Follow these tips if you want your washing machine to last much longer

These days, it’s difficult to imagine a household without a washing machine. You throw your clothes in the drum, add some detergent, turn it on and your clothes will come out fresh as can be again. These machines aren’t cheap, though, so of course, you want yours to last many, many years. And that’s certainly possible, as long as you take good care of it.

With these handy tips, your washing machine will be running smoothly for years to come.

1. Door

The first tip is to always leave the door of the machine open after every wash. Leaving a small crack is enough already. Closing the door will cause the leftover water to remain inside for longer and that means mould and bacteria can grow inside the drum. Leaving the door open will prevent this from happening.

2. Cleaning the washing machine

You need to clean your washing machine about once a month. For this, it’s best to use a bleach-free washer cleaner, which will properly clean the drum of the machine and combat dirty and musty smells. Then, run the machine empty on a hot cycle.

3. Level

Always make sure your washing machine is standing level. If it’s not level, the vibrations caused by the machine can damage your floor and important parts of the machine can start to wear out prematurely, like the tub bearings and shock absorbers. Place a level on top of the machine and then adjust the feet of the machine until it’s standing completely level. If this doesn’t help, you can use a piece of plywood that’s larger than the machine itself. This will help to at least absorb the vibrations.

4. Hoses

Most washers come with black, rubber hoses, that after a while can get fragile and eventually might even tear, which can cause a flood. Replace these hoses, even if they look alright, with sturdier stainless steel hoses. That way, you’ll prevent your machine from unexpectedly breaking down in the future. Plus, you’ll also save yourself a hefty bill if you don’t have to get it fixed.