Although you might need appliance repairs occasionally, your household machines should last for many years. Proper care and usage are essential for keeping your refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven working properly and making the most of these investments. Washing machines can be particularly tricky to use, so follow these guidelines as you do your laundry. 

Do:

Leave the door open after use.

After you wash a load, the interior of the appliance will still be damp, no matter how powerful the spin cycle is. To allow that moisture to evaporate, leave the door ajar. This prevents mold and mildew from forming in the spin basket or inner barrel.

Mold growth not only interferes with operation and affects the equipment’s life, but it also makes your laundry smell bad. You should also move wet clothes to the dryer or clothesline as soon as possible to prevent musty odors.

Clean the machine regularly.

To avoid appliance repair due to accumulated gunk, keep the washer in pristine condition. Once per month, run the machine on the hottest water selection without a load inside. Add two cups of white vinegar to the soap dispenser. This disinfects the inner workings of burgeoning mold, cuts through detergent buildup, and removes accumulated grime.

Don't: 

Overload the machine. 

The belt, motor, spindle, and other washer components can only handle so much weight. Therefore, it's important that you don't overload the barrel.

You shouldn’t fill a top-loading washer more than three-fourths full, and you shouldn’t pile clothes above the top row of holes in a front loader. Distribute articles evenly and loosely to prevent shuddering and shaking, which can happen if the load is lopsided.

Leave belongings in pockets.

Be sure to check your pants and shirt pockets before you load the washer. Remove change, receipts, and other items. Coins, gum, wadded paper, ink pens, and lipstick can ruin your clothes and clog the vent. These items can also get lodged in the drain pipe and require a professional to retrieve. Make it a habit of emptying your pockets before tossing dirty clothes into the hamper.

If you need your washer serviced, contact CR Appliance Repair in Los Angeles, CA. Their technicians will fix your machines and provide useful tips to keep them working for years to come. They service all residential and commercial major appliances and specialize in washer and dryer repairs. Learn more about their services on their website, or call (818) 869-1573 to schedule appliance repairs.