeping it clean is essential for the airflow, aiding efficiency and allowing the clothes to dry as expected. Clean the lint screen after each cycle by wiping it with a dry cloth.
CLEAN THE VENT
You should also clean the vent annually. To do this, unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall. You can then use a dedicated dryer cleaning brush to remove the blockages from the interior vent before moving on to the exterior.
WHEN DO I NEED APPLIANCE REPAIR?
Maintaining appliances will help prolong their lifespan and keep your clothes smelling fresh. However, problems can still surface from time to time.
Some clear signs to look for include the following:
- Water is left in the drum
- You hear odd sounds, including squeaks and thumps,
- Your energy bills have seen a noticeable increase
- The drum of either machine doesn’t spin
- Clothes come out dirty (washer) or wet (dryer)
If those signs have surfaced, fixing the issues quickly is critical. Here at S&S Appliance, we provide a precise diagnosis before completing a repair service to help avoid the need for replacing the appliance altogether.
CALL S&S APPLIANCE FOR HIGH-QUALITY APPLIANCE REPAIR
Washing machine and dryer repair are among our most commonly requested appliance services. After all, over 80% of Americans own a washing machine.
At S&S Appliance, we can identify any problems you encounter as an appliance owner and solve them quickly and efficiently. To schedule your next maintenance visit, contact us today.