6 Habits That Extend the Life of Your Washing Machine

A washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in any home, running through hundreds of cycles a year, and yet it’s also one of the most neglected when it comes to basic upkeep. A little regular attention can meaningfully extend how long it lasts before you’re facing a major repair or replacement.

Don’t Overload the Drum

It’s tempting to squeeze in one more towel to avoid running a second load, but overloading strains the motor, bearings, and suspension system with every cycle. Most machines perform best around three-quarters full, which also gives clothes room to move properly and actually get clean. If you regularly find the drum stuffed tight, splitting into two smaller loads will genuinely add years to the machine’s working life.

Leave the Door Open Between Washes

Closing the door immediately after a cycle traps moisture inside the drum and rubber door seal, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew — which not only smells unpleasant but can degrade the rubber seal over time. Leaving the door slightly ajar between washes lets the interior air out and dry properly.

Clean the Detergent Drawer and Door Seal Regularly

Detergent and fabric softener residue builds up in the dispenser drawer and around the folds of the rubber door seal, eventually affecting how well the machine washes and, in some cases, causing musty odors or minor drainage blockages. A wipe-down every couple of weeks with a damp cloth takes a couple of minutes and prevents buildup from becoming a bigger problem.

Run an Empty Hot Maintenance Cycle Monthly

Running an empty cycle on the hottest setting once a month, optionally with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar, helps dissolve detergent scale and any lingering residue inside the drum and pipework. This is particularly worthwhile if you mostly wash on cooler, energy-saving cycles, since lower temperatures don’t naturally clear residue the way a hot wash does.

Check and Clean the Filter Periodically

The drain filter, usually accessible behind a small panel at the front base of the machine, catches coins, buttons, and lint. Left unchecked for too long, it can restrict drainage and put extra strain on the pump. Checking it every couple of months is a small habit that prevents one of the most common washing machine faults.

Keep It Level

An unlevel washing machine vibrates and shakes far more than it should during the spin cycle, which accelerates wear on the drum bearings and suspension over time, and can also gradually work the machine across the floor. Check that all four feet are making solid contact with the floor and adjust them so the machine sits level and doesn’t rock when pushed.

Small Habits, Real Savings

None of these habits take more than a few minutes, but together they meaningfully reduce the odds of an expensive bearing, pump, or motor repair down the line. If your machine is already showing signs of wear despite good maintenance, bring it in — a lot of “end of life” symptoms turn out to be fixable with the right part.