6 Simple Habits Slowly Breaking Your Washing Machine
You might be unknowingly shortening the lifespan of your washing machine every time you do laundry. Here are five simple things you're probably doing—and how to fix them before calling an expensive repair technician.
Using Too Much Detergent
The Problem: Excess soap creates a heavy buildup of suds and residue that coats the outer drum, clogs internal sensors, and strains the drain pump.
The Fix: Stick to 1–2 tablespoons of High-Efficiency (HE) detergent per load. More soap does not equal cleaner clothes.
Overloading the Drum
The Problem: Stuffing the tub to the brim puts severe stress on the drive belt, motor, and tub bearings, leading to off-balance cycles and premature mechanical failure.
The Fix: Fill the drum loosely to no more than 3/4 full. Clothes need room to tumble freely to get clean.
Leaving the Door Closed Between Loads
The Problem: Trapping moisture inside creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and foul odors while deteriorating the rubber door seal (bellow).
The Fix: Leave the washer door or lid cracked open after every cycle so the drum can air out completely.
Forgetting to Clean the Lint / Drain Filter
The Problem: Front-loaders and many modern top-loaders have a drain pump filter that catches coins, keys, and lint. A clogged filter starves the pump, causing poor drainage and motor burnout.
The Fix: Locate your filter (usually behind a small door at the bottom front) and clean it out once every 1–3 months.
Washing Loose Coins, Keys, and Unzipped Items
The Problem: Coins and keys left in pockets can crack the inner tub, shatter glass doors, or bypass the drum and puncture the outer tub. Metal zippers can scratch the drum coating or snag internal components during high spins.
The Fix: Always empty all pockets before loading and zip up all jacket and pant zippers completely.
Ignoring Leveling & Unbalanced Loads
The Problem: Running a washer that isn't level or washing a single heavy item (like a thick rug or heavy blanket) causes violent shaking during spin cycles, damaging the shock absorbers and suspension springs.
The Fix: Ensure all four adjustable feet sit firmly on the floor, and balance heavy single items with a few towels.
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