While washing and drying your clothes may feel like a routine process, proper appliance maintenance is essential for keeping your washer and dryer in working order. Many homeowners don’t realize these appliances require repairs until it’s too late. If you want to extend these appliances’ lifespans and save money on potential repairs, avoid making these three common mistakes.

Appliance Maintenance Tips for Your Washer & Dryer

1. Overloading

Overloading your washer or dryer puts extra strain on the motor, putting it at risk of breaking down. Too many clothes in a washing machine can force socks into the drainage line, possibly clogging it. The dryer’s drum belt, pulley, and bearings can all be destroyed from overloading the appliance. Avoid the need for professional appliance maintenance by washing and drying small and medium loads.

2. Using Too Much Detergent and Dryer Sheets

Don’t add more detergent than the amount recommended on the container. This quantity is based on the amount of water that will dilute the solution. Excessive detergent creates residue that can block the water supply from the washer; this residue creates extra lint when dried. Dryer sheets may leave a nice smell on your clothing, but this smell is caused by a residue left behind on your clothes and inside the dryer. Too many dryer sheets can clog the filter with lint and limit air flow out of the dryer.

3. Not Cleaning the Appliance

Washing machines are wet and dark, especially if you leave the washing machine lid closed, and provide the perfect breeding ground for mold. Not only does the mold erode seals; it leaves an awful odor in the machine and on your clothes. As part of your home appliance maintenance routine, pour vinegar or bleach into the washer and run it at a high temperature every couple of weeks to limit mold growth.

It’s also important to clean your dryer, as a third of dryer fires are caused by not cleaning the appliance. Clean the lint trap after every load of laundry, and vacuum the dryer hose, filter, drum, and vents once a month.

If your washer or dryer needs a professional touch, turn to Brian Doehler’s Appliance Service. Based in Fairport, NY, this company offers comprehensive appliance maintenance solutions for industry-leading brands, including dishwasher repairs, washer and dryer repairs, and refrigerator maintenance. Visit their website for a full breakdown of their services or call (585) 425-4510 to schedule repair work for all your appliances.