One of the most essential household appliances is the washing machine. Many individuals are unaware that their washer can last significantly longer than expected with proper care, with the fact that it saves time, energy, and labor.
A washing machine’s typical lifespan is eight to twelve years, though this can vary based on how frequently you use it and how well you take care of it. These easy techniques can help you get the most out of your washing machine if you’ve ever wondered how long laundry washing machine can last.
1. Check Pockets Before Washing
Although it might not seem like much, one of the fastest ways which harm a washer is to neglect to empty the pockets. Tissues, loose coins, or keys can damage the drum, jam drains, or even shatter the glass of front-loading doors. To save needless washer repair calls later, make the practice of checking your clothing one last time before throwing it in the washing machine.
2. Clean Your Washer Regularly
Although a washer’s primary purpose is washing, it also requires cleaning. Dirt, lint, and soap residue can accumulate inside the hoses and drum, decreasing efficiency. Additionally, dirty washing can serve as a haven for bacteria and mold. Use vinegar, baking soda, or a washer-safe cleanser to clean the drum, detergent drawer, and rubber door seal at least once every month. Many typical washing machine repair problems can be avoided with routine cleaning.
3. Watch the Detergent Levels
Using more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Actually, too much soap leaves behind residue that shortens the machine’s life expectancy and stresses the motor. Don’t estimate by pouring too much detergent; instead, measure it according to the sort of washer you have, especially if it’s a high-efficiency machine.
4. Avoid Overloading (or Underloading)
A specific load size is supported by the architecture of your washing machine. Underloading can result in unbalanced spins and excessive vibrations, while overloading stresses the drum, bearings, and motor. To allow for unrestricted movement of clothing, it is advisable to fill the drum approximately three-quarters of the way. This little procedure lowers the likelihood of expensive appliance maintenance and increases the washing machine’s lifespan.
5. Remove Wet Clothes Promptly
Mold, mildew, and foul odors can develop when wet laundry is left in the washing machine. Additionally, it might impair the life of your washer and harm the rubber door seal. As soon as a cycle is over, take off your clothing and leave the door slightly open to allow the interior to air dry. Your washer will stay in excellent shape, and your clothes will stay fresh if you do this.
6. Keep the Washer Level
Not only does an unsteady or rocking washer create noise, but it also wears out internal components. Check that all four feet are balanced, and make any necessary adjustments. A level washer lessens vibration, improves performance, and guards against long-term damage. Ignoring this can result in vibration problems that need washer repair.
7. Run Full Loads (But Not Too Often)
Despite their seeming convenience, frequent light loads unnecessarily strain the drive belts and motor. However, the clothes washer’s lifespan is also shortened when it exclusively does large, overloaded cycles. Waiting until you have a full, balanced load before beginning a wash is the best strategy.
8. Perform Basic Maintenance
The lifespan of the washing machine can be greatly increased by performing easy maintenance. Every few months, check the drain pump filter, check for cracks in the hoses, and clean the lint filter (if your model has one). You may prevent costly washing machine repair services and unexpected malfunctions by adopting these practices.
9. Be Mindful of Usage
Your washer has limitations, just like any other product. A washing machine’s typical lifespan is influenced by both its frequency of operation and construction quality. By combining loads or wearing some items more than once before laundering, you can reduce the number of unnecessary washes. In addition to saving water and energy, this lessens machine wear.
What is the average lifespan of a washing machine?
Many washers can operate effectively for ten years or longer with the right maintenance. Preventive maintenance, balanced loads, and regular cleaning are all crucial.
You may prolong the life of your washing machine, reduce the cost of appliance maintenance, and maintain the machine’s functionality for many years to come by heeding these nine suggestions.
