We rely on our washing machines to take care of our clothes. Today, washing machines have become prevalent in Indian households, and similar to refrigerators, it is difficult to imagine our lives without these handy appliances. With washing machines now being made available at affordable prices, it is no longer an issue about the cost of the washer, and washing machine brands are now rolling out with futuristic models that come with top-of-the-line features.
While fully automatic washing machines do not require human intervention, semi-automatic washing machines require us to monitor the process. Furthermore, we can either purchase a top-loading washing machine, or a front loading washing machine depending upon our preference. However, no matter which model you choose, it is important to maintain your new washing machine.
Improper maintenance of your washer can lead to odour seeping into your clothes, or the machine requiring repairs, or worse, the washing machine going out of commission. Here are a few tips to maintain your appliance in a good condition.
Keep the Lint Filter Clean
The lint filter in a washing machine is usually located near the agitator tube, or in the lower front of the washer. The lint filter often catches things falling out of pockets, such as keys, coins and lint. It is thus important to keep the lint collector clean to ensure that the washing machine runs efficiently.
If the screen is removable, you can soak it in hot water for at least 10 minutes to clear away any residue. However, if the lint filter is secured in place and cannot be removed, you can clean the lint from the filter gently by using a soft brush or a paper towel. In case the filter is disposable, you can also replace it when it gets clogged.
Deep Clean Your Machine
While consumers expect their washing machines to perform at 100 percent every time they switch on the appliance, washers, similar to other machines, start becoming less efficient after a certain period. This results in clothes not being cleaned properly. One of the main reasons for this loss in efficiency is the scaling, which occurs because of the micro-residuals in the water, which is a problem in areas having hard water.
In such cases, it is important to deep clean the washing machine. By using strong machine cleaners, you can remove the scaling without causing any damage to the metal and plastic parts of the washer.
Clean the Rubber Gasket
The rubber gasket in a washing machine is an important part that suffers quite a bit of wear and tear over time. The rubber gasket protects your clothes from being damaged, as it wraps the edges of the machine, while also protecting your hands. Thus, every time you open the lid or door of the washing machine, some amount of dirt particles enter the gasket, and gather on its edges.
Furthermore, the washing powder and fabric softener we use also leave residues on the gasket, while it often suffers from other spills. It is thus important to keep the gasket clean, by regularly cleaning it with a damp cloth.
Keep the Door Open
We often close the washing machine door after removing our clothes. However, it is advised that you keep the door or lid open for at least 15-30 minutes after every cycle. While consumers worry about dust and other particles getting stored inside the machine, it is important to keep the door open, so that the moisture goes out, which prevents mould and bacteria from building up inside the washing machine.
It is thus important to keep the inside of the machine dry, as moisture can also damage your delicates. You can also wipe the inside of the machine after keeping the door open for 15-30 minutes with a heavy, dry towel, which ensures that there is no moisture build up in the washer.
Check the Hose
You also have to keep checking the hose, to ensure that water goes in and out of the machine without any blockages, and that the flow is smooth. You also have to ensure that the inlets are connected properly to the water source without any leaks, which prevents wastage of water. Similarly, it is important to ensure that the drain hose is properly maintained, as it removes the dirty water, lint and other micro-fabric particles. The outlet hose might also get clogged due to lint and fabric particles, which can seriously hinder the performance of the washing machine.
Washing machine brands also roll out with models that come with the self-diagnosis feature. For instance, the Samsung 6.0 Kg Fully-Automatic 5 Star Front Loading Washing Machine (WW60R20GLMA/TL, White) comes with the Smart Check automatic error-monitoring system, which detects and diagnoses problems using a smartphone app. Such unique features also make this Samsung washing machine one of the best models currently available in the market.
