How to Prevent Washer and Dryer Issues
Over time, our team has encountered various issues inside washing machines and dryers that can hinder their performance or lead to complete breakdowns with disastrous consequences. These problems include:
Dislodging impellers from the drain pump,
Damaging the door seal on front-load washers,
Tearing the felt seal on dryers,
Causing short circuits in the heating element,
Breaking the igniter on gas dryers,
Resulting in tub seal leaks on washers, and more.
While wear and tear are inevitable with regular use, there are proactive steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your laundry appliances. Consider the following tips:
Empty Your Pockets: Regularly check and clean out your pockets before tossing clothes into the washer. We've discovered a myriad of items inside machines, from coins and pens to divot tools, necklaces, razors, bobby pins, drywall screws, nails, rocks, sand, and even underwires from bras.
Be Mindful of Jewelry: Jewelry can pose a serious threat to your washer. One instance involved a necklace getting caught in the inner tub during the spin cycle, resulting in the outer tub being cut in half like a chainsaw. Exercise caution and remove jewelry before washing.
Consider Your Washer Type for Blankets: If you have a top-load washer, avoid washing large items like blankets, as they may not agitate well enough to effectively clean the item. Front-load washers are better suited for this task.
Dry Blankets Properly: If you do use a front-load washer for blankets, refrain from drying them in your dryer. Blankets can obstruct airflow, potentially causing the dryer to burn out its thermal overload and element. Instead, air-dry the blanket and use the dryer's air fluff setting to soften it.
Dispose of Deteriorating Bathroom Rugs: When your bathroom rug shows signs of deterioration, it's best to discard it. Attempting to wash or dry it in your machines could result in significant damage, potentially costing as much as purchasing multiple new bathroom rugs.
While washers and dryers are equipped to handle some of these challenges, it's essential to be proactive. Following these recommendations can significantly increase the lifespan of your appliances.
Feel free to reach out to us anytime for friendly advice—we're here to provide the same level of care we would for our closest friends and family.