Laura Johnson, consumer analyst, research and development at LG Electronics, told us exactly what we should always do—plus the things we should never do—to keep these appliances working for years to come. Here are the pro-approved ways to extend the life of your washing machine and dryer. Clean your machine thoroughly, or if your machine has a “Tub Clean Cycle,” run it once a month or after every 30 washes. This will help remove lingering soap scum and buildup. If you accidentally forget, be sure to clear out the drain pump filter on a front-loading washer, which is designed to catch these items. Clear out the dryer vent, or the duct that leads from the machine to the outside of your house, at least once per year. It’s a little more time-consuming, yet still important. Need one more reason to avoid pouring in more than the recommended amount? “It also causes your washer to operate longer, using additional rinse cycles to remove soap,” explains Johnson. Don’t worry, you can still get soft, fresh-smelling laundry with alternatives to dryer sheets.
