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September 22, 2025
Simple maintenance steps that save you hundreds on washing machine repairs and extend your appliance's life.
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Think about how much your washer handles. Dirt, soap residue, fabric softener, pet hair, forgotten tissues. All of that builds up over time and creates problems that seem to come out of nowhere.
The average washing machine repair costs between $150-$400 in Middlesex County. Emergency calls cost even more. But most of these repairs stem from buildup and neglect that simple maintenance prevents.
Your washer’s lifespan depends largely on how you treat it. With basic care, you’re looking at 10-14 years of reliable service. Without it, you might be shopping for a replacement in 6-8 years.
Your washer cleans clothes, but it doesn’t clean itself. Soap scum, fabric softener residue, and moisture create the perfect environment for mold and mildew. That musty smell isn’t just unpleasant – it’s a sign of buildup that affects your washer’s performance.
Front-loading washers are especially prone to problems around the door seal. That rubber gasket traps moisture and debris. Pull it back gently and you’ll probably find hair, coins, and gunk you didn’t know was there. Wipe it down with a damp cloth every few weeks.
For the drum itself, run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar once a month. The vinegar breaks down mineral deposits and soap residue without damaging your machine. If you have hard water in your area, you might need to do this more frequently.
Some newer washers have a self-cleaning cycle. Use it. The manufacturer included it for a reason. But even with a self-cleaning cycle, you still need to wipe down the door seal and leave the door cracked open after each load to let moisture escape.
Don’t use bleach unless your manual specifically recommends it. Bleach can damage rubber seals and gaskets over time. Stick with vinegar or the cleaning products your washer manufacturer suggests.
Your washer cleans clothes, but it doesn’t clean itself. Soap scum, fabric softener residue, and moisture create the perfect environment for mold and mildew. That musty smell isn’t just unpleasant – it’s a sign of buildup that affects your washer’s performance.
Front-loading washers are especially prone to problems around the door seal. That rubber gasket traps moisture and debris. Pull it back gently and you’ll probably find hair, coins, and gunk you didn’t know was there. Wipe it down with a damp cloth every few weeks.
For the drum itself, run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar once a month. The vinegar breaks down mineral deposits and soap residue without damaging your machine. If you have hard water in your area, you might need to do this more frequently.
Some newer washers have a self-cleaning cycle. Use it. The manufacturer included it for a reason. But even with a self-cleaning cycle, you still need to wipe down the door seal and leave the door cracked open after each load to let moisture escape.
Don’t use bleach unless your manual specifically recommends it. Bleach can damage rubber seals and gaskets over time. Stick with vinegar or the cleaning products your washer manufacturer suggests.
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Your washer has weight limits for good reason. Overloading strains the motor, transmission, and suspension system. It also prevents clothes from getting properly clean because they can’t move freely through the water.
A good rule of thumb: fill the tub about two-thirds full with dry clothes. They need room to move around. Heavy items like comforters and sleeping bags should be washed alone or with just a few other items.
Balance matters too. An unbalanced load causes excessive vibration that damages internal components over time. You’ll hear it – that loud thumping during the spin cycle that makes you wonder if your washer is trying to walk across the room.
More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, too much detergent causes more problems than too little. Excess soap creates suds that interfere with your washer’s cleaning action and leave residue on your clothes and inside your machine.
High-efficiency washers are particularly sensitive to detergent amounts. They use less water, so soap concentrates more quickly. If you see suds during the rinse cycle, you’re using too much detergent.
Soap buildup attracts dirt and creates a film inside your washer that harbors bacteria and mold. It also makes your clothes feel stiff or look dingy over time. Your washer has to work harder to rinse away excess soap, which puts additional strain on the motor and pump.
Start with half the amount recommended on the detergent package and adjust based on your results. Soft water areas need even less detergent than hard water areas. If your clothes come out clean and your washer doesn’t have soap residue buildup, you’ve found the right amount.
Fabric softener causes similar problems when overused. It leaves a waxy buildup that affects your washer’s sensors and creates odors. Consider using dryer balls instead of liquid fabric softener, or use fabric softener only occasionally.
A level washer is a happy washer. When your machine isn’t sitting evenly, it vibrates excessively during the spin cycle. This vibration damages internal components and can cause your washer to “walk” across the floor.
Check the level using a bubble level placed on top of your washer. Most washers have adjustable front feet that let you fine-tune the position. The back feet are usually self-leveling, but they need to be able to move freely.
Your washer should sit firmly on all four feet without rocking. If it rocks when you push on opposite corners, adjust the feet until it’s stable. This simple adjustment can eliminate most vibration problems and extend your washer’s life significantly.
Water supply hoses deserve attention too. These hoses are under constant pressure and can fail without warning. A burst hose can dump dozens of gallons of water into your home in minutes. Check the hoses every few months for cracks, bulges, or signs of wear.
We recommend replacing water supply hoses every five years, even if they look fine. The rubber deteriorates from the inside out, and you won’t see problems until it’s too late. Stainless steel braided hoses cost more upfront but last longer and are less likely to fail catastrophically.
Make sure the connections at both ends of the hoses are tight but not over-tightened. Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with pliers is usually sufficient. Over-tightening can damage the threads and cause leaks.
These five maintenance habits take maybe an hour total each month. Compare that to the cost and hassle of emergency repairs or premature replacement. Your washer will run more efficiently, last longer, and give you fewer headaches.
The key is consistency. Monthly cleaning, proper loading, correct detergent amounts, level installation, and attention to hoses and connections. Most homeowners can handle these tasks easily.
When you do need professional help, we at Fast Action Appliance provide reliable washer repair services throughout Middlesex County. Sometimes maintenance isn’t enough, and that’s when experience matters most.
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