How to Keep Your Washing Machine Running Smoothly

Expert Advice on Maintaining Your Washing Machine

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Maintaining your washing machine is essential for ensuring it enjoys a long and productive life. While it’s common knowledge not to wash flammable substances or oils, there are lesser-known tips that can make a big difference. For instance, did you know that dishwashing soap, although excellent at stain removal, needs to be rinsed out by hand and isn’t a substitute for laundry detergent? These nuances often get overlooked, but understanding them can significantly impact the lifespan of your washing machine. Let's explore how your habits can directly affect the health and longevity of this indispensable household appliance.

Load Sizes Directly Impact Machine Health 

At its most basic, a washing machine is a motor that turns a drum filled with water to agitate your clothes and then rinse them. That motor can die more quickly if it is used to the maximum consistently. Being able to identify the different sizes of loads appropriately and vary them is far better than constantly pushing for the maximum load size.

Small - this is approximately 1/4 of the size of your washers drum. Typically this is going to be a few small items like t-shirts or a week’s worth of  socks and underwear. Or you might do one large item like a jacket or a blanket.

Medium - this should be, half the drum. This would fit maybe a week's worth of summer clothing for one person. 

Large - this is 3/4 of the drum and is capable of fitting multiple bedding sets or a fair bit of clothing. 

Extra Large - if you're washing machine is completely full then you are running an extra large load. 

However large you choose to have a load, ensure that it is properly balanced, as that is also going to play a significant role. If the load is not properly balanced, the machine is undergoing more wear and tear as different parts of the drum or pushed down or up. Additionally, an imbalanced load can result and often does result in the machine vibrating, shaking or even walking.

How To Clean Your Washing Machine 

Like many tasks, cleaning your washing machine is best done in smaller stages. Rather than cleaning everything once a month you can take 5 minutes here or there and knock out one part of it. This is the exterior, the drum, the detergent drawer, and any of the filters that your machine might have. 

When it comes to the interior, making it a regular practice will affect not only the life of your washing machine but also the life of your clothes. Having dirt and detergent buildup in the drum will lead to poor washing results and even the machine malfunctioning. Worse is when water remains in the drum after running a load. If that's allowed, you can end up with mold, and at that point, you need to call in a professional. 

Regularly Maintaining The Outside Of Your Washer Is Just As Important 

You might notice that we didn't explain much about cleaning the exterior of your washing machine. That's because cleaning the exterior is a simple task. On the other hand, carefully going over the exterior to check for issues is its own kettle of fish. You need to check the hoses, connections, and the power line. The hoses need to be gone over to make sure there aren't any cracks or swelling, or kinks. If they start showing signs of wear or damage then you need to replace them before they lead to leaks. The connections also have to be carefully checked for any cracks or leaks. It only takes a minute or two to go over these but you can prevent major problems by doing it.

Anticipating And Replacing Failing Parts When Possible And Calling A Professional When Not

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Many of the issues that you can run into with your washing machine can actually be anticipated or discovered long before they become a full problem by paying attention. By doing regular checks, you will notice when things aren't working the way that they're supposed to. 

Unusual noises—If your washing machine starts grinding or banging not just once when you have something heavy in the load but all the time, regardless of what you have, it can be a sign of a worn-out belt, damaged bearings, or a problem with the drum.

Water leaks - A water leak means you must look closely at the hoses, the connections, and the gaskets. Any of these could be misaligned 

Or deteriorating.

Excessive vibration—A washing machine is going to vibrate, due to its nature. Excessive vibration, though, such that the machine is walking or vibrating the whole room, is concerning. This means either that you have a worn-out suspension or that the load is imbalanced. 

Unresponsive control panel - If your control panel is unresponsive or is flashing or is showing error codes all of these are signs that there is an issue with the electronics of the washer.

Incomplete cycles—Incomplete cycles can occur due to a loss of power from a black or brownout, but they can also be a sign that there is a short within the machine. Once you've ruled out loss of power, it's time to consider that there is an issue with different components of the washer.

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Subpar cleaning - The entire point of the washing machine is to wash your clothing properly. So if it's not doing this, we question why. The easiest answer, and one none of us likes, is that it's user error. Did you treat the clothes or stains before running the load? Did you choose the right detergent and wash settings? If the answer to both of those is yes, then we will look at the machine. Human error has been ruled out, it could be an issue with the water levels within the machine or the drum. 

Now, you can see how regular maintenance is important for the health and longevity of your washing machine. The great news is that you can treat some of these problems yourself. Replacing a hose or a connection, re-leveling your washer, or rebalancing a load are all things you can do with a little bit of googling. Then, it's just a quick trip to the hardware store and a few minutes of your time to get the job done and taken care of.

But when it comes to things like replacing electronics or fixing issues with the bearings or the drum, that's when a professional is necessary. You might also consider calling a professional if you've tried fixing an issue multiple times, but it hasn't solved it. Or if you're having major or consistent leaks. You don't want to guess and test in those situations because it can cause damage to the rest of your home.  These are all times when it's important to get a professional in so that you can get your home running smoothly again. That right there is the key motto for Appliance Rescue Service: getting your home functioning and running smoothly again. Whether it's a major problem like your control panel not working or you want to get ahead and schedule regular maintenance, not just for your washer but for all of your major appliances, we are here for you. If you live between Frisco and Dallas or Allen and McKinney, we want to work with you to help get your home back on track. 

You can contact us via our website or by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055). We will work with you to set up a date and time that works with your schedule and find the best time to send our expert technicians.

 

Additional Reading

Energy-Efficient Washing Machines

Places to Avoid: The Paw Version!

Why Is My Oven Smelling So Strange?

The Planned Obsolescence Debate

Built to Last or Destined for Disrepair?

Are our modern appliances built to withstand the test of time, or are they designed with an expiration date in mind? In a world where our washing machines text us when the laundry is done and our refrigerators double as personal assistants, the question of longevity looms large. Let's delve into the heart of the matter, exploring the intricate web of factors that shape the lifespan of today's appliances. From the surge in consumer complaints to the evolution of manufacturing processes, we'll unravel the complexities surrounding this pressing issue. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the lifespan of our most beloved household gadgets.

So what are the facts? Let's take a look at the different sides of the issue.

The Rise in Consumer Complaints

According to Yelp, users requested 58% more quotes from thousands of repair businesses in January 2023 than in January 2022. While the data doesn't tell what went wrong, it does show a sharp increase in the number of times users were unable to solve the problem themselves. 

Our appliances can do more than ever. Your washing machine can text you when a load is done. Your HVAC system can tell you when to reduce your temperatures to save money or even do it itself. Your refrigerator can remind you of your schedule. But if you peel back the stainless steel and plastic exterior of your modern appliances, you'll see that they're packed full of sensors and switches that weren't there ten years ago, let alone 20. True, these make sure that the the appliance is only using the energy, water, or fuel that it needs, but more parts equals more complexity equals more points of failure. 

While manufacturers used to rely on straightforward on/off mechanical switches, they've transitioned in the last decade. Now our appliances use more advanced electrical and computerized parts such as a touch screen that displays half a dozen different modes for your oven. Our machines are more likely to be made with plastic and aluminum these days rather than steel. High-efficiency motors and compressors are also subject to this since they are tasked with drawing less energy and so they can be lighter.

Instead of everything being built in one factory, individual components are now outsourced to the least expensive bidder. Components and finished products are being shaved down as much as possible to make them lighter and cut down on shipping costs. Appliances are made more and more often out of plastic than steel, which means the gaps between pieces are smaller than ever. When you cut down the amount of space between pieces and cut down on the stability of those pieces, you're looking at a much larger number of components that can break during daily use.

When a $60 pump can lead to a $35,000 replacement of your entire kitchen, how are you supposed to handle that? Let alone trust the manufacturer?

Evolution of Appliance Design and Manufacturing

It used to be that an appliance would be built from beginning to end in one factory. You knew where everything was coming from and where everything was going. Manufacturers used to mostly rely on on/off mechanical switches, and mechanical motor driven timers. Many things were made out of steel and would last for decades. 

Things were built differently. And that's not just a metaphorical saying. Mid-century appliances lasted decades because pieces were made with solid belts, solid switches or levers, were driven by only a motor and a compressor.

They were substantially more bulky, in both size and weight, than they are today. They were also energy hogs. They were more expensive than even in comparison to today. Additionally, they were more expensive for your utility bills. An old washing machine would use 50 gallons for a load of laundry, whereas today, you would use 15. A dishwasher would use 10 gallons of water in comparison to as little as three today. And electrical usage was much the same. 

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New appliances, on the other hand, have been redesigned from the ground up in many ways. Now, designs take into account shipping weight, manufacturer costs, and how much can be done with electronic switches rather than motors. The appliances are also built with the latest technology to lower your utility bills by using the most efficient motors. 

It's difficult to estimate the reliability of individual models because brands will use multiple factories and suppliers for a single product line. It gets even worse when you understand that individual components are often sourced from multiple suppliers over the time of a single model's production. 

Conflicting Perspectives: Industry vs. Repair Technicians

According to the National Association of Home Builders and a study that they conducted in 2007, the average lifespan of your home appliances is less than or equal to 15 years on average. A dishwasher is approximately nine years old. A washer and dryer is approximately ten years old. And a refrigerator is approximately 13. * 

American households, according to Euromonitor International, spent 43% more in 2023 than in 2013, rising from an inflation-adjusted average of $340 to $558. Even though prices declined by 12%, according to the labor department, within that time frame. One reason for the discrepancy, according to all parties, is a higher rate of replacement. So, the short version of this is that although prices for appliances have gone down, more households needed to replace their appliances as of 2023 than in 2013.

The Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers says that while the industry has enhanced the safety, energy efficiency, capacity, and performance of appliances, they claim that the average lifespan has not substantially shifted over the last two decades. **

However according to repairmen and technicians on the ground, most will give less than 4 years on average for any given appliance. They point out that it is the push towards computerization, and an increase in components that have to fit together just so alongside flimsier materials that cause a shorter lifespan. They point out that even the higher end items aren't as durable as they once were. 

Impact on Consumer Behavior and Market Trends

Does this mean that new appliances are designed to fail? 

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Modern appliances do have a shorter lifespan. Instead of lasting 50+ years, you're now getting around ten if you treat your appliances well. That is partly due to our demands as consumers. We want the latest tech at the lowest prices, preferably yesterday. Unfortunately, something has to give in that equation, and from a manufacturer's standpoint, that's most often the quality and, thus, the lifespan of the machines.

So if you were to ask us if manufacturers are designing for obsolescence or are they just trying to keep up with the market, we would have to say it's a little bit of both.  

A tip some repair technicians are offering their clients is "More features might be more glamorous, but fewers is usually better." In fact, this is why our owner always suggest the less "glamorours" but most reliable options to our own clients. It's also why we offer not just repair services but also maintenance checks as well, to ensure that your appliances have as long a life as possible. 

As we conclude our exploration into the lifespan of modern appliances, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the landscape of household gadgets is evolving at a rapid pace. From the surge in consumer complaints to the contrasting perspectives on industry practices, we've peeled back the layers to reveal a nuanced picture of the challenges facing today's appliances.

But amidst the complexity lies an opportunity for proactive action. At Appliance Rescue Service, we're not just here to fix things when they break – we're your partners in appliance longevity. By prioritizing regular maintenance checks and opting for reliable, durable options, you can extend the lifespan of your appliances and minimize the need for costly repairs.

So, whether it's a malfunctioning dishwasher or a faulty refrigerator, remember that Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Let's work together to ensure that your appliances not only meet but exceed their expected lifespan, saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress in the long run.

Contact us today to schedule a maintenance check and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your appliances are in good hands. Your trusted partner in appliance care – Appliance Rescue Service.

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*We have reached out to the National Association of Home Builders to see when they next intend conduct the study in hopes of being able to bring more updated information to this argument in the future. 

** We, as appliance repair technicians, have to disagree with that, though, as many other data points show. Additionally, we have to question how they define substantially and who exactly paid for this research. Is the 43%, as referenced by the Euromonitor International, not substantial?