It costs between $300 and $500 to fix a moldy washing machine.
Newer front-loading washing machines tend to develop serious mold problems. A class-action lawsuit against major manufacturers stated over 6 million machines were affected.
Mold isn’t the only problem washing machine owners face. They also need to look out for lint build-up, broken hoses, and flooding.
Is it worth your time to perform maintenance on your washing machine? Yes. Taking an hour every couple of months will save hundreds of dollars.
Grab your cleaning supplies. It’s time to extend the life of a washing machine.
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Stop Mold in Its Tracks
Mold grows the best when it has access to food and water. Mold loves fabric softener. Washing machines are notorious for staying damp for days at a time.
Front-loading washers have a rubber gasket on the door called a boot. The boot prevents water from leaking while the washer is running. Unfortunately, it also prevents the washing machine from drying between washes.
Mold that gathers in the boot over time spreads to your clothing. Each time you wear those clothes, mold spores spread throughout your home.
Mold exposure causes headaches, sinus infections, and asthma in people with weak lungs.
To prevent mold from forming, wipe down the boot at least once a week. After you finish your laundry, leave the washing machine open to dry. If you have pets or children, make sure they don’t explore inside the washer as it dries.
Check the Hoses
Water hoses for washing machines last around four years.
Every few months, check the hoses for these problems:
- Fraying
- Cracking
- Leaks
- Bulging
Maintaining these hoses is vital to the life of a washing machine. Flooding can damage the electrical parts of the machine. It’ll also encourage mold growth and damage your floor.
Clean the Washing Machine
Detergent and fabric softener leave build-up in your washing machine. Dirt and pet hair cling to the build-up, making a rank-smelling mess.
Start by wiping off the dirt collected around the edges of the machine. Next, grab some gentle washing machine cleaner tablets. Run the washing machine according to the directions on the tablets.
Monthly cleaning is the best washing machine maintenance possible.
Don’t Use Too Much Detergent
More soap isn’t always the key to cleaner clothes. Excess soap wears out your washing machine and can damage clothes.
Check your washer’s guide to see how much soap to use per load type. Remember, high-efficiency washers use less water and need detergents that don’t create excess suds.
Regular Maintenance Will Extend the Life of a Washing Machine
The life of a washing machine lasts about ten years. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, machines can develop problems in just five years.
Keep your washing machine fresh-smelling and mold-free with monthly cleanings. Protect your home from water damage by leveling the machine and checking the hoses.
Be kind to your washing machine and it’ll keep your clothes from developing black or brown mold spots.
Put a helpful reminder on your calendar so you remember to clean your machine.
Need more helpful cleaning tips? Tasteful Space has all the information you need to make your home sparkle.
