Keep Your Washer & Dryer Running Like New

For millions of Americans, washing and drying our laundry in our own homes is such a routine part of life that we easily forget how complex these appliances truly are. After all, a washing machine hose can spill over a hundred gallons of water in an hour, and clothes dryers generate enough heat to spark fires if improperly maintained. As with many other areas of appliance repair, an ounce of prevention for your washer and dryer may be worth thousands in potential repairs.

The U.S. Fire Administration states that approximately 2,900 home dryer fires are reported each year, totalling $35 million in damages and over 100 injuries. Additionally, leaks from washing machines can cause costly damage to a home’s structural elements. When it comes to laundry appliance repair, most people would agree that routine maintenance is important, but few know what preventative measures to take.

Most washer and dryer home maintenance tasks can be accomplished in about an hour, with simple tools many of us have on hand already. Read on to learn basic tips on how to keep your washer and dryer running like new.

Washing Machine Maintenance

Leaking or burst water hoses are one of the most common washing machine repair calls we receive at Diamond Appliance. So, the first step in washer maintenance is ensuring these hoses are inspected for holes or cracks and repaired or replaced if necessary.

Start by unplugging the washing machine from its power source, then turn off the hot and cold water supply lines and remove the drain hose from the appliance. Inspect all hoses for signs of cracking or leaking. If signs of damage are present, discard the hose and replace, preferably with a metal braided variety as they are more durable.

Before reconnecting your water hoses to the washer, inspect the connection points on the appliance. Like sink faucets, these connectors likely have a screened filter where sediment is collected before the water flows into the washer basin. Use a paint brush to wipe away any debris that has collected before replacing the water supply hoses.

Finally, inspect the area where the water supply hoses of the appliance connect to the home’s main water supply. Ensure a secure, leak-free connection is present. If any signs of damage are present on the faucet or hose connection, replace these components before turning on the water supply to the washer.

Dryer Maintenance

While flooding and water damage are the most common concerns with washing machines, the most common dryer repair calls we receive deal with debris or blockages in the appliance’s ventilation system. When the excessive heat generated by the dryer is exposed to dry, tinder-like lint that has collected throughout the ventilation system, there is an increased risk of fire.

Cleaning the screen of a dryer’s lint trap in between loads is the simplest way to avoid lint from accumulating unnecessarily. From here, homeowners can use a dryer lint brush to clean the trap itself, where the screened filter sets when in place.

After the lint trap and filter have been properly cleaned, homeowners can address the ductwork. Clothes dryers vent all additional lint, heat, and other byproducts via air ducts. These ducts most often vent these components outside the home.

Much like the lint trap, flammable debris can accumulate at various points throughout a dryer duct system, most commonly at the entry and exit points of the ducts, as well as any corners. Therefore, attempting to arrange for as straight a path as possible from the appliance to the outside should be prioritized.

After removing and cleaning the clothes dryer’s ductwork, reattach the duct components using aluminum duct tape. Many homeowners are not aware that the metal duct screws used on ductwork can attract and accumulate lint and debris.

By ensuring washing machine hoses stay dry and clothes dryer vents stay clear, homeowners can rest easier knowing these critical appliances are at a reduced risk of malfunction. Make a general inspection of your laundry appliances a part of your routine, and you could save yourself from hundreds of dollars in unforeseen repairs.

Despite your best efforts, sometimes washing machines and dryers need a professional repair. At Diamond Appliance of St. Louis and Kansas City, we provide expert washing machine repair and dryer repair for appliance owners just like you. We also service all other major household appliances. If your washer or dryer is still under warranty, contact the warranty holder to schedule a repair. If not, give Diamond a call today.

Washing machine brands we service include Whirlpool, Amana, Maytag, Estate, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, and others.