Your washing machine does a lot for you. Really, it’s got a pretty thankless job. It dutifully rids your clothing of dirt and stains, making even the most thoroughly soiled garments seem fresh and new again. But what can you do for your washing machine to avoid having to call a plumber?
By following these quick tips, you can keep your washing machine running properly for as long as possible.
Wash your washing machine.
Your unit is constantly getting rid of dirt and grime, so it’s no big surprise that the laundry machine itself can get a little grubby. Every month or so, run a cycle intended purely to clean your unit. Don’t put any clothes in; just buy a washing machine cleaning kit (these are very cheap) and follow the instructions. You can even make your own—just run an empty cycle with ¾ a cup of bleach and a tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent. Make sure to run both a soak and rinse cycle to get all the bleach out before using the machine again.
Leave the door ajar.
When your machine isn’t in use, leave the door open. Why? Because doing so allows the moisture inside to evaporate, rather than develop mold or mildew.
Clean spills off your unit.
Get a soft cloth to wipe away anything that spills on your unit, rather than letting it sit there. Everyday spills can erode the finish of your washing machine, and over time the damage can be pretty extensive.
Protect the surface.
Related to that last point: if you’re going to use the surface of your washing machine as a work space, try putting down a towel to keep that surface safe and clean.
Watch your hoses!
This is maybe the most critical step of all. Keep an eye on the hoses that connect your washing machine to the plumbing. Over time they can get frayed, and this can lead to leaks, flooding, and potentially major water damage—bad for your washing machine, bad for your whole house!
Your washing machine takes care of you, so make sure you take care of it. And if you have any issues with the plumbing, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our team of Vancouver plumbers are on hand, day or night, for all your plumbing emergencies. 
