What You Can Do To Maintain Your Washing Machine

Yes, I’ve reached that stage of adulthood where I actually get excited about new appliances. Not consoles, not a new graphics card, not even a fancy keyboard—appliances. My most recent fascination? The washing machine. As I was testing the “perfect” mix of detergent and softener, I also fell into the rabbit hole of how to actually maintain the thing. Because, let’s be real, no one wants to deal with a broken washing machine when you’re already drowning in dirty laundry. So, let me share what I found out with you.

Courtesy Next Upgrade Shop 

First off, clean the drum regularly. It sounds ironic—cleaning the thing that cleans your clothes—but it’s important. Residue from detergents, softeners, and all those mystery lint particles builds up over time, and it can leave your clothes smelling musty. I live in Baguio, and the constant wet weather just makes it a double threat. Now, what can you do? You can perform a quick cycle with vinegar or baking soda once a month. What I do use are these small washing machine-specific cleaners that come in powder form, and they do work wonders. 

From Sudelsurium Official GIPHY

Second, don’t ignore the filter and lint trap. These little guys catch all sorts of debris, and if you let it pile up, it can clog your machine and reduce its efficiency. Instead of doing this monthly, I do it weekly after all my family members have finished washing their clothes. 

Another overlooked step is leaving the door open after each wash. I know, it looks a little awkward, but it lets the drum dry out and prevents mold from forming. If you’ve ever wondered why some machines start to smell damp, it’s usually because people close the door right after use. So, please, leave the door a little open for about 4 hours.

And then there’s the detergent situation. More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, it does the opposite by leaving sticky residue inside your machine. Simply follow the measurements in the small tray located beside your machine. 

From Pudgy Penguin Official GIPHY

And lastly, don’t overload it. I get it, tossing in the whole week’s laundry feels efficient, but it strains the motor and shortens the lifespan of your machine. Better to do two balanced loads than one laundry mountain that makes the machine cry in pain. 

Now, if you’re looking for a reliable choice, something like the Hyundai 7 kg Fully Auto Top Load Washing Machine from the Next Upgrade Shop ticks all the right boxes. It’s durable, convenient, and a great everyday partner in your fight against dirty laundry.