How to Maintain Your Washing Machine Longevity


The washing machine is an unsung hero in your household, tirelessly managing that never-ending cycle of laundry to ensure your clothes are fresh and available when needed.

However, despite being one of the most important home appliances, are you prioritising its care? Proactive maintenance is essential if you want to ensure your washing machine’s efficiency and longevity.

In this guide, we take you through what you can do to ensure a long lifespan for your washing machine. From cleaning and maintenance tips to things to consider when using, we’ve got you covered. 

Keeping on top of lint filter maintenance

Regular maintenance of your washing machine’s lint filter is one of the best ways to increase its lifespan.

The lint filter is there to catch loose objects and stop them from getting to the pump and causing blockages. Over time, lint and debris accumulate, hindering the machine's efficiency.

Cleaning the filter is a simple task which will take you only a short time. Follow these five steps to enhance your washing machine’s longevity and make your laundry cycles more effective:

  1. Unplug your washing machine.
  2. Locate the washing machine’s lint filter and remove the cover (it’s normally at the bottom right of the front of your machine).
  3. Remove the filter and wipe it with a clean paper towel or small brush (depending on how thick the layer of lint is).
  4. Detach the filter’s screen and soak it in hot water for around 10 minutes. If you can’t remove the filter, wash it under running water.
  5. Reattach the filter and its cover once everything is dry.

After completing these steps, it’s worth running an empty wash cycle to ensure you have replaced the filter correctly and that there are no leaks.

Regular cleaning of your machine

Regular cleaning of your washing machine is essential to prevent build-ups of debris, soap residue and detergent. Not only do these build-ups create a breeding ground for bacteria, but they can also cause clogs, which can negatively affect the machine’s performance.

Performing a service wash at least once a month is an excellent way to keep your washing machine clean. Select a high-temperature setting and run the cycle without any clothes or detergent. Additionally, pay attention to the door area – the rubber seal is prone to mould and mildew build-up, so make sure you clean it after every few washes.

DIY ways of cleaning your washing machine  

When cleaning your washing machine, you don’t need to spend money on harsh chemicals. Instead, there are a couple of items that you may have at home that are just as effective:

Baking Soda: Add a cup to a hot, empty cycle to tackle stains and odours.
White Vinegar: Pour a cup into a hot, empty cycle to eliminate odours and kill bacteria.

How to clean your washing machine drawer

Another part of your washing machine that needs regular attention is the detergent dispenser drawer. You can do this in a few simple steps:

  1. Pull the drawer out as far as you can.
  2. Push the releasing button located within the drawer to detach it from the machine. Some machines, including those from the AEG AutoDose range, have their lock button on the side of the drawer.
  3. Clean the drawer in hot, soapy water – make sure you remove the fabric conditioner lid and clean the area thoroughly, as well as the syphon tube.
  4. Scrub the drawer’s compartment with a small brush and warm water, ensuring you pay close attention to the top underside of the draw compartment.
  5. Return the draw to its housing once everything is dry.

It’s worth cleaning your washing machine drawer after every five to six washes to avoid the build-up of detergent deposits.

 

Checking your pockets before you wash  

When you’re in a rush, it’s not uncommon to hastily throw your clothes into your washing machine without inspecting the pockets. However, overlooking this simple step can cause significant damage to your washing machine.

Foreign objects lurking in your pockets, particularly metal items like coins and keys, can harm your machine in multiple ways. As the machine goes through its cycles, these items can crack or shatter the glass door, inflict damage to the inner drum or become lodged in the piping, causing blockages and potential leaks.

You can preserve the longevity of your washing machine by taking a moment to check your clothes’ pockets before a wash cycle. It’s a quick and simple task which could save you from the expense of a costly repair down the line.

Reading labels on your clothes and other items

Whenever you’re loading your washing machine, make sure you read the care labels to check if the clothes or items are machine washable. If you do, you’re more likely to avoid washing items that can damage your appliance.

Items that can cause your washing machine problems include:

  • Bras – the metal hooks can attach to the drum
  • Foam pillows/rubber mats – the foam or rubber tears up easily and can cause blockages
  • Embellished clothes – sequins and beads fall off in high-temperature cycles and can cause blockages
  • Baby socks – because they’re so small, they can block the machine’s hoses and vents

Levelling out your washing machine  

If your washing machine isn’t properly levelled, it’s prone to excessive vibrations, which can cause issues such as tears in water supply hoses and potential flooding.

Fortunately, levelling out your washing machine is a simple task that you can complete in just a few minutes. All you’ll need is a spirit level (most smartphones have an app for this), an adjustable wrench and a two-by-four block.

When you’ve got everything, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure the machine is switched off and completely emptied.
  2. Tilt it back to expose its two adjustable front feet and slide the two-by-four block underneath.
  3. Adjust the height of the feet accordingly.
  4. Check the machine is level using the spirit level after each adjustment.
  5. Lock feet into place once you’ve finished.

Not overloading your machine

It can be tempting to cram as much laundry as possible into your washing machine to try and save time. But doing this can cause unnecessary strain on your appliance.

Washing machines are designed to be able to handle a specific weight limit during the spinning process. Going beyond this limit by overloading the drum can lead to damaging the bearings and ultimately shortening the machine’s lifespan.

  • Regulating detergent usage

    You might be tempted to use more detergent than necessary per wash. After all, it’s what ensures your clothes are clean. However, excessive detergent usage can cause problems for your washing machine.

    Using too much detergent can cause a build-up of residue, potentially leading to blockages that disrupt the smooth flow of water. As a result, your washing machine may start to leak or grow mould, which can negatively affect the cleanliness of your clothes.

    Make sure you use the recommended amount of detergent to avoid blockages. You’ll know if you’re using too much detergent if your clothes start to feel slimy, sticky or unusually stiff, if whites lose their brightness and turn grey or if the machine starts to smell.

     

  • Knowing when it’s time to invest in a new washing machine

    Following our tips on maintaining your washing machine should mean it produces high performance for a long time. However, there will come a time when you’re ready for an upgrade.

    The key thing is knowing when to invest in a new washing machine. There are many red flags to look out for, including frequent breakdowns, poor performance and age.

    Ready for a new washing machine? At AEG, you’ll find various options in our buying guide. We’ve got machines in different sizes, with unique features and that can wash various fabric types. Check out washing machines from our 7000, 8000 and 9000 series today.