Washing Machine Service: What Works and What to Avoid

Your washing machine needs service. Maybe it’s making noise, not draining, or leaving clothes dirty. Regular service keeps your machine running smoothly and prevents costly repairs. Here’s what works and what to avoid for washing machine service.

Washing machine service is the maintenance and repair of a washing machine to keep it running efficiently. Service includes cleaning, descaling, replacing parts, and addressing error codes. Regular service extends the life of the machine, improves cleaning performance, and prevents breakdowns.

To service your washing machine, clean it monthly with affresh, descale every 3 to 6 months, check and clean the filter, check hoses for leaks, level the machine, and don’t overload. For major repairs, call a professional. Don’t ignore error codes, don’t use too much detergent, and don’t skip monthly cleaning.

What Works

Clean the Machine Monthly

Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly. Run an empty hot cycle with 1 tablet. This removes detergent residue, mold, and mildew.

Descale Every 3 to 6 Months

If you have hard water, descale the machine every 3 to 6 months. Use a descaling product or 2 cups of white vinegar in an empty hot cycle.

Check and Clean the Filter

Check the filter every month. Remove lint, coins, and debris. A clogged filter reduces cleaning performance and can cause drainage problems.

Check Hoses for Leaks

Check inlet and drain hoses every 6 months. Look for cracks, bulges, and leaks. Replace hoses every 5 years.

Level the Machine

An unlevel machine vibrates and makes noise. Use a level to check. Adjust the feet as needed.

Don’t Overload the Machine

Fill no more than 3/4 full. Overloading strains the motor and reduces cleaning.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Use 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle per regular load. Too much detergent causes residue buildup and strains the machine.

Use HE Detergent in HE Machines

Regular detergent produces too many suds and can damage HE machines.

Leave the Door Open Between Loads

Leave the door open between loads to let the drum dry. This prevents mold and mildew.

Use the Right Products

For stains: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam

For odors: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

For ink: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

Address Error Codes

Check the manual for error code meanings. Some codes are simple fixes (door not closed, water supply). Others need professional service.

Call a Professional for Major Repairs

Call a professional for motor issues, drum problems, electrical faults, and persistent leaks.

What to Avoid

Don’t ignore error codes. Error codes indicate problems. Check the manual and address them.

Don’t use too much detergent. Excess detergent causes residue buildup and strains the machine.

Don’t overload the machine. Overloading strains the motor and reduces cleaning.

Don’t skip monthly cleaning. A dirty machine transfers mold and bacteria to clothes.

Don’t use non-HE detergent in HE machines. Regular detergent produces too many suds and can damage HE machines.

Don’t ignore leaks. Leaks can cause water damage. Check hoses and connections.

Don’t attempt major repairs yourself. Motor, drum, and electrical repairs need a professional.

Don’t close the door after use. Leave it open to let the drum dry.

Service Schedule

Task	Frequency	How
Clean with affresh	Monthly	Empty hot cycle with 1 tablet
Descale	Every 3 to 6 months	Empty hot cycle with descaler or vinegar
Check filter	Monthly	Remove and clean
Check hoses	Every 6 months	Visual inspection
Level machine	Annually	Check with a level
Replace hoses	Every 5 years	Replace inlet and drain hoses

FAQ

How often should you service a washing machine? Clean monthly with affresh, descale every 3 to 6 months, check the filter monthly, check hoses every 6 months, and level the machine annually.

How do you clean a washing machine? Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly. Run an empty hot cycle with 1 tablet. This removes detergent residue, mold, and mildew.

How do you descale a washing machine? Use a descaling product or 2 cups of white vinegar in an empty hot cycle. Descale every 3 to 6 months if you have hard water.

When should you call a professional for washing machine service? Call a professional for motor issues, drum problems, electrical faults, persistent leaks, and error codes you can’t resolve.

How do you prevent mold in a washing machine? Clean monthly with affresh, leave the door open between loads, use the right amount of detergent, and use HE detergent in HE machines.

References

1. Consumer Reports. “Washing Machine Maintenance Guide.” consumerreports.org.
2. The Spruce. “Washing Machine Service Guide.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Washing Machine Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. affresh. “Machine Cleaner Guide.” affresh.com.