Maintain your washing machine

Good Neighbor Tips. A blog by Erin Doan State Farm Insurance Agency.

Your clothes washer offers your household loads of support, so periodically take the time to return the favor. Maintaining your washing machine with these tips can help you avoid breakdowns that could put the appliance out of commission—or worse, lead to leaks and costly water damage.

1. Replace the water hoses. Check hoses regularly for bulging, cracking, fraying and leaks around hose ends. Replace the hose if a problem is found or every three to five years as part of a proactive maintenance program.

2. Move the machine. Check that there are at least 4 inches between your washing machine and the wall. This prevents hoses from kinking.

3. Keep the machine level. A washing machine that’s off kilter can vibrate, rock or “walk” across the floor during the spin cycle, which can damage the floor or the machine. Balance the washer by turning the legs clockwise to lower it, and counterclockwise to raise it.

4. Clean the lint filter. Depending on your machine, the lint collector may be located in the agitator tube, which is the center column of most machines, or near the top of the washtub. Keep it clean to help your washer run efficiently.

5. Wash the washing machine. Rinse away soap residue and buildup by running store-bought washing machine cleaner, or a solution of hot water, vinegar and baking soda through an empty load.

6. Prevent musty odors and mildew. Leave the washer lid or door open between loads to dry out the unit and keep it smelling fresh. On front-loading washers wipe down the rubber seal around the door after doing your laundry.

7. Measure your detergent. Read the appliance instruction manual to make sure you use the correct type and amount of detergent for your machine. Too much soap can leave residue on your clothes and cause excess wear and tear on your washer, and high-efficiency washers require a special, low-sudsing detergent.

8. Don’t overload the machine. Use the appropriate amount of water for the size of the load. Wash heavy or bulky items in small loads since these are harder on the appliance.

9. Add a drip pan underneath your washing machine. This is a smart addition to an upstairs laundry room, since water leaks could damage the floors below it.

A little leak can cause major damage if it goes unnoticed. Learn what you can do to help prevent leaks in your home. Or, watch this video about the three types of leak detection systems.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

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This blog has been brought to you by Erin Doan State Farm Insurance Agency of Scottville. 231-757-3115. www.erindoan.com