Washing machines have been in vogue for years now and are easy to use saving a lot of your time. With the whole household work, inside and outside the house, and modern technology leaping towards the next century, manufacturers are finding better and easier modes to use and service the machines. Different companies comes with advanced washing machines and better appliances every year, outdating the previous one. However a few tips can help in prolonging the life of these costly washing machines.

Tips to maintain your washing machine

Washing machines become clogged with lint, un-dissolved detergents, and lime scale quickly, from dirty laundry. Leaving the washing machines door slightly ajar after every use, helps in preventing the odour from forming in the machine.

Every month the detergent trays should be inspected and cleaned thoroughly. Washing powder may clog the detergent trays due to insufficient water pressure or when using too much detergents, leading to the improper cleaning of clothes. Pull the tray or drawer right out to clean it and examine the recess as this too can become clogged with detergents.

The detergent build-up should also be prevented, as soft water can build-up the detergent residue inside the washing machine and lead to blockages. It also provides an environment for bacterial infestation and cause unpleasant odour. Using lime scale and detergent remover once every month is recommended to reduce the occurrence of this build-up and prolong the life of the machine.

The glass doors of the machine should be cleaned as lime scale and other debris can allow the water to escape between the glass and door seal. An abrasive pad dipped in warm water, without any detergent should be used to rub-off the debris on the glass, taking extra care to clean the area that touches the door.

The door seals can be replaced by disconnecting the washing machine from the power supply and turning off the water supply, before performing this procedure. If the door seal/gasket feels tacky, it signifies it is perishing and need replacing immediately. Before doing so, a few steps have to be followed:

1. The outer clamp securing the seal to the shell of the machine may be examined carefully. It can be prised off carefully with a flat-bladed screwdriver, but some have tensioning arrangement, that has to be loosened.

2. Once the outer clamp band is removed, locate the inner one securing the seal to the drum and establish how this is secured. One may be able to prise the band off with a flat-bladed screwdriver or it may be necessary to loosen a clip.

3. Once the clamp bands are removed, pull the seal away from the locating lips on the shell and drum, using both the hands.

4. Fitting the new seals is easier if a little fabric conditioner is rubbed into the groove that locates the drum.

5. If the clamp band has no tensioning adjustment, locate it on the bottom of the seal first and then push it on with both hands working in the opposite direction towards the top.

A flood can result if the washing machine tap seizes in the opening position or if there is a leak between the taps and inlet valves. To flush and clean the machine put the machine on a hot cycle, using lime scale and detergent remover or normal washing machine detergent without any clothes.

Every six months the Lint filter should be cleaned. The coarse sieve catches bits of fluff, coins and other floating objects, which may block the filter leading to leakage in the machine. Open the access hatch on the front door of the machine, undo the filter cap, pull out the filter assembly and remove the debris in it, before refitting.

Washing machine catch-pot has to be emptied half-yearly. Before doing so the water inlet should be disconnected as the case with power supply. Washing machines with no bandage filter have these ensnare items left in pockets and other remains. If not poured out at proper intervals, they are likely to be drawn into the pump. To remove it, disconnect the inlet hoses and unplug. Then lay the machine face-down (be sure to do it with another persons help), first positioning a hold on the floor to avoid harm to the control systems, and to provide hand-space. Remove the clip securing the sump-hose to the catch pot, empty it and refit by pulling off the catch pot.

The inlet hoses should be serviced as leak from one of them can cause damage to the machine and floor. When the portable washing machine needs to be moved, the door area is the safest area to hold onto. First tilt the appliance backwards and slide a piece of hardboard underneath to protect the floor. Drag it away from the wall making sure the fingers are well wrapped around the inside edge of the shell. Never dislodge the water inlet if it comes through the top of the door seal.