There are many factors that can lead to a washing machine needing repair. If a machine is not draining properly or is locking with your clothing inside, it might be time to investigate the costs of washing machine repairs.
Other times, however, there are some simple solutions to consider. Some of the things that can cause a washing machine to perform below par are easy to avoid. From using incorrect detergent to the strange smells, here are five easy to miss washing machine faults that you should be aware of.
Incorrect detergent
There are different types of detergent for different types of washing machines. The detergent that was designed to go in the top-loading machine tends to foam more than detergent specifically designed to go in a front-loading machine. While using the wrong detergent in a top-loading machine can result in a subpar cleaning, using the wrong detergent in a front-loading machine can cause pressure to build up, potentially breaking the door of the machine. This is because the front-loading machines are designed to be more efficient and use less water, so be aware of this, or be ready to call a repairman to replace the door.
Overloading
Overloading the washing machine can seem like a wonderful way to save time and resources, but it can cause quite a few problems. It is not only doing a poor job cleaning the clothes inside it, but it is also putting a strain on the bearings of the drum. This can make it more likely that the machine will break sooner than it should. Not only is using the correctly sized loads better for the machine, it also leads to cleaner clothing.
Objects
Sometimes, objects left in pockets can be a cause for joy, like finding a pound in the drum after changing a load of laundry. Other times, objects left in pockets can cause issues to the machine. It is important to check pockets for things that are larger than hairpins and loose change. These objects can get stuck in the machine and cause a blockage. Even objects like socks and underwear, if the machine has been overloaded, can lead to a machine becoming damaged. It is also important to check to see if an object is machine washable before putting it into the washing machine. Extreme damage can be done to the machine and the object.
Shaking and moving
If a washing machine is moving or shaking, there are several possible solutions. First, it could simply mean that the floor that the machine is on is not level. The machine either needs to be moved slightly, or it needs to be lifted to sit on a board that will make the surface level. Sometimes, the legs of the machine will need to be adjusted. This will also prevent movement. The final possibility is that a load of laundry is unbalanced and simply needs to be adjusted.
Smells
Washing machines are a frequently utilised tool and one that offers a perfect breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria. The drum, or tub, of a washer, is a dark and damp surface that is perfect for these things. As a result, washing machines can have a film of decaying matter in them, called biofilm. After a time, this will begin to smell, and the smell can eventually even spread to the laundry. There are many ways to clean a washing machine, ranging from a wash cycle with just detergent, or one that uses vinegar and baking soda.
Washing machines can have large and exciting problems, but they can also have smaller issues. Using the wrong detergent, not checking pockets, and a build-up of smells and bacteria are some easy to miss and forget issues that accompany every washing machine.