Proper maintenance is key to ensuring a long life for your washing machine. In this guide, you’ll find a step-by-step checklist to help you prolong your washer’s lifespan and keep it running smoothly.

When it comes to washing machines, a lot of people don’t really think about them.

They just use them (day in and day out), and then move on to the next thing.

But they’re such a profoundly important appliance to our everyday lives that even minor breakdowns can quickly turn into major setbacks!

This is why it really pays to do some ‘preventative maintenance’ on your washing machine—to keep it running in tip-top shape, to avoid potential breakdowns (or to at least extend the lifespan of your appliance as long as possible).

Neglecting regular care can lead to malfunctions and costly repairs. It could even force you to fork out relatively large sums of money for a new unit ahead of schedule (and nobody wants to do that, right?).

So in this comprehensive guide, we’re going to provide you with a step-by-step checklist to help you maintain your washing machine effectively, ensuring both longevity and optimal performance.

And it all starts with the basics…

Part 1: Taking Care of the Basics

Keep It a Few Inches Away From the Wall

It’s important not to set your washing machine right up against the wall. In fact, you’re supposed to leave about 6 inches of space between the back of the appliance and the wall behind it.

Importance: Adequate airflow is essential for preventing overheating and optimizing the machine’s performance.

Consequences of neglect: Placing the washer too close to the wall restricts airflow, leading to increased heat buildup and potential damage to the internal components.

How to safely maintain: Position your washing machine at least 6 inches away from the wall to allow for proper ventilation.

Keep These Parts Clean

It’s time to break out those cleaning clothes and your mild detergent! Here are the best places to start when it comes to washing-machine maintenance:

1. Water Dispenser

The water dispenser is the compartment in the washing machine that holds the detergent and fabric softener. It’s typically located at the top of the machine, near the door.

Importance: Regular cleaning of the water dispenser prevents the accumulation of detergent residue, mold, and bacteria.

Consequences of neglect: A dirty water dispenser can result in unpleasant odors, reduced cleaning efficiency, and potential health hazards.

How to safely maintain: Remove the dispenser tray and clean it thoroughly with warm water and mild detergent. Ensure that it’s completely dry before reinserting.

2. Filter

The washing machine filter, also known as the drain pump filter, is a small, cylindrical filter located at the bottom of the washing machine. The filter’s job is to catch lint, hair, and other debris that can build up in the washing machine’s drain hose.

Importance: Cleaning the filter prevents debris, lint, and foreign objects from clogging the drain pump and obstructing water flow.

Consequences of neglect: A clogged filter can cause drainage issues, improper functioning, and potential damage to the machine’s internal components.

How to safely maintain: Refer to your machine’s user manual to locate the filter. You can use a brush or your fingers to remove any debris that is caught in the filter. Be sure to rinse the filter thoroughly with water before reinstalling it.

3. Door Seal

The door seal is a rubber gasket that creates a watertight seal between the door and the drum. This prevents water from leaking out of the machine during the wash cycle.

Importance: Cleaning the door seal prevents the accumulation of dirt, detergent residue, and mold growth.

Consequences of neglect: A dirty door seal can lead to water leakage, unpleasant odors, and compromised cleaning performance.

How to safely maintain: Wipe the door seal with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Ensure thorough drying to prevent moisture buildup before running your next load of laundry.

4. Keep the Door Open

This one is pretty simple! When you’re not using it, leave the door open and allow it to dry out between loads.

Importance: Leaving the door open between washes allows air circulation, preventing the growth of mold and eliminating odors.

Consequences of neglect: A closed and damp environment promotes the growth of mold and bacteria, resulting in foul smells and potential damage to the machine.

How to safely maintain: After completing a wash cycle, keep the door slightly ajar to promote airflow and prevent the formation of unpleasant odors.

Part 2: Advanced Maintenance

Not all maintenance is simple. But thankfully, it really only gets so complicated when it comes to your washing machine. Here’s the ‘more advanced stuff’ that still needs to get done to ensure appliance longevity.

1. Replace the Water Housing, and Clean the Water Valve Filter

Importance: Over time, calcium deposits and sediments can accumulate in the water housing and valve filter, affecting water flow and machine performance.

Consequences of neglect: Buildup in the water housing and valve filter can lead to reduced water pressure, longer washing cycles, and potential damage to the machine’s components.

How to safely maintain: Consult your washing machine’s manual for instructions on replacing the water housing and cleaning the valve filter. Use appropriate tools and follow the recommended steps to ensure safe maintenance.

2. Always Use Proper Load Sizes

Over (or even under) loading your washer can be surprisingly problematic! Here’s what you need to know.

Importance: Properly loaded washing machines maintain balance during the spin cycle, reducing wear and tear on the motor, drum, and other components.

Consequences of neglect: Overloading or underloading the machine can result in excessive vibrations, unbalanced loads, and potential damage to the machine’s internal parts.

3. Keep Your Washing Machine Level

This step will require you to use a bubble level. But don’t worry—it’s super easy!

Importance: A level washing machine ensures smooth operation and efficient spinning. It also prevents excessive vibrations.

Consequences of neglect: An unlevel machine can cause excessive noise, movement, and even damage to the machine’s components or the floor.

How to safely maintain: Use a bubble level to check the machine’s balance. Adjust the leveling feet as needed to achieve a stable and level position.

How to safely maintain: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load capacity. Generally, a load of 6-8 bath towels is a good benchmark for optimal balance and performance.

4. Run Hot Water Cycles Without Clothes

This step will require you to take a small ‘break’ from your normal laundry routine. But even so, we recommend that you complete one of these cycles at least once every 3 months.

Importance: Running cycles with hot water helps to remove detergent residue, mineral deposits, and debris from the drain system, ensuring its proper functioning.

Consequences of neglect: Accumulation of debris in the drain system can result in clogs, poor drainage, and potential damage to the machine’s pump or hoses.

How to safely maintain: Select a hot water cycle and run it without any clothes or detergent. This helps flush out any accumulated residue and debris from the drain system.

As you can see—washing machine maintenance doesn’t need to be rocket science.

And anyone can do it!

By following this step-by-step checklist for washing machine maintenance, you can ensure a long and trouble-free lifespan for your trusted appliance.

By taking care of the basics and performing advanced maintenance tasks, you’ll minimize the risk of malfunctions, reduce the need for expensive repairs, and enjoy optimal performance from your washing machine for years to come.

And if you need some help, don’t forget to contact us and let us know. We’d love to provide you with any needed assistance.

Remember, regular maintenance not only extends the life of your washing machine, but also improves its efficiency—resulting in cleaner clothes and lower energy consumption.

With these maintenance secrets at your disposal, you can make the most of your investment and keep your washing machine running like a charm.

(Note: Please note that specific maintenance instructions may vary depending on the brand and model of your washing machine. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and user manual for detailed instructions relevant to your appliance.)

Need Professional Appliance Repair Help?

Viking ranges are some of the highest-quality cooking appliances on the market.

However, despite their good reputation and high-quality construction, they’re still prone to a range of common issues.

In many cases, inspecting your Viking range will allow you to locate the source of your problem.

And if you’re able to do this, you’ll either be able to replace or fix the problem on your own. Or, you’ll make our job easier by being able to tell us exactly what’s wrong with your Viking range.

Either way, if you’re having trouble with your Viking range and need help figuring it out, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to help!