How Often Should You Service Your Washing Machine?
Your washing machine is likely working hard every day, cleaning numerous loads of laundry. But like anything else that works hard, it needs some regular maintenance to keep it working properly. So, many homeowners may ask when they should have a professional washing machine repair conducted to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
This answer can vary according to how hard you use it, what the quality of your water is like, and how old your washing machine is. Your washing machine should always be serviced regularly to avoid unexpected, costly repairs.
Homeowners who hire a professional washing machine repair service provider to provide routine servicing of their washing machine will never experience an emergency repair.
General Service Schedule Guidelines
Every 6 Months for High Users
Households that do more than 10 loads of laundry a week should schedule a professional service twice a year. Your washing machine is under a lot of strain on pumps, motors, and other mechanical devices within your washing machine for heavy users, so it is safer for your washing machine to be serviced on an everyday home service schedule regularly.
Most large family homes with children do more than 10 loads of laundry a week- you can quickly compile the number of loads of laundry for uniforms, sports, clothing, and bedding.
Professional Dubai washing machine repair services can find out how the wear patterns are developing on your washing machine, and replace any parts before it will completely stop working.
Annual Service for Average Users
If your household typically does around 5-7 loads of laundry per week, there is a good service schedule of once a year for professional washing machine maintenance.
The one service per year will keep your washing machine serviced and maintained over the years, and gives you the best chance at catching developing problems before they escalate, as well as to keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact as some manufacturers’ warranties stipulate home owners need receipts that show maintenance has been conducted regularly, or the warranty may be void.
Every 18 Months For Light Users
For a single person or couple with 2-3 loads of laundry weekly, you can stretch the service interval a little longer. But don’t skip servicing altogether.
Even a lightly used washing machine collects dust, lint, and mineral deposits and can decrease performance over time.
What Factors Can Influence the Frequency of Service
Water Quality Issues
Dubai has hard water; the levels of minerals in the water can shorten the life span of your washing machine compared to washers located in soft water areas.
Over time, calcium and magnesium can build up inside the pipes, pumps, and heating elements of your washing machine.
Hard water will cause scale deposits to develop, which lead to decreased performance and shortened life of several components. If you’re in a hard water area, your washing machine will require more frequent cleaning than normal.
Consider installing a water softener to help reduce mineral damage to your washing machine, which will increase the service interval.
Natural Usage Patterns
Washing heavy items such as blankets and towels puts additional stress on your washing machine beyond the normal work the appliance encounters. Very heavy items require more water, longer cycles, and more vibration.
You should also consider family pets, as these can also present another problem for your washing machine. Pet hair and dander can clog filters and drainage systems faster than normal household debris.
Machine Age and Condition
Newer machines come equipped with self-diagnostic technology, which will help alert you to problems earlier. This intelligent technology will assist you in making repairs before the machine completely breaks down.
Older machines do not possess a warning system like this and typically need washing machine Dubai repairs performed more frequently. Machines older than 7 years should have a two-year service performed on them, regardless of how often you use the machine.
Warning Signs You Need Immediate Service
Changes in Performance
When clothes come out still very dirty or too wet, there is something wrong with your machine. These performance changes show there is an issue with wash cycles, drainage, or spinning mechanisms.
It is easy to dismiss gradual declines in performance. Do not wait too long to respond to small problems; they can compound over time and become costly repairs.
Unfamiliar Noises
Grinding, squealing, and banging noises signal mechanical issues. These issues usually start as soft noises and gradually become louder and louder.
Any unusual sounds should be treated as an indicator to call a professional washing machine repair service in Dubai. Using the machine and compounding the problem can lead to serious additional damage to the machine.
Water Issues
• Leaking water around the base or door
• Poor water drainage after cycles
• Excessive vibration during spin cycles
• Error codes are displayed on a digital display
Advantages of Routine Professional Service
Cost Savings
Preventive maintenance is far less costly than emergency repairs. Professional servicing acts as a proactive approach to identify problems before they lead to significant and expensive failures in crucial components.
Another added benefit of regular service is energy efficiency. Regular servicing resolves many of the efficiency issues and dropped utility bills, as thoroughly cleaned machines use less water and electricity to achieve the same work.
Lifespan
A washing machine that has undergone well-maintained servicing can last upwards of 12-15 years compared to 8-10 years for unserviced or poorly serviced machines. Professional servicing also protects the full investment in your appliance by extending its usage.
Warranty Protection
Most Manufacturers require proof of regular preventative maintenance for claims to be valid on applicable warranties. Should an appliance fail under warranty, you will also be protected, as the manufacturer’s warranty may require evidence of regular servicing, so make sure you keep the service records from your washing machine repair service experts.
DIY Maintenance to do between professional services
Each Month
The lint filter should be cleaned, and the seals on the door wiped down once a month. Check the hoses regularly for any kinks or damage that could inhibit proper water flow.
Once a month, run an empty hot wash with a jar of vinegar: the hot water will loosen soap residues, and vinegar will dissolve any mineral buildup.
Each Quarter
Level your washing machine using a bubble level, as unbalanced washing machines experience excessive vibration and wear out faster.
Inspect your machine’s water supply hoses; look for bulges/cracks, or loose connections in every water supply hose. If you find some damage in any water supply hose, replace it immediately, as it could also cause a large flood.
Selecting Professional Services
How to Choose
Licensed washing machine repair technicians are professionally trained and have insurance protection. Certified technicians will also use genuine parts and warranty their work.
Make sure to find companies that repair your washing machine brand. Brand-certified technicians have training on the specific needs of your machine.
Stay Organized
Make sure to have a detailed record of all professional maintenance and repairs. These records give service technicians a record of the problems the washing machine has, and show warranty compliance.
Make sure to record service dates, services performed, and parts replaced, if any, for future reference.
Conclusion
Regular servicing of your washing machine can save you from an unexpected (and expensive) breakdown and extend the life of your appliances. Depending on usage patterns in your home, professional maintenance once a year is the average. However, heavy users may want to schedule maintenance every six months.
Don’t wait until problems develop. With qualified washing machine repair Dubai technicians, you can take a proactive approach to maintenance and continue to do laundry without concern, while saving long-term costs.
Keep in mind that prevention is less than repairs. Schedule your next appointment today and protect your investment!