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How to Maintain Your Washer Dryer
Washer dryers are arguably one of the most useful appliances you can purchase for your home. They do the work of two appliances while taking up half the space. They also save the time and energy needed to swap clothes between machines, and the upfront purchasing cost will likely be less, too.
However, as with any appliance, if your washer dryer isn’t properly maintained you may find their life expectancy reduces dramatically.
We’re going to show you how to maintain your washer dryer to help keep it in tip-top condition. We’ll also look into common issues that can occur and how to make sure you’re using your machine properly.
How do you clean a washer dryer?
Let’s start this section with how often you should clean your washer dryer. You want to make sure you’re deep cleaning your machine at least once a year to ensure all of the lint, dust, and other dirt and grime is removed. Failing to do this can cause a blockage that can prevent it from working effectively. Here’s how to deep clean your washer dryer:
- Set your washer to the hottest and longest wash setting available.
- Place two cups of vinegar in the drum.
- Add a quarter cup of baking soda.
- Start the cycle.
- Once the cycle is done you need to scrub around the inside of the drum with a quarter cup of water using a sponge.
- Dry the inside of your machine.
It won’t take you long to deep clean your appliance using the guide above, but it can help extend its lifespan.
It’s also recommended that you lightly clean your machine on a regular basis. When you’re giving your washer dryer a light clean look for the following:
If you live in a hard water area we recommend running a cycle of hot water with 3.8 litres of white vinegar either once a month or every 10 loads – whichever comes first. This will prevent limescale build-up which can eventually damage the inside of the machine.
When it comes to the exterior of your washer dryer you will want to wipe this down with a damp sponge once a month. This may not improve performance, but it will keep it looking great.
How do you repair a washer dryer?
Keeping your machine clean greatly reduces the chance that any serious problems will occur, but as with all machines things can, and do, still go wrong. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common problems to affect washer dryers.
Your dryer cycles aren’t hot
So, you’re using the dryer function of your machine but the air seems to be cool. Why isn’t your dryer cycle hot? This problem is more common in vented washer dryers as the vent can get blocked or clogged, preventing the air from reaching temperature. To remedy this, you need to thoroughly clean and wipe all aspects of the vent, including the grill and inside the vent itself.
If the problem continues, consult a professional.
Your washer dryer is leaking
Everything seems to be working correctly but there’s still a pool of water surrounding your machine after every cycle. This can be very frustrating, but there is often a solution that doesn’t involve replacing your appliance. Leaks commonly originate from a faulty seal, hose, or pump on your washer dryer, so we advise inspecting these first.
Check the hose to ensure that there are no holes or damaged areas. Then, check the seal around the door of your appliance to make sure it closes securely and isn’t damaged.
Your clothes are coming out damp
There are a few potential reasons your clothes are still wet after each drying cycle. It could be that the air vent is blocked. Another potential reason is overloading your washer dryer. It is important to check the maximum capacity for your dryer and avoid overfilling it. There needs to be enough room for the warm air to move freely around the drum for your clothes to dry effectively.
The inside of the drum smells
Do your clothes smell when they come out of the washer dryer? It is most likely your appliance will need a clean to keep it smelling fresh. Its good to do this regularly as well as the occasional deep clean. Using a vinegar and warm water solution will neutralise any lingering smells. If this doesn’t remedy the problem, please consult with your washer dryer’s manufacturer.
Where Should I Position My Washer Dryer?
Where you place your washer dryer may not seem important, but you’d be surprised at the difference this makes.
Ensure your machine is sat on a perfectly flat surface (use a spirit level to be absolutely sure). If you position your unit on an uneven surface it can move whilst running a cycle. This can damage the base of the washer dryer and some of the parts within – not to mention the damage it can do to your floor.
If you follow the tips above you can keep your washer dryer running smoothly for as long as possible. If you encounter any issues that aren’t on this list, and you aren’t sure of the best approach to deal with the situation, then consult a professional to assist you. We’ve answered a number of other questions you may have in our Washer Dryer FAQs article.
Top tips to maintain your washer dryer:
Maintaining your washer dryer FAQ’s
The best way to maintain your washer dryer is by regularly cleaning it. Removing lint after each drying cycle is a good way to keep your washer dryer performing at its best. It also reduces the risk of a fire. Roughly once a month it is advised to clean the detergent drawer and rubber seal around the drum.
It is advisable to have your washer dryer serviced every 1-2 years to help to maintain it for as long as possible. This depends on how often you use your washer dryer, you may want to book more frequent service calls if you use it more regularly.
The average lifespan of a washer dryer is around ten years, although this depends on how often you use your appliance and how well you maintain it. Whilst no appliance lasts forever, regular cleaning and maintenance can help your washer dryer last for many years.
