Washer & Dryer Maintenance Tips

Having your washer & dryer in your home is a huge time-saver and well worth the money. However, to protect your investment and avoid inconvenient and expensive washer & dryer problems, you need to take care of your units. Here are a few washer & dryer maintenance tips that can help you get the best possible performance from your appliances.

Clean Your Washing Machine: It may seem counter-intuitive, but your washing machine does need cleaning! Soap scum, bacteria, and minerals from hard water can all build up inside your unit over time, potentially resulting in odor problems. You can clean your top loading washing machine simply by letting the unit fill with hot water, adding a quart of bleach or a quart of vinegar, letting it sit for an hour, and allowing the machine to complete its longest cycle.

Wash the Lint Filter: Everyone knows you need to clean out your lint filter every time you use the dryer. But did you know that lint filters actually need to be washed? Washing your lint filter with a mild soap every three months will help remove chemical residues that can otherwise build up over time and restrict airflow.

Clean the Exhaust Duct: Once per year, you should detach the entire dryer exhaust duct line and clean it thoroughly. You’ll be surprised how much lint is in there! Cleaning the duct and straightening out any unnecessary kinks or bends will help prevent obstructions in the duct from reducing the efficiency of your unit.

Check Dryer Door Seals: Over time, the door seals on your unit can dry out and crack or otherwise become damaged. Once this happens, you’ll start losing hot air through the door of the unit, resulting in inefficient operation, longer drying times, and ultimately higher utility bills. You can test your dryer door seals by holding a tissue next to them while the unit is running. If the tissue flutters, you need to replace the seal.

Ultimately, the best way to get the thorough washer & dryer maintenance you need is to hire a pro. Companies like Authorized Appliance service all kinds of washers & dryers and can provide inspections, maintenance, and repairs for your units to keep them in top operating condition.