How to extend the life of a washing machine by 10-17 years using improvised means

About 7 years have passed since I bought the washing machine, and I have never repaired it. Why don't you refuse the expensive services of masters?

Yes this is true. My washing machine is already 7 years old. During all this time, I have never repaired it - neither under warranty, nor from private repairmen. You will ask why? I answer - yes, I simply didn’t need it. During all this time, the equipment never broke down, it didn’t even show any signs. Pah-pah, of course. My secret is banal to the point of impossibility.

From the very first day of purchase, my wife and I began to properly care for the machine. Knowing what prices are now for equipment and services of professional craftsmen, I want to share our family secrets with you.

We increase the service life of the machine

So, let me start by saying that it is not enough to keep the outside of the washing machine clean. Some more steps need to be taken. Now I will tell you everything in detail, based on my seven years of experience.

1. Cleaning the filter

It is in the filter, as I noticed, that all the small objects accumulate. This could be a coin forgotten in a pocket, a torn button, various rhinestones and other debris. Have you noticed when an unpleasant smell appears when you open the machine? Here it comes precisely from the filter. Modern washing machines let you know that the filter is clogged. You simply cannot put it on spin mode.But if you have a regular machine, like mine, then everything needs to be done without notifications, but from time to time.

I clean the filter myself, they do it like this:

I take an empty bowl from my wife in the kitchen.
I carefully remove the filter holder and remove the hose.
I pour all the water that remains there into a bowl. Believe me, she will.
I take out the filter and remove the debris.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated about this. When I’m on a business trip and it’s time for cleaning, my husband handles this task with a bang.

2. Cleaning the drum

Yes, yes, the drum also tends to get dirty. For 7 years I have found two methods on how to clean it. We try to alternate them with each other. So:

In the first case, we buy a small pack of bleach for clothes. We put the entire pack into the washing machine, set the washing mode to +60 degrees and start it.
For the second method you will need a few tablespoons of citric acid. We put it in the machine, set the temperature to +90 degrees and start it up.

We tried many methods and through trial and error we identified these two. Since we can’t refuse any of them, and they show good results, we simply alternate. You can choose one or the other. As your heart desires.

3. Descaling

If you go to a household chemicals store, you can find a huge amount of products that you can use to get rid of scale in your washing machine. I think that there is no point in listing all their names, since every housewife uses time-tested products from personal experience. I would like to add that you need to use chemicals very carefully, as you can destroy the drum of the washing machine.

Personally, I don’t buy chemicals and I don’t give them to my wife.In my opinion, the most effective are folk remedies, and these are my favorites: baking soda and citric acid. The principle of use is the same as in teapots. We take soda, citric acid, add everything, set the machine to the maximum temperature and turn it on.

4. Getting rid of unpleasant odor

Everyone is familiar with the situation - you open the washing machine and it smells so bad that you feel bad. There are several factors that cause bacteria to appear:

Leftover food. For example, seeds may remain in your clothing pocket, or crumbs from bread or cookies may fall into your pocket.
Hair (familiar to women and families with animals).
Paper (can also often end up in the washing machine in clothing pockets).
Low-quality powders, rinses, balms for clothes.

To get rid of an unpleasant odor, I first clean the filter well. Then add a small amount of baking soda or add 9% vinegar, set the temperature to +90 degrees and start the empty washing machine.

5. Thorough washing of the drum

And finally, we move on to the final stage, which will extend the life of the washing machine - thoroughly washing the drum. Some housewives use special preparations that have much in common with products intended for cleaning mirrors and glass. I, as always, give preference to folk remedies - baking soda, laundry soap. As for me, these are the most suitable means, since they are harmless, effective and everyone has them in their home.

Useful tips

I also want to add some useful tips:

Never skimp on washing powders. If you have very hard water in your home, it won't hurt to purchase water softeners.
Completely clean your washing machine more often using my methods.
Before starting the wash, check all pockets. The washing machine is dangerous not only from small tools, bolts, nuts, keys, nails, but also from debris.
Use only natural detergents to clean your washing machine. This is not only effective, but also economical (housewives will appreciate it).

How do you care for your washing machines? How long have you been using your equipment and how often do you seek the services of repair specialists?