How to Maintain Your Washing Machine

A quality washing machine represents a significant investment, with Australian households typically spending between $800 and $3,000 or more on this essential appliance. With proper care, your washing machine should provide 10 to 15 years of reliable service. Neglect it, however, and you might face costly repairs, poor washing results, and a shortened lifespan.

Regular maintenance isn't complicated or time-consuming. A few simple routines performed weekly, monthly, and annually can prevent most common problems and keep your machine running at peak efficiency. This guide covers everything you need to know to maintain both front-load and top-load washing machines.

Understanding Why Maintenance Matters

Washing machines work hard. They repeatedly fill with water, agitate or tumble heavy loads, spin at high speeds, and drain—often multiple times per day in busy households. This constant use, combined with exposure to detergent residue, hard water minerals, and fabric debris, creates conditions that can lead to problems if not addressed.

Common issues from poor maintenance include mould and mildew growth (particularly in front-loaders), unpleasant odours, reduced cleaning performance, water leaks, and mechanical failures. Most of these problems are preventable with basic care.

Weekly Maintenance Tasks

Wipe the Door Seal (Front-Loaders)

The rubber door gasket on front-load washers is notorious for trapping moisture, detergent residue, and debris—creating a perfect environment for mould growth. After each wash, or at least weekly, wipe the seal with a dry cloth. Pull back the folds to reach hidden areas where water and grime accumulate.

If you notice black spots (mould), clean with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. For stubborn mould, a paste of baking soda applied and left for 15 minutes before wiping can be effective. Avoid harsh bleach, which can degrade the rubber over time.

Leave the Door Open

After each wash cycle, leave the door slightly ajar to allow air circulation and moisture evaporation. This simple habit is one of the most effective ways to prevent mould and odours in front-loaders. Top-loaders should have their lids left open as well, though they're less prone to mould issues due to their design.

Remove Washed Items Promptly

Leaving wet laundry sitting in the machine creates a damp environment that promotes mould and mildew growth—both in your clothes and in the machine. Remove items as soon as the cycle completes. If you can't transfer them immediately, most machines have a setting to tumble periodically to prevent mustiness.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Detergent and fabric softener residue builds up in dispenser drawers, eventually clogging the compartments and reducing product flow. Remove the dispenser drawer (most pull out completely—check your manual) and wash in warm soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away stubborn buildup. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before replacing.

Clean the Pump Filter (Front-Loaders)

Most front-load washing machines have a pump filter that catches debris like coins, hair clips, and fabric fibres. This filter typically sits behind a small door at the bottom front of the machine. Failing to clean it can cause drainage problems, odours, and pump damage.

Place towels and a shallow container under the filter access panel before opening—residual water will drain out. Remove the filter, clear any debris, and rinse under running water. Wipe inside the filter housing before replacing the filter.

Run a Cleaning Cycle

Even with regular wiping and care, residue builds up inside the drum and components that aren't easily accessible. Running a monthly cleaning cycle helps remove this buildup and keeps your machine fresh.

Many modern machines have a dedicated drum clean or tub clean cycle—use this setting according to your manufacturer's instructions. If your machine lacks this feature, run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar or a commercial washing machine cleaner. Avoid using bleach and vinegar together, as they create toxic fumes.

Quarterly and Annual Maintenance

Inspect and Clean Inlet Hoses

Every three to six months, turn off the water supply and disconnect the inlet hoses to check the filter screens at the tap end. These fine mesh screens catch sediment and debris from your water supply. Clogged screens reduce water flow, extending fill times and potentially affecting cleaning performance.

Gently remove screens with needle-nose pliers, rinse under running water, and replace. While hoses are disconnected, inspect them for cracks, bulges, or wear. Replace any damaged hoses immediately—a burst hose can cause catastrophic water damage.

Check Machine Levelling

Washing machines can shift out of level over time, especially on timber floors or if the floor settling occurs. An unlevel machine vibrates excessively during spin cycles, causing noise, premature wear, and potential damage to floors and surrounding structures.

Use a spirit level placed on top of the machine to check both front-to-back and side-to-side alignment. Adjust the feet as needed—most machines have screw-type adjustable feet that can be raised or lowered by turning. Lock the feet in position once level.

Professional Servicing

Consider having your washing machine professionally serviced every two to three years, or annually for heavily used machines. A technician can check components not easily accessible to homeowners, including bearings, seals, motors, and electronic controls. Early detection of wear can prevent costly breakdowns.

Dealing with Hard Water

Many Australian regions have hard water, which contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. These minerals leave deposits on heating elements, drums, and internal components, reducing efficiency and causing premature wear.

If you have hard water (check with your local water authority or use a test kit), take extra precautions:

• Use a water softening additive with each wash
• Run descaling cycles more frequently (monthly rather than quarterly)
• Consider installing a whole-house water softener for severe hard water
• Use slightly more detergent than recommended for soft water areas

Common Warning Signs

Be alert to changes in your machine's operation that might indicate developing problems:

• Unusual noises: Grinding, squealing, or loud banging during cycles may indicate bearing wear, foreign objects in the drum, or unbalanced loads
• Vibration or movement: Excessive shaking suggests levelling issues or worn suspension components
• Water not draining: Often indicates a blocked filter, kinked drain hose, or pump problems
• Musty odours: Typically caused by mould growth from inadequate ventilation or cleaning
• Clothes not clean: May indicate overloading, insufficient detergent, cold water issues, or component failures
• Error codes: Modern machines display error codes for specific problems—consult your manual or manufacturer's website

Extending Machine Life

Beyond regular maintenance, certain usage habits help extend your machine's lifespan:

Don't overload—it's tempting to cram in one more item, but overloading stresses every component of your machine. Follow manufacturer capacity guidelines, which refer to dry weight, not stuffed volume.

Use the right amount of detergent. More isn't better—excess detergent leaves residue that builds up inside the machine and on clothes. High-efficiency (HE) machines require even less detergent than the HE guidelines suggest in many cases.

Wash appropriate loads. Avoid washing single items, which can cause unbalanced spin cycles. If you must wash a small load, use appropriate water level settings.

By following these maintenance practices, your washing machine will reward you with years of reliable, efficient service—and your clothes will consistently come out clean and fresh.