Washing Machines 101: Top maintenance tips and tricks

Want to ensure your washing machine brings its A-game to every wash and remains a well-oiled machine for many years to come? All it takes is a little TLC. The latest laundry appliances make maintenance a breeze and feature breakthrough tech to save you time and effort – both good reasons to upgrade to a newer model. Learning how to use the smart features and different settings on your new machine will ensure you are getting the most out of your appliance.

Covering the basics is easy. Here’s what you need to know about washing machine installation, to ensure you’re off to a good start, and ongoing maintenance, so that you and your smart appliance enjoy a long and happy life together.

Installation Tips For Washing Machines

Installing your washing machine correctly is integral to ensuring it not only works well and helps you avoid annoying leaks, but also (and most importantly) extends the life of your machine.

“We always recommend leaving about 15-20cm of space behind your washing machine to ensure it’s properly vented and there’s enough space for your hose connections,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Laundry.

If your new washing machine is replacing an old one and you already have the necessary plumbing and connections in place, then installation is easy. If you’re confident, you can even do it yourself – just screw/plug in the water connection and outlet hose (tight), ensure the machine is level, plug it in and away you go.

Prefer a pro to do it? No problem. The Good Guys Home Services can send a trusted tradie out to your home to do the install for you.

How To Look After Your Washing Machine

Taking the time to maintain your washing machine will ensure it stays in tip-top condition, always at the ready to clean dirty footy jerseys or super king size doonas. Follow these steps to ensure your machine is always running at optimum..

• Wash/soak the detergent drawer: This will stop detergent and fabric softener build-up that can cause odours and mould. Make sure it’s dry before reinserting.

• De-clog the filter or run the self-cleaning filter function: When loose fibres and fluff build up, your filter can get clogged, so your machine won’t work as well. De-clogging can be done either manually or if your machine has a self-cleaning filter, follow the instructions.

• Clean the drum or run self-clean: This will remove dirt and odours, prevent mould and improve wash quality. Run your machine’s self-clean setting or place one cup of white vinegar or one sachet of Hillmark ScalexPlus Appliance Cleaner inside and do a hot wash (70ºC or higher).

• Dry the seals: The rubber seal is often the source of smells and bacteria as water and loose fluff or pet hair gets stuck here after every wash. Use a towel to get in between the seals to dry them after every wash.

• Scrub seals: Every now and then, give the seals a good scrub with white vinegar or anti-bacterial wipes.

• Leave the door open: Allow your washing machine to breathe between washes and let air flow through to avoid wet odours.

“Taking the time to maintain your washing machine will ensure it stays in tip-top condition, ever ready to tackle dirty footy jerseys or king size doonas. ”

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Washing Machine

The latest washing machines offer a wealth of new features, settings and technology to make doing the washing easier. But you won’t be able to make use of them if you don’t know how they work. Be sure to research models before you buy to find the right one for you, then school up on the owner’s manual post-purchase.

Hot new features include wash settings for specific fabrics, from delicates to sports gear; auto sensors to select the wash setting for you; quick wash cycles (as short as 15 minutes) for the time-poor; Wi-Fi and smartphone compatibility so you can turn on your washer from anywhere; a pause feature to add a forgotten item; and a delay function so your cycle finishes when it’s convenient for you.

The LG 9kg Front Load Washer is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can control it from your smartphone, and it has a 6 Motion Direct Drive motor to select the best wash cycle for you – a fantastic time saver.

“We have a variety of washing machine models, packed with a range of features that deliver convenient and personalised experiences, taking the guesswork out of your laundry days,” says Shannon Tweedie, Marketing Manager of Home Appliances, LG Australia.

How To Maximise Efficiency

Looking to save on running costs? Join the club! Selecting the right washing machine – and taking a common sense approach to operating it – can help you save on water and electricity costs over the life of the appliance. Check out these tips:

Look for washing machines with high energy and good WELS ratings (the more stars, the more money you’ll save)

Do big loads rather than smaller, more frequent loads

Switch your machine off at the wall when not in use.

Shop Energy-Efficient Washing Machines

• Miele 9kg Front Load Washer (5-star energy and WELS ratings)

• Asko 8kg Style Front Load Washer (5-star energy and WELS ratings)

• LG 9kg Front Load Washer (5-star energy and WELS ratings)

For expert advice on maintaining your washing machine or upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model, visit The Good Guys in-store or online.