Ensuring Longevity and Preventing Breakdowns
Modern automatic washing machines typically last at least 10 years. With proper care, they can function effectively for 15–20 years. However, factors such as brand, build quality, and usage habits significantly influence their lifespan.
For example, our own Samsung washing machine, purchased in July 2009, has lasted over 15 years. We use it 4–5 times a week across various modes, and in all this time, we haven’t needed a single repair.
To help you extend your washing machine’s life and avoid unnecessary expenses, we consulted an expert. Here’s what we learned about proper maintenance and preventing breakdowns.
How Improper Care Can Damage Your Washing Machine
One of the key factors in maintaining a washing machine is ensuring it is installed correctly, particularly the drain hose level. Incorrect installation can damage the valve. However, the most common breakdowns occur due to:
- Drain pump failure
- Door latch malfunction
- Gasket deterioration
- Heating element burnout
Two main factors contribute to heating element failure:
1. Water Hardness – Too Hard or Too Soft
Water hardness plays a major role in washing machine maintenance. If you don’t know your water type, you might unknowingly damage your machine.
For instance, Calgon and similar products are only effective if the water is hard. If used in soft water, they can actually shorten the machine’s lifespan and cause clothes to wear out more quickly. Contrary to some claims, Calgon does not clean heating elements—it simply softens water.
A cheaper alternative is using products containing calcined soda (sodium carbonate). For descaling, products with sulfamic acid are recommended, as they effectively remove limescale while being gentler on the machine’s components.
Some people use vinegar or citric acid to clean their washing machines, but these substances are too aggressive for rubber parts, causing them to break down over time. This can lead to water seeping into the bearings, ultimately resulting in machine failure.
2. Incorrect Use of Detergents
Another common cause of heating element failure is improper detergent use.
- Baby detergents don’t dissolve well and are difficult to rinse out, causing residue buildup on the heating element, which leads to burnout.
- Household soap and hand-wash powder create excessive foam, leading to deposits on the machine’s interior and potential damage.
👉 Always use detergents specifically designed for automatic washing machines and measure them correctly—about one tablespoon per kilogram of laundry. Excess detergent doesn’t rinse out completely, leading to residue buildup and heating element failure.
Many users wash at low temperatures only, but this encourages mold growth inside the machine, causing unpleasant odors and damage. Once a month, run a hot cycle at 194°F (90°C) to prevent mold buildup.
Also, check all pockets before starting a wash. Small objects like coins, rubber bands, and hairpins can clog the drain pump or tear the door gasket.
How Water Hardness Affects Washing Machines
Water hardness is determined by the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. Hard water leads to limescale buildup, while soft water can impact detergent effectiveness.
Water Hardness Levels:
- Soft water: Up to 60 ppm (0–3.5 gpg)
- Moderately hard water: 61–120 ppm (3.6–7.0 gpg)
- Hard water: Over 120 ppm (7.1+ gpg)
- Very hard water: Over 180 ppm (more than 10.5 gpg)
In many areas, water hardness varies throughout the year. In spring, it tends to decrease due to rainfall and snowmelt, while in summer, it increases due to lower rainfall and higher evaporation rates.
Municipal water and natural springs generally contain moderately hard water, while well water is often classified as hard.
💡 Tip: If your water is naturally soft, you can skip fabric softeners—clothes will naturally feel softer without them.
Conclusion
By following these maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your washing machine and avoid costly repairs.
✅ Ensure proper installation to prevent valve damage.
✅ Use the right detergent in the correct amount—one tablespoon per kilogram of laundry.
✅ Avoid aggressive cleaning agents like vinegar or citric acid—opt for sulfamic acid-based products instead.
✅ Run a hot cycle (194°F / 90°C) once a month to prevent mold buildup.
✅ Check pockets before washing to prevent clogging and gasket damage.
✅ Know your water hardness and adjust maintenance accordingly.
By taking these simple steps, you can keep your washing machine running efficiently for years to come. 🚀