Washing Machine Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide

A well-maintained washing machine can last 10-15 years, while a neglected one might fail in just 5-7 years. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your appliance but also ensures it continues to clean effectively and efficiently.

Monthly Maintenance Checklist

1. Run a Cleaning Cycle

Your washing machine cleans your clothes, but what cleans your washing machine? Residue from detergent, fabric softener, and body oils builds up over time.

For front-loaders:

• Use a washing machine cleaner tablet or 2 cups of white vinegar
• Run the hottest cycle with an empty drum
• Wipe the rubber gasket thoroughly afterward

For top-loaders:

• Fill with hot water, add 4 cups of white vinegar
• Let it agitate for a minute, then pause for an hour
• Complete the cycle, then run another with 1 cup of baking soda

2. Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Remove the dispenser drawer (most slide out completely) and:

• Soak in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes
• Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove buildup
• Rinse thoroughly and let dry before replacing

3. Wipe the Door Gasket (Front-Loaders)

The rubber seal on front-loaders is a breeding ground for mold and mildew:

• Pull back the gasket folds to expose hidden areas
• Wipe with a solution of 1:1 water and white vinegar
• Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth
• Check for small items (coins, hair clips) caught in the seal

4. Check and Clean the Filter

Most washing machines have a debris filter that catches items from pockets:

Location by brand:

• LG/Samsung: Bottom front behind a small door
• Whirlpool/Maytag: Inside the agitator or at the bottom of the tub
• Bosch/Miele: Bottom front access panel

Cleaning process:

1. Place a towel and shallow pan under the filter
2. Open slowly—water will drain out
3. Remove debris (coins, hair, lint)
4. Rinse the filter under running water
5. Replace and ensure it’s secure

Quarterly Maintenance Tasks

Inspect Water Hoses

Hose failure is the #1 cause of washing machine water damage. Every 3 months:

1. Check for bulges, cracks, or brittleness
2. Look for signs of leaking at connections
3. Ensure connections are tight but not overtightened
4. Consider upgrading to braided stainless steel hoses

Pro tip: Replace rubber hoses every 5 years, regardless of appearance. Braided stainless steel hoses can last 8-10 years.

Level the Machine

An unbalanced washing machine causes:

• Excessive vibration and noise
• Walking across the floor
• Premature wear on bearings and suspension

To level your machine:

1. Place a bubble level on top of the drum
2. Adjust the leveling feet (usually screw in/out)
3. Check both front-to-back and side-to-side
4. Tighten the lock nuts when level

Clean the Exterior

• Wipe the control panel with a damp cloth (avoid spraying directly)
• Clean the top and sides with mild detergent
• Vacuum behind and underneath the machine
• Check ventilation areas aren’t blocked

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem: Machine Won’t Start

Possible causes and solutions:

Issue	Solution
No power	Check outlet with another device, reset breaker
Door not latched	Ensure door is fully closed and locked
Control lock activated	Hold the control lock button for 3 seconds
Water supply off	Check both hot and cold valves are open
Clogged filter	Clean the inlet filter screens

Problem: Machine Won’t Drain

1. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs
2. Clean the drain filter (see monthly maintenance)
3. Inspect the drain pump for foreign objects
4. Verify drain hose height (should be 30-96 inches above floor)

Quick fix: Place the drain hose in a bucket lower than the machine to gravity drain, then troubleshoot.

Problem: Clothes Still Wet After Spin

Possible causes:

• Overloaded drum — Reduce load size
• Unbalanced load — Redistribute items evenly
• Drain issues — Water not fully expelled (see above)
• Worn drive belt — Listen for squealing sounds
• Failed lid switch (top-loaders) — Machine thinks lid is open

Problem: Unusual Noises

Noise Type	Likely Cause	Action
Banging/thumping	Unbalanced load or machine	Redistribute clothes, level machine
Grinding	Foreign object in drum	Check pockets before washing
Squealing	Worn belt or bearing	Professional repair needed
Clicking	Object in drain pump	Clean drain filter and pump
Humming	Pump blockage or motor issue	Check filter, call for service if persists

Problem: Bad Odors

Front-loaders are especially prone to musty smells. Combat odors by:

1. Always leave the door ajar after use
2. Run monthly cleaning cycles with vinegar or bleach
3. Use HE detergent in proper amounts
4. Remove wet clothes promptly after cycles complete
5. Clean the gasket weekly if odor persists

Problem: Excessive Vibration

Beyond leveling the machine:

• Check shipping bolts — New machines have transport bolts that must be removed
• Inspect suspension springs — Should have equal tension
• Consider anti-vibration pads — $20-40 for a set of four
• Ensure solid flooring — Plywood overlay may be needed on weak floors

When to Call a Professional

Some repairs require professional expertise:

• Motor replacement — Complex and requires disassembly
• Control board issues — Requires diagnostic equipment
• Bearing replacement — Labor-intensive and specialized
• Drum or tub damage — Often not cost-effective to repair
• Refrigerant or sealed system (combo units) — Requires certification

Maintenance Products We Recommend

Maintenance Schedule Summary

Frequency	Task
After each use	Leave door ajar, wipe gasket (front-load)
Weekly	Wipe exterior, check for leaks
Monthly	Run cleaning cycle, clean dispenser and filter
Quarterly	Inspect hoses, level machine, deep clean
Annually	Replace inlet screens, consider hose replacement
Every 5 years	Replace rubber hoses

By following this maintenance schedule, you’ll maximize the lifespan of your washing machine and avoid costly repairs. A little attention now saves major headaches later.

Questions about a specific issue? Leave a comment below and our experts will help troubleshoot.