How to Care for Your Washing Machine Long Term

Getting More Years from Your Washing Machine

A washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in any Australian home. With proper long-term care, a quality front or top loader should give you 12 to 15 years of reliable service. Most premature failures come down to a small number of preventable causes. This guide covers the habits and maintenance routines that extend washing machine life significantly.

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Use the Right Detergent — and the Right Amount

Using too much detergent is the most common cause of washing machine problems. Excess detergent leaves residue that builds up in the drum, door seal, and pump filter — causing odours, reducing wash quality, and eventually causing mechanical issues. Use the correct quantity specified on the detergent packaging for your load size and water hardness, and always use a detergent formulated for your machine type (low-suds front loader detergent for front loaders).

Don't Overload the Machine

Overloading is one of the leading causes of premature drum bearing failure. The drum bearings support the weight of the laundry during the spin cycle. Consistently overloading with more than the rated capacity puts excessive stress on the bearings, shaft seal, and motor — shortening their life significantly. Leave the drum approximately three-quarters full at most for everyday loads.

Balance Your Loads

Washing a single heavy item (a large bath mat, a pair of jeans, or a heavy jumper) by itself creates an unbalanced load that causes excessive vibration during the spin cycle. This vibration stresses the drum bearings and shock absorbers over time. Add a few additional items to balance single heavy pieces, or use the delicate cycle at a lower spin speed for unavoidably unbalanced loads.

Keep the Machine Level

A washing machine that is not perfectly level on all four feet vibrates excessively during the spin cycle. Check the level periodically and adjust the feet as needed — particularly if the machine has been moved or the floor has changed. Use a spirit level and adjust the threaded feet until the machine is stable with no rocking.

Inspect and Clean Regularly

• Monthly: Run a drum clean cycle; wipe the door seal and detergent drawer
• Every 3 months: Clean the pump filter (front loaders)
• Annually: Check the inlet hoses for cracks or bulging — replace them if there are any signs of deterioration. A burst washing machine inlet hose is one of the most common causes of serious home flooding.

Check Inlet Hoses

The rubber or braided stainless steel hoses that connect the washing machine to the water supply degrade over time. Rubber hoses should be replaced every 5 years as a precaution. Braided stainless steel hoses are more durable but should still be inspected annually for any signs of corrosion or damage at the fittings. Never leave the washing machine running while you're away from home if you have older rubber inlet hoses.

Don't Leave Wet Washing in the Machine

Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for extended periods after the cycle ends promotes mould growth in the drum and door seal and can transfer mould spores to the clothing. Remove and hang washing as soon as the cycle ends.

When to Call a Technician

• Unusual banging or grinding during the spin cycle — may indicate bearing wear
• Water not draining — pump blockage or failure
• Machine not spinning — motor, belt, or control board issue
• Error codes on the display — check the manual; some codes indicate urgent service needs
• Visible water leaking from underneath — check hoses and pump filter first; if these are clear, have the machine inspected

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