16 tips for washer and dryer maintenance

When your washing machine and dryer are operating efficiently and effectively, your family’s laundry day can stay on track. With regular care and by taking preventive measures, you can help keep your laundry appliances in good working condition. Read this guide, and keep it handy, to be introduced to some of the best tips for washer and dryer maintenance, and get the most out of these appliances that you rely on to keep your life moving.

Maintaining your laundry appliances may help them work more effectively, be more efficient, and, most importantly, wash and dry your clothes as expected. Different machines often require different care, so familiarize yourself with what your appliances need. The best advice is to always review the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you encounter any problems with your machine that feel too overwhelming, you should contact a professional repair service. Remember, Whirlpool^® washers or dryers have a warranty. Review the warranty documentation that comes with your appliance to learn specific information about your model.

Generally speaking, washers and dryers are built to last for quite some time. How long it lasts depends on its quality and durability, and how well it is maintained. With regular maintenance and proper care, these laundry appliances can last for several years.

Maintaining your washer can help ensure it cleans your clothing and items to your expectations. Use these front and top-load washer maintenance ideas to get the most out of your laundry routine.

• Leave the washer door open after use: Most people close the washer door when unloading the contents. Instead, leave the door open to allow the wash basket to air dry. 

   

• Never overload your washer: Overloading your washer can help prevent the load from getting an adequate clean, can cause an unbalanced machine, and make it more taxing for your machine to operate.

   

• Empty the washing machine right away after use: Once a cycle ends, unload the wet items from the washer. This can help keep your appliance clean.

   

• Inspect the hoses and connections: Hoses have to endure a lot, such as wear and tear, installation issues, and poor water quality. These issues can cause hoses and connections to break, leak, or fail. Inspecting your washer hoses and connections for bulging, cracking, and fraying every few years will help you spot problems early and deal with them before they worsen.

   

• Ensure the machine is level: It is vital for a washing machine to be level to avoid putting stress on its parts. Consult your washing machine’s use and care guide for instructions on how to properly level your washing machine.

   

• Check door seals: Inspect your washing machine’s door and lid seals to see if there is any moisture and residue buildup. You should wipe them dry after every use and clean them routinely.

   

• Use the right detergent: You want to choose a laundry detergent that works for your washing machine. If you have a high-efficiency washer, make sure to only use high-efficiency detergent. It’s also pivotal to use the correct amount of detergent and fabric softener and to clean the detergent reservoirs and drawers, as required.

   

• Clean the lint filter: The lint filter is typically in the agitator or near the top of the wash tub. Keeping this lint filter free and clean helps ensure your washer operates properly. 

   

• Clean your washing machine: It’s recommended to clean your washing machine monthly or every 30 wash cycles to help ensure your clothes come out clean. Read our guide on how to clean your washing machine to learn important steps and get more tips. Select Whirlpool^® washing machines have a Clean Washer with affresh^®1 cycle to help you keep your washing machine clean and ready for your next laundry day.

   

• If your front-load washing machine provides access, you should clean the drain pump filter.

A properly maintained dryer is important for effective operation. Use these tips to maintain your gas and electric dryer to help keep it in good condition.

• Clean the lint trap: An essential part of proper dryer maintenance is to clean the lint trap and slot regularly. A full lint trap can increase drying time and impact your dryer’s performance.

   

• Clean the dryer vents: Over time, your dryer may develop a buildup of dust and lint, which might negatively impact its effectiveness. Dryer vents should be cleaned every two years. If you are unsure how to clean your dryer’s vent, you should consider hiring a professional to assist.

   

• Avoid overloading: Shoving large loads into your dryer may seem like a shortcut, but it can extend drying times. Your laundry needs to be able to move around to completely dry. Overstuffing the drum prevents the circulation of air needed for proper drying.

   

• Ensure the dryer is level: Optimal drying performance requires a level dryer, and it will also keep it in good working order. Take the time to set the correct level and adjust the supporting legs of your dryer according to the instructions in your appliance’s use and care guide.

   

• Deep clean the lint screen: Laundry detergent and fabric softener tend to build up on the lint screen. This can extend drying times and impact the appliance’s overall performance. Deep cleaning the lint screen every six months is recommended.

   

• Clean the dryer’s drum: An important part of dryer maintenance is to simply keep it clean. Clean the drum with a soft cloth and a bit of water and dish soap. Read this thorough cleaning guide for more information about cleaning your dryer.

   

Your laundry appliances can benefit from routine preventive maintenance, which has the added benefit of letting you avoid hiring a professional. You may also be able to solve some common laundry appliance issues on your own.

That said, if you encounter a problem that you’re unsure of how to fix, you should consider calling a professional. If you have a Whirlpool^® appliance, repair and replacement services are readily available.