All machines require regular care and maintenance and this holds true for domestic and
commercial washing machines . Prior to implementing any cleaning or maintenance work, it is necessary that you disconnect the washing machine from the power supply. The first step in the process of cleaning is that of de-scaling. The water that we use for washing clothes usually contains lime. Therefore, it turns out to be great if you start using a water-softening agent prior to every wash cycle. You need to do this prior to the laundry washing process and do it in accordance with the instructions given out by the softening powder manufacturer. This will stop the creation of lime deposits.
You need to keep the door of the machine open after every wash. This prevents the onset of a stagnant smell and the formation of mould that are otherwise formed inside the appliance. Opening the door and keeping it so for a while after the wash would help to preserve the seal.
Frequent low temperature washes would help to create a deposition of residues within the drum. It is necessary that a maintenance wash be carried out at regular intervals. In order to carry out a maintenance wash, it is necessary:
- To use a standard amount of detergent
- To make the drum empty
- To choose the hottest cotton wash programme
It is also necessary to do a bit of external cleaning. It is necessary to clean the outer cabinet of the appliance by using a mild liquid detergent mixed with water and then let it dry completely.
It is also necessary to clean the additive and washing powder dispenser drawer at regular intervals. First, you need to remove the drawer from its slot and then you can hold it under the tap to clean it properly and thereby remove all remnants of washing powder deposits.
The drawer recess also needs to be cleaned. After taking the drawer out, take a small brush and then clean the recess. Remove the drawer before you start the rinse programme. However, do not put washables in the drum.
The next step is that of cleaning the pump. It is necessary to first inspect the pump in case:
- The pump does not spin/or empty
- The machine starts to make an unusual noise at the time of drainage especially if there are things such as coins and safety pins that block the pump
If you are about to clean the pump of
heavy duty washing machines , then it is necessary to go ahead with it in the following manner:
- Disconnect the machine from its power source
- You can also wait until the time the water has cooled down
- Keep the door of the pump open
- Put a container in close proximity to the pump so that the spilled water can be collected in it
- Remove the emergency emptying hose and put it in the container after removing its cap
- Unscrew the pump after checking that there is no more water coming out of it
Following these simple steps will keep your washing machine up and running for a considerable period of time.
