A washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, running hundreds of cycles each year under demanding conditions. With proper maintenance, a quality machine can last 10-15 years or more. Neglect it, and you might be shopping for a replacement in just 5-7 years. This guide covers the essential maintenance tasks that will keep your washing machine running efficiently and help you avoid costly repairs.
After Every Wash: Quick Habits
The most effective maintenance doesn't require special tools or expertise. Simple habits performed after each wash can prevent the most common problems.
Leave the Door Open
This is particularly crucial for front loaders. After removing your clothes, leave the door slightly ajar to allow air circulation. The warm, damp environment inside a closed washing machine is perfect for mould and mildew growth, leading to unpleasant odours that can transfer to your clothes. Even 10-15 minutes of air circulation helps significantly, though leaving the door open until the next use is ideal.
Wipe the Door Seal (Front Loaders)
The rubber gasket around a front loader's door traps water, lint, and small debris. After each wash, take a moment to wipe around the seal with a dry cloth. Pay particular attention to the folds where water collects. This simple step prevents mould growth and extends the life of the seal, which can be expensive to replace.
Quick Maintenance Habit
Keep a small towel or cloth near your washing machine specifically for wiping the door seal. Making it convenient means you're more likely to do it consistently.
Empty Pockets and Check for Foreign Objects
Coins, keys, tissues, and other items left in pockets can damage the drum, block drains, and cause mechanical problems. Make checking pockets a routine part of loading the machine. Also check for items that might have fallen between the drum and the door seal.
Weekly Maintenance Tasks
Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Detergent and fabric softener residue builds up in the dispenser drawer over time, potentially clogging the dispensing mechanism and encouraging mould growth. Remove the drawer weekly if possible, or at least monthly, and rinse it under warm water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away stubborn residue. Allow it to dry before replacing it.
Check and Clean the Filter
Most washing machines have a drain pump filter that catches debris before it enters the pump. This filter should be checked weekly for lint, coins, hair clips, and other objects. The location varies by model, but it's typically behind a small door at the bottom front of the machine. Have a shallow container and towel ready to catch any water that drains out when you open it.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle
Even if you primarily wash in cold water, running an empty hot cycle monthly helps dissolve and flush away detergent residue, body oils, and bacteria that accumulate in the drum and hoses. Use the hottest setting available and add either a commercial washing machine cleaner, two cups of white vinegar, or half a cup of bicarbonate of soda.
Important Note
Never mix vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in the same cycle. They neutralise each other and become ineffective. Use one or the other, or run separate cycles with each.
Clean the Exterior
Wipe down the exterior of your machine with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Pay attention to the control panel, which can accumulate dust and grime. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or excessive water around electronic controls.
Inspect Hoses
Check the inlet and outlet hoses for signs of wear, bulging, cracking, or leaks. Hose failures are a leading cause of washing machine water damage. If your hoses are more than five years old, consider replacing them preventatively, especially if you notice any deterioration.
Quarterly and Annual Tasks
Deep Clean the Drum
Every three months, give your drum a thorough cleaning. For front loaders, run an empty hot cycle with a washing machine cleaner specifically designed for front loaders. For top loaders, fill the drum with hot water, add cleaner or vinegar, let it soak for an hour, then complete the cycle.
Level the Machine
Check that your washing machine is still level, especially if you've noticed increased vibration or noise. Use a spirit level on top of the machine and adjust the feet as needed. An unlevel machine wears unevenly, vibrates excessively during spin cycles, and may walk across the floor.
Professional Inspection
Consider having a technician inspect your machine annually if it's more than five years old. They can check bearings, belts, motors, and other components that are difficult to assess yourself. Catching problems early is much cheaper than emergency repairs or water damage from failures.
Proper Usage Habits
How you use your washing machine daily affects its longevity as much as specific maintenance tasks.
Use the Right Amount of Detergent
More detergent doesn't mean cleaner clothes. Excess detergent leaves residue on clothes and inside the machine, promotes mould growth, and can damage seals and hoses over time. Follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions, which are based on load size and soil level. High-efficiency machines need HE detergent, which produces fewer suds.
Don't Overload
Stuffing the drum beyond capacity strains the motor, bearings, and suspension. Clothes can't move freely, resulting in poorer cleaning and uneven wear on the drum. Leave enough space for clothes to tumble properly. A good rule is to fill the drum no more than three-quarters full for a regular load.
Balance Heavy Items
When washing heavy items like towels, jeans, or blankets, balance them around the drum rather than bunching them on one side. Unbalanced loads cause excessive vibration during the spin cycle, stressing the drum bearings and suspension.
Signs Your Machine Needs Attention
- Musty smell in the drum or on clean clothes
- Clothes not coming out as clean as usual
- Excessive vibration or walking during spin
- Unusual noises such as grinding or squeaking
- Water not draining completely
- Error codes appearing on the display
Hard Water Considerations
Many areas of Australia have hard water, which can cause limescale buildup inside your washing machine. This affects heating elements, reduces cleaning efficiency, and can shorten the machine's lifespan.
If you're in a hard water area, consider running a monthly descaling treatment using a commercial descaler or citric acid. You may also need to use slightly more detergent, as hard water reduces its effectiveness. Some machines have a water hardness setting that adjusts detergent requirements.
Creating a Maintenance Schedule
The key to consistent maintenance is making it routine. Consider setting calendar reminders for monthly and quarterly tasks. Post a simple checklist near your laundry as a reminder of daily and weekly habits.
Key Takeaway
Regular washing machine maintenance is simple and takes minimal time, but the benefits are substantial: a longer-lasting appliance, better cleaning performance, lower energy costs, and fewer expensive repairs. The most important habits are leaving the door open, cleaning the seal and filter regularly, and running monthly hot cleaning cycles.