How can I make my washing machine last longer?

Set up your washer the right way

• Make sure it’s level. Excessive rocking and vibration damage the machine. Use a level to make sure all four feet are firmly on the floor. If the machine is off kilter, loosen the lock nuts on the feet to adjust them.
• Use only steel-mesh hoses. They cost a little more than the rubber hoses your machine likely came with, but they’re much less prone to cracking and bursting. Replace hoses every five years. We recommend you also install a water sensor in your laundry room and near all water-using appliances. You’ll get a protection-device discount on your homeowners or renter insurance when you do! 

Load carefully 

• Don’t overload. Wet clothes become very heavy, and heavy loads put a strain on bearings and make all parts of the machine work harder.
• Balance the load. If a load is significantly heavier on one side than the other, the drum will get off balance during the spin cycle, often to the point of the drum banging against the side of the machine. If you have to wash a bulky item, throw in some towels on the other side to even out the weight.
• Never wash these things. Rubber-backed throw rugs and memory foam pillows can break down in the wash cycle, leaving bits of rubber or foam to clog the filter or pump. Lint-roll clothes or blankets covered in pet hair before washing them. Excessive pet hair can form a clump and clog drain pipes. 

Keep foreign objects out of the washer

• Turn pockets inside-out to ensure they’re empty. Coins, paper clips or other items can escape the filter and damage the drain pump.
• Wash bras in a laundry bag. Otherwise, they can become entangled around the agitator or, occasionally, underwires and clasps can come loose and work their way into the pump. 

Use the right detergent

• Use only HE detergent in high-efficiency machines. They use less water and, consequently, require a lower sudsing soap. 
• Don’t use too much detergent. Too much detergent leads to residue buildup (a breeding ground for bacterial growth and odor) and causes the machine to work harder to remove excess suds. Front loaders are especially susceptible to excess suds blocking the washer’s drain system. A standard load of laundry in a high-efficiency machine requires only two teaspoons of liquid or one pod. 

Clean and dry the washer

• Never let wet clothes sit in the washer overnight. They invite mold and mildew growth.
• Wipe it out. Front loaders, in particular, can collect water and lint around the door gasket. If there’s water left in the drum, dry it out to avoid mold and mildew growth.
• Clean the inside of front loader doors with glass cleaner. The cleaner removes residue buildup that can prevent the door from sealing tightly, causing small leaks.
• Clean the drum as recommended. Some manufacturers suggest monthly cleaning with a commercial tablet (Affresh is a common brand) during a special cleaning cycle. You also can use baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda in an empty drum, pour one cup of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run a cycle with hot water. Clean the detergent dispenser at the same time, too.
• Leave the door open. That allows the drum to dry out fully between loads.

Consider home warranty protection