A washing machine is basically a big tub that repeatedly fills and drains with water, spins to wring clothes dry, and has a device for stirring things up-either an agitator in the middle of a top-load machine, or a rolling drum in the case of a front-loader. The four cycles that every washer performs are fill, wash, drain, and spin.
Though there are a number of problems that you can fix quite simply, washing machines have a variety of devices and controls that --when they go wrong-- are better left in the hands of an appliance repairperson.
Washer Maintenance
- Use the right amount of detergent for your washer and water hardness.
- Check that hoses have not grown worn.
- Make sure feet are level.
- Don't overload with clothes.
Tip: Because washing machine hoses are under constant pressure, they can flood your home if they burst when you're away. You can prevent this tragedy by installing lever-type shutoff valves, shown at right. With these, you can easily turn off the levers for both hot and cold water between wash days.
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