Maintaining your washing machine is essential to ensure its proper functioning and longevity. Here are a few tips.
CLEAN THE WASHING MACHINE
To clean your washing machine, run it at a high temperature of at least 60 ° C once a month, either empty or with a load of clothes. It will make it easier to get rid of germs and detergent residues. Therefore, the washing machine will clog less, regardless of the detergent used: liquid, powder, or capsules.
CLEAN THE DETERGENT DRAWER
Remove the detergent drawer from its current place if possible to clean it. The majority of the containers are removable. After that, rinse it well with lukewarm water. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid if necessary and rub gently.
A siphon, which is typically detachable, is located in the softener chamber. If there is any remaining fabric softener at the end of the cycle, remove and clean this siphon with hot water. Then put it back in its original spot.
Ensure that the bin is thoroughly cleaned before relocating it.
Good to know: If you find that the detergent compartments are not emptying, it implies that your water supply is clogged with lime or that your water pressure is insufficient. In the latter situation, ensure that your supply tap is sufficiently open.
DESCALE YOUR WASHING MACHINE
Descale your washing machine regularly to avoid scale buildup and damage. A scaled-up resistor will overheat and may potentially cause a breakdown. Pour a liter of white vinegar into the tank now and then, and start the washing machine at a high temperature (60° C or 90° C).
MAINTAIN THE BODYWORK AND THE CONTROL PANEL
To clean the outer panels of your washing machine, use a microfiber cloth. Please do not use an abrasive sponge: it may damage the plastic or the paint.
CHECK THE INSIDE OF THE DRUM
Before every wash, it is essential to verify that no foreign bodies are in the drum. Metal items might cause Rust-stains. If so, clean the drum using a unique stainless steel cleaning solution. Be careful never to use steel wool, abrasive sponge, or steel wool.
MAINTAIN THE WATER INLET FILTERS
Filters should be cleaned regularly to maintain their effectiveness. They prevent foreign substances - as well as dirt - from entering the machine.
- Start by closing the water inlet taps.
- Then unscrew the water inlet hose at both ends.
- Use a soft brush to clean the filters. If they are very dirty, remove them for a thorough cleaning.
- Take care to replace the gaskets and filters.
- Screw the hose back on by hand.
DRAIN THE WATER FROM YOUR WASHING MACHINE
Whether to move a house or check the drain filter, it is sometimes necessary to drain water out of your washing machine. You may also be faced with the need to drain water from your device in case of transport or the risk of freezing.
Depending on your washing machine, you have two options.
- Your washing machine may be fitted with a specific hose, generally located near the drain filter. With a plug, this pipe can be directed towards a container. The residual water present at the bottom of the tank then flows into that container.
- Otherwise, you can drain your washing machine via the hose connected to the drain of your installation and Located at the back of the device. However, you must take care to keep the hose low enough so that it empties. Before restarting your machine, make sure that this hose is correctly reconnected to your installation without it being too deep in the drain. The device would then run the risk of emptying itself according to the same principle as soon as it is filled.
CLEAN THE DRAIN FILTER
Cleaning the drain filter of your washing machine is an operation that must be carried out periodically (every month or every quarter, for example) in a preventive manner. This filter collects the foreign bodies falling to the bottom of the tank.
If your washing machine does not seem to be draining water, checking the condition of the drain filter is the first thing to do. If it is clogged, it can block the rotation of the pump, leaving the tank fully or partially filled with water.
To drain the water from your machine, first, unplug your washing machine.
Warning: To avoid any risk of burns, do not start this operation immediately after washing at a high temperature: there may still be hot water in the machine.
You should only clean the filter after the water has cooled down. The drain filter is usually located at the bottom of the front cover of your washing machine. You can hide it behind a gate or the plastic plinth of your device. You may need a tool such as a flat screwdriver.
Once the filter is accessible, take a large container and place it in front of the machine. Then unscrew the filter from the pump until the water flows out. A mop may be necessary.
Some filters or object traps can also be located directly in the tub of the washing machine. It is accessed by removing the dawn from the drum. To find out where the filter is located and how to access it, read the user manual. An entire paragraph is usually devoted to this topic.
Once your washing machine has drained, you can remove the pump filter to clean it. Remove all residues from inside. Be careful; never force the filter when replacing it: you risk damaging the seals, which could cause a water leak.
CLEAN THE DOOR SEAL
The door (or window) seals can quickly become dirty. It is essential to check their condition regularly. To do this, carefully run your hand through the drum seal. If dirt is found, wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth.
If the seal is moldy, use a soft toothbrush. In a container, put a little hot water and add a few drops of washing-up liquid. Brush the joint until the mold is gone. Then rinse with a damp sponge and dry with a clean, dry cloth.
Leaving the door open after each wash or performing regular washings at 60 ° C can also limit the formation of mold on the door seal and inside the tub.
CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE AFTER DYEING A GARMENT
Dyeing laundry in your washing machine is not recommended. However, if you opt for this solution anyway, it's essential to clean your washing machine well after dyeing to prevent your next laundry from getting stained as well. And it is also helpful for the proper functioning of your washing machine.
Add white vinegar to the drum of your appliance, then start your machine empty at 60 ° C minimum, or even 90 ° C if possible. By this operation, you will rid your drum of any dye residue.
SOME GOOD HABITS TO TAKE
Before loading the drum of your washing machine, check that you have not left anything in the pockets of your pants, jackets, sweaters.
Remember to check regularly that nothing is caught between the drum and the door. In which case, remove all interfering elements.
Be aware of detergent overdosing. Overdosing will not wash your laundry better and will further clog your machine.
Leave the door of your machine open after each wash. Otherwise, humidity could cause mold to grow. It will also prevent foul odors and premature wear and tear on the washing machine's gaskets. Indeed, they must dry appropriately so as not to degrade.
On front washing machines, you can also leave the detergent drawer slightly ajar so that it dries faster. Be careful, however, that no object falls there because it could land directly in the tub of your washing machine, with no real possibility of recovering it.
Finally, remember to wash at least once a month at high temperatures (60 ° C to 90 ° C). It is helpful for your washing machine, in particular, to limit the detergent residues which can accumulate in the tub.