The Best Ways to Extend the Life of Your Old Washer and Dryer
A washer and dryer are necessary appliances that are expensive to replace, so doing what you can to keep them running as long as possible is a smart move. If yours are getting older but still work, a little extra care can help them last years longer. Here are some simple yet effective ways to keep your washer and dryer working for the long haul.
Don’t Overload Either Machine
This is the most common piece of advice for washer and dryer maintenance, but it’s true! Every time you overstuff your washer or dryer, you’re putting strain on its motor, bearings, and drum. Even if it still runs, that extra stress adds up over time. When a washer is overloaded, clothes don’t distribute as evenly as they should, forcing the machine to work harder. With a dryer, too much laundry traps heat, which can wear out components faster (not to mention it doesn’t dry your clothes as well). Even if your machine can handle a large load, giving it a little breathing room will help extend its life.
Use the Right Detergent (And Less of It)
Many people use a lot more detergent than necessary, thinking extra soap means extra clean. In reality, too much detergent leaves behind residue that builds up in your washer’s drum, hoses, and pump. Over time, this buildup leads to clogs, mold growth, and extra wear on the machine. It’s also better for your clothes, as too much detergent leads to that same scummy residue building up on fabrics!
Keep the Door Open After Washes
A closed washer door traps moisture, which creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew. That musty smell that develops in older washers? It’s usually from moisture being trapped over and over again for years. Always leave the door slightly open between washes to let air circulate. The same goes for the detergent drawer, pull it out so it can dry properly. If your dryer is in a humid area, leave its door cracked, too. A little ventilation prevents buildup that can lead to hidden damage over time.
Check the Hoses
Washer hoses don’t last forever. Over time, they weaken, crack, or even burst, leading to leaks or serious flooding. Every few months, inspect hoses for bulges or wear, and clean out any gunk that might be clogging them. A clogged hose makes your machine work harder to pull in water, which puts a lot of strain on the motor. If your machine still has its original rubber hoses, consider replacing them with braided stainless steel ones, they last much longer.
Keep the Lint Trap and Vent Clear
Cleaning the lint trap is common sense, but a lot of people overlook cleaning the dryer vent. Lint buildup in the vent blocks airflow, making the dryer overheat, wear out faster, and leave your clothes damp. Even worse, it’s a huge fire hazard. At least once a year, disconnect the vent hose and clean it thoroughly. If your dryer starts to take longer to dry clothes, it’s often a sign of a clogged vent. Overheating due to blocked components is a major reason why older dryers start to fail, so checking this one thing could add years to its lifespan.
Level the Machines
We’ve all heard a washing machine or dryer that bangs around loudly while it’s running. This shakes loose parts around, wearing it down over time, and is usually caused by being on uneven ground. Use a level tool to check, then adjust the legs to keep the machine steady. This helps reduce stress on internal components and prevent unnecessary breakdowns. Even if your machine is on a sturdy surface, vibrations from years of use can shift it slightly. Rechecking the balance now and then can keep it from overworking itself.
Let Your Dryer Rest Between Loads
Running your dryer back-to-back without a break keeps the heating element constantly working, which accelerates wear and tear. If possible, let it cool down for 15 to 30 minutes between loads. This lets the internal part rest and reset before the next cycle. If you’re doing multiple loads, try air-drying lighter items to give the dryer a break. Even small changes like this can reduce the strain its under and keep it running longer.
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An old washer and dryer can last much longer than you might think with the right habits. Avoiding overloads, using the right detergent, keeping hoses and vents clear, and letting them breathe between uses all make a difference. You’ll have to be more on top of regular machine maintenance, but it’s truly worth it, since a little extra care now will save you the cost and hassle of replacing them sooner than you have to.
Daniel Mitchell
