Introduction :
Washing machines help us clean our clothes without much work. But just like any other machine, they also need care. If you do not take care of your washing machine, it can stop working well. The good news is that it is very easy to keep your washing machine happy. You just need to follow some simple tips. Clean it often, use the right soap, and do not put too many clothes inside. These small steps can help your washing machine last a long time and work better every day.
1. Clean the Washing Machine Often
Many people think the washing machine cleans itself. But this is not true. After washing clothes, some soap, dirt, and small cloth pieces stay inside the machine. This can make the machine dirty. If you don’t clean your machine, it can smell bad. It may also stop cleaning your clothes properly. Sometimes, the water may not drain well. The drum (the inside part where you put clothes) can look dirty or feel sticky. To keep it clean, wipe the inside with a clean, soft cloth once every week. Clean around the door and the rubber parts too. These places can hold water and dirt. You can also clean the machine by running a hot water wash with nothing inside. Add 1 cup of white vinegar or a spoon of baking soda. Do this once every month. It helps to kill germs, remove bad smells, and keep the machine fresh. A clean machine gives you clean clothes. It also lasts longer and works better.
2. Do Not Overload the Machine
Do not put too many clothes in the washing machine. This is not a good idea. The machine needs space to move the clothes and clean them well. When you put too many clothes inside, they stick together. Water and soap cannot reach every part of the clothes. So, some clothes may come out still dirty. A full machine also becomes too heavy. This can make the machine move, shake, or make loud noise. Over time, this can break the motor or damage the drum. Repairs can cost a lot of money. If you keep overloading the machine, it may stop working early. You may need to buy a new one soon. So, taking care is better. Look at the machine’s user manual. It tells you how many clothes (by weight) you can put inside. If you don’t know the weight, just fill the drum about 3/4 full. Leave some empty space at the top. This is a safe amount. If you have a lot of clothes, wash them in two or three turns. It takes more time, but your clothes will be cleaner, and your machine will stay healthy for a long time.
3. Use the Right Detergent
Not all soaps or detergents are good for washing machines. Some soaps make too many bubbles or foam. Too much foam can be bad for the machine. It can cause problems inside the machine. When there is too much foam, it can stop the machine from cleaning clothes well. Foam can stay on your clothes, and your clothes will not feel clean. Also, too many bubbles can hurt the machine parts. Always use detergent that says for washing machines or machine-safe on the packet. These soaps are made to work well in washing machines. If you have a front-load washing machine, use low-foam detergent. This type of detergent makes less foam and is better for these machines. It helps the machine work properly and keeps it safe. Do not use regular hand-washing soap or dish soap in the washing machine. These soaps make a lot of bubbles and can damage the machine. Also, use the right amount of detergent. Using too much soap does not clean better. It only makes more bubbles and can harm the machine. Check the detergent packet for how much to use. Using the right detergent helps your washing machine stay happy and your clothes stay clean.
4. Leave the Door Open After Washing
After your washing machine finishes washing, do not close the door immediately. If you close the door right away, water and air get trapped inside the machine. When water stays inside and air cannot move, it creates a damp place. This dampness can cause a bad smell inside the machine. It can also make mold and mildew grow. Mold is black or green spots that look dirty and can be harmful to health. To keep your washing machine fresh and clean, always leave the door open for 15 to 30 minutes after washing. This allows air to enter and helps dry the inside parts of the machine, especially the drum. Drying stops bad smells and mold from growing. It also keeps the rubber seals and other parts healthy and strong. If you keep the door closed all the time, the machine will smell bad, and clothes may start smelling too.
5. Clean the Lint Filter
Some washing machines have a small filter inside. This filter catches tiny things like lint, hair, coins, and small pieces of cloth. It helps keep these things from going into the machine’s pipes. If you do not clean the filter, it can get full and blocked. When the filter is blocked, water cannot flow out properly. This can make the machine slow or stop working during a wash. A blocked filter can also cause bad smells or water leaks. It may even cause the clothes to stay wet for a long time after the wash. To keep your washing machine working well, clean the lint filter regularly. Check your machine’s manual to find where the filter is. Usually, it is near the bottom front of the machine or inside the drum. Take out the filter gently and remove all lint, hair, or other things stuck in it. You can wash the filter with clean water to remove dirt. Try to clean the filter once every two weeks. If you wash very dirty clothes, like clothes with mud or pet hair, clean the filter more often.
6. Use the Right Wash Cycle
Washing machines have many wash programs or cycles. These are different ways the machine washes clothes. Some common cycles are quick wash, heavy wash, gentle wash, and normal wash. Each cycle is made for different types of clothes. Using the wrong cycle can cause problems. Your clothes might not get clean, or the machine may use too much electricity and water. For everyday clothes like t-shirts, shirts, and pants, use the normal wash cycle. It cleans well and saves water. For heavy clothes like bedsheets, jeans, or towels, use the heavy wash cycle. This cycle uses more water and time to clean these thick or dirty clothes properly. For soft clothes like wool, silk, or delicate fabrics, use the gentle wash cycle. This cycle is slow and careful so the clothes do not get damaged. Using the right wash cycle helps your clothes stay nice and clean. It also saves energy and keeps your washing machine working well. Always read the labels on your clothes. They tell you how to wash them. Follow those instructions to keep your clothes new for a long time.
7. Check the Hose Pipes
The hose pipes of a washing machine are very important. They bring clean water into the machine and take dirty water out after washing. These pipes work hard every day. Over time, the pipes can get old, crack, or start leaking. If a hose pipe leaks or breaks, water can spill on the floor. This can cause a mess and even damage your floor or walls. Sometimes, water can also damage the machine itself. To keep your washing machine safe, check the hose pipes every few months. Look closely for any cracks, holes, or wet spots. If you see any damage, do not wait—replace the pipe right away. Changing the hose pipe is easy and does not cost much money. You can buy new pipes from any hardware or washing machine store. Taking care of the hose pipes helps prevent water leaks and keeps your washing machine working safely. It also protects your home from water damage.
8. Keep the Outside Clean Too
It is important to clean not only the inside of the washing machine but also the outside. Dust, dirt, and soap can collect on the outside of the machine. When the machine looks dirty, it also feels old and unclean. A dirty machine can make your whole laundry area look messy. Cleaning the outside helps your washing machine look new and last longer. It also helps you see if any parts are broken or if there is water leaking from the machine. To clean the outside, use a soft, damp cloth. Wipe the body, buttons, control panel, and the door gently. Do this every few days or once a week, depending on how dusty your home is. Do not pour water directly on the machine. Water can get inside and harm the machine’s electric parts. This can cause the machine to stop working or become dangerous to use. If you see any stains or soap marks, you can use a little mild soap with water on your cloth. After that, wipe the soap off with a clean, damp cloth. Make sure there is no soap left on the machine. Also, keep the area around the washing machine clean and dry. Dust or water on the floor can cause accidents or damage the machine. Keeping the outside clean is a small step, but it makes a big difference. A clean washing machine shows you care for it, and it works better and looks good for many years.
9. Don’t Start the Machine Too Many Times a Day
Some people use the washing machine many times in one day. Using the machine too often can make the motor hot. When the motor gets hot many times, it can become weak and stop working sooner. Starting the machine again and again without giving it time to rest is not good. The machine needs some time to cool down after each wash. Try to wash all your clothes in one or two loads each day. This way, the machine works less and lasts longer. If you have a lot of clothes, it is better to wait for some time between washes. Give the machine about 30 minutes to rest and cool down before starting the next wash. Using the machine properly will save you money. It will stop you from buying a new washing machine too soon.
10. Service Your Machine Once a Year
Just like your bike or car needs a check-up, your washing machine also needs regular servicing. Servicing means a trained professional looks inside your machine to make sure all parts are working well. During service, the expert cleans parts that you cannot reach, checks the motor, hoses, drum, and other important parts. They can find small problems early and fix them before they become big and expensive. Regular servicing helps your washing machine work better and last longer. It also saves you from sudden breakdowns that can be very inconvenient. If you do not service your machine, dirt and soap can build up inside. This can make the machine work harder and use more electricity and water. Calling a service person once every year is a good habit. They can also give advice on how to use your machine better and keep it clean. If your machine is old or you use it a lot, you may need to service it more often.
Conclusion
Taking care of your washing machine is not hard. You do not need to be a technician or expert. Just follow these simple steps every day and every month. When your machine is clean and well cared for, it will work better for a long time. Your clothes will come out fresh, clean, and smelling nice. A happy washing machine uses less electricity and water. It also helps you save money because it does not break easily or need repairs often. Remember, a little care today means your washing machine will last many years. So, keep your machine clean, do not overload it, use the right detergent, and follow all the other tips. Your washing machine is your helper in daily life—treat it well, and it will take good care of your clothes and family.
