A washing machine is a significant investment for your home, so your goal is to get one that can last for many years. Make the most of your washing machine’s efficiency with these care and maintenance tips.
How to Take Care of Your Washing Machine to Prolong its Lifespan
Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
Apart from rinsing off the dirt and detergent residues after every wash, make it a commitment to deep clean your washing machine once a month, or at least once every two months. This is to prevent mould and bacteria from building up inside your washing machine.
Also, if you have a habit of leaving your clothes inside the washing machine drum after washing, it’s high time to change this method and quickly get the clothes off your washer at the right time to prevent odours or rust buildup. Gently wipe the surfaces to remove detergent and excess moisture that can cause the life-ending impacts of mould.
Do Not Overload Your Washer
Washers and dryers are heavy-duty appliances that are capable of removing tough stains from loads of laundry. While it might be tempting to put as many clothes into the washer in a single cycle, this can overwork your washer’s mechanical components, whether it is a top-load or a front-load washer. The worst case scenario is getting a piece of fabric stuck due to a lack of space. To maximise your laundry load without overworking your appliance, go for a washing machine with the appropriate laundry capacity for your needs.
Check Pockets and Materials
Carefully examine the pockets of your clothes before doing your laundry to prevent small items like coins and keys from damaging your washer. No matter how durable your washing machine is, some sharp items can puncture the drum. These small items can also get stuck in your pipeline, which can affect how your washing machine drains the water.
In terms of materials, it's always a good idea to double-check which materials can and cannot be washed. If your clothes have metal buttons or long ties, place them in a laundry bag to avoid potential damage. Bras and other delicate clothes should also be put into laundry bags to preserve their quality.
Do Not Overkill With Your Laundry Detergent
Putting so much detergent in your washing machine is counterproductive and a waste of money. But doesn’t more laundry detergent mean better cleaning capacity? The truth is that too much laundry detergent can leave residue that will extend your cleaning time and could damage your washing machine components without a significant improvement to its cleaning capability. In fact, too much detergent can even affect the quality of your clothes.
Stick to the recommended amount of detergent for a single wash to save money, time, and the environment. This can maximise your laundry's efficiency without damaging your washing machine. It’s also worth using higher-quality detergents.
Do Full Wash Loads
Aside from overloading, frequent washing can also cause heavy wear and tear on your washing machine. It may sound great to wash fewer clothes midweek to lessen the load, but you can save more water and lessen your washing machine's wear and tear if you do full wash loads once a week.
Make Sure that Your Washing Machine is Correctly Positioned
This one might be a bit simple and often overlooked, but some common washing machine issues can be caused by the appliance’s placement itself. Your washing machine goes through vibrations during wash cycles. If your washing machine is positioned on an uneven base. Luckily, this can be fixed by simply levelling your washing machine on a flat and even surface.
Leave the Door Open After Wash
Another simple trick to preserve the quality of your washing machine is to leave its door open after the wash cycle. This is to avoid odours building up within your appliance. Empty the tub and wipe off the surfaces after washing, since this is where mould starts growing inside the appliance.
Descale Your Washing Machine
Prevent limescale from building up by descaling your washer and dryer. Do this by running an empty wash cycle with hot water and white vinegar. This will help you get rid of dirt and detergent residues, as well as odours caused by the bacteria within your washer.
Washing Machine Lifespan FAQs
Is it Worth it to Buy a More Expensive Washing Machine?
Higher-quality washing machines are trusted for their durability, so if you want an appliance that will last longer, the extra amount is worth paying. Furthermore, high-quality washing machines tend to simplify processes.
How Long Does a Washing Machine Last?
The average washing machine lifespan is ten years. High-quality washing machines in Singapore can last up to thirteen years under favourable conditions. However, your washing machine is prone to wear and tear as its primary function revolves around cleaning dirt and removing odours from clothes and linens. With all this grit and grime, your washing machine may not work at its best and get damaged.
Washing Machine Stand Singapore: When Should You Buy a New Washing Machine?
You can only do so much to maximise the lifespan of your washing machine. However, there will come a time when you need to replace your current washing machine. Some indications that your washer is already at the end of its lifespan include:
- Leakage
- Noisy operation
- Increased electricity consumption
- Expensive repairs
New washing machines in Singapore offer more precise settings and notable energy efficiency. Modern washing machine features don’t only make your laundry work easier but can also significantly decrease your power consumption.
Conclusion
When buying the best washing machine in Singapore, your goal is to make the most of its operation and lifespan. Following the simple tips above can help you preserve the quality of your washing machine and avoid expensive repairs, while saving money.
Whether you want to extend the life of your current washer or plan to start fresh with a new one, taking care of your washing machine is always worth the effort.