Tips for Periodic Appliance Checkups

Maintaining Your Major Appliances

Here are some tips to maintaining, cleaning, and inspecting your washing machine and clothes dryer. You can save time and money by following this advice, and avoid breakdowns, or hazardous situations.

Washing Machine

It's a good idea to periodically check and replace the fill hoses on your washing machine. If you have rubber hoses, you should consider replacing them with braided stainless steel hoses. It is recommended that you replace your washer hoses every 3-5 years. While you are back there, take a look at the electrical connection. The plug needs to be firmly in place, the cord connection to the washer should have a restraint, and should not evidence any corrosion or burn marks. Also, you should periodically clean the inside of your outer washer tub. Whirlpool makes a cleaner called Affresh for this purpose. There are also a variety of home remedies including using combinations of bleach, vinegar, and/or baking soda. You can discover these cleaning remedies online, or just look on the aisles of your grocery store for washer cleaning products.

If you have a front loading washer, pay special attention to cleaning the front gasket, especially at the bottom where it's possible for moisture to settle and mold to grow.

Automatic Dryer

Make a habit of cleaning the lint filter in your dryer once a week. It's also very important to regularly clean the dryer vent. If you're lucky you'll have a short direct vent pipe to the outside that you can clean with a vacuum cleaner or even a spiral brush. In extreme cases of long vents with bends or turns, it may be necessary to have the dryer vent cleaned professionally. A clogged dryer vent can cause a fire, so this is definitely important. It's also a good idea to periodically remove the front panel and vacuum the dryer cavity. As with all your appliances, take a look at the electrical and gas connections, and deal with any corrosion or frayed wires. If there is any evidence of a problem such as a short circuit, bad gas connection, etc. call a plumber or electrician and don't use the appliance until the problem is fixed.

Of course, if your washer or dryer needs replacing you should call or visit the professionals at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center for the best selection and lowest prices on major appliances and decorative plumbing fixtures.

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