In order for a washing machine to last a long time without losing the quality of washing, it must be looked after and cleaned regularly.
Annual strainer cleaning
The strainer at the end of the hose must be washed once a year. It is designed to protect against large debris getting into the machine. If the riser already has coarse filters, it can remain in good condition for a long time. Maintenance of the mesh filter is carried out with the equipment disconnected from the network and water supply.
Caring for the bottom filter
The filter should be washed regularly, at least once every six months. Most often it is located at the bottom front. It opens easily, just pry up the door panel with a screwdriver or a coin. It is better at this moment to place a rag or container for water that may leak. Next, you need to pull out the plug and clean the filter. In some machines, the part itself is removed along with the plug, making it much easier to care for.
Washing powder tray
Many people forget to take care of the detergent tray. It is believed that even if it is visually dirty, this does not affect the quality of the machine itself. But that's not true. Powders fall into dense large lumps with an unknown composition, rust and even mold. And all this gets into the internal environment of the washing machine, negatively affecting it chemically (for example, reducing the elasticity of rubber, increasing the fragility of plastic) and mechanically.The tray can be easily removed for cleaning: just pull it out to the limit, press a special lever and remove it completely. This part can be washed using any means: from scale, rust, citric or acetic acid. It is important to then rinse it thoroughly and dry it, only then reinstall it.
Additives for powder
In order for the washing machine to last a long time and the internal systems not to suffer from soap and limescale build-up, it is necessary to use special laundry additives. Even if the water is not hard and scale does not build up on the heating element and the outer surface of the drum, there are many other contaminants that are best prevented. For example, in excessively soft water, “swamping” occurs - the growth of a soft muddy deposit with an unpleasant odor. Using additives for washing powder allows you to avoid such troubles.
Daily care
After each use, you should wipe dry all visible parts of the machine: inside the drum, the hatch door on all sides, the rubber seal. You need to pay attention to the appearance of the washing machine as a whole. A thick layer of dust negatively affects heat transfer, for example.
Ventilation and drying
To prevent mold and musty smells from appearing, the machine should be left open for ventilation between washes. It is enough to open the door and powder tray slightly. To prevent water from accumulating in the sealing rubber, you can put a piece of rag in it, which absorbs moisture well, leaving its free end out.By getting wet inside the elastic, the fabric will dry out in the free area, thereby removing water from the seal.
Cleaning with special products
Regularly, once a month, the machine must be treated with special cleaning agents. Usually these are powders in portioned bags, which are poured into a tray, after which the “hottest” mode is started: boiling or washing at 70-90 degrees. Instead of chemicals, you can use citric acid.
Cleaning a washing machine is not only correct and beautiful, but also practical. Well-maintained equipment will last longer and work better.
