How to Care for Your Washing Machine
Simple habits that save you money and make your machine last longer.
Every wash
Don't overload
Overloading strains the motor, bearings and drum. Follow the load size in your machine's manual.
Use the right amount of detergent
Too much causes excess suds, residue and smells. Front-loaders need low-suds (HE) detergent.
Check pockets
Coins, keys and pens damage the drum and block the pump.
Leave the door open after washing
Let the drum dry so mould and bad smells don't build up. Wipe the door seal too.
Every month
Clean the drain filter
Lint, hair and small items collect here. A blocked filter is a top cause of "not draining" faults.
Clean the detergent drawer
Pull it out, rinse off the buildup and wipe the slot.
Run a hot cleaning cycle
Run an empty hot wash with a washing machine cleaner to clear residue and odours.
Check hoses and taps
Look for cracks, bulges or drips. Replace old hoses before they burst.
Setup and power
Keep it level
An unlevel machine shakes and wears out faster. Adjust the feet until it sits firm.
Protect it from power surges
Use a surge protector or voltage stabiliser. Power fluctuations often damage control boards.
Mind the water
Hard or dirty water causes scale and blockages. A water filter on the inlet helps.
Leave some space
Keep the machine away from walls and moisture so it can ventilate.
Warning signs: call a technician
- Water not draining, or leaking
- Loud banging or grinding noise
- Drum not spinning
- Error code that keeps coming back
- Machine trips the power
Burning smell or smoke?
Switch off at the wall and unplug straight away. Don't use the machine until it has been checked.
Please don't
- Open the door by force while it is locked
- Use too much bleach or harsh chemicals
- Keep wet clothes sitting inside
- Open the machine yourself if you're not trained, since parts carry live electricity