To maximise the life of your appliance, here are a few tips:
Do not wash your loads too closely together.
Washing machine motors are heavily stressed parts that can rotate at several thousand rpm, so it is generally advisable to let them cool down between each use. Leave about 1.5 to 2 hours between each wash.
Carefully check the pockets of your clothes
Coins and other small objects left in trouser pockets are one of the main causes of premature wear and tear in washing machines. In addition to damaging the drum itself, they also clog the filter, which must be cleaned more often.
Unplug your washing machine when you are away for a long period of time.
For various reasons, it is always a good idea to unplug your electrical appliances when you go on holiday. A washing machine not connected to the electricity network is, in fact, protected against thunderstorms or problems of surges that can damage it. It is also not recommended to plug the washing machine to an extension lead or a lead with many sockets. Plug directly into an earth outlet.
Recurrent breakdowns
Your washing machine does not start
Remember to check the door; most machines have safeguard, and a poorly closed door will prevent it from starting. Also check that the washing machine is plugged in to a simple mains outlet and that it is working properly (to test it, connect another appliance to it). The fault can also be explained by a bad contact at the switch.
Your washing machine vibrates during washing
Washing machines are designed to withstand maximum loads with each wash. Exceeding the maximum recommended weight can cause severe vibrations. Remember to partially empty the drum in this case. Also, check the distribution of the laundry in the drum. Uneven distribution could also be the cause of vibrations. If these checks are not sufficient to solve the problem This may be due to an incorrect balancing of the washing machine itself. Check that the washing machine is level and, if not, adjust the feet accordingly.
Filling your washing machine takes too long
First of all, remember to check that the water supply tap is not turned off. If everything is in order there, check the connection hose. Try disconnecting it to check for the presence of dirt or objects that could be obstructing it and preventing the passage of water.
Problems with noise
First of all, remember to check if there isn’t something in the drum of your washing machine. If the drum is empty, check for objects at the drain pump, which is usually accessible after unscrewing a plug at the bottom of the front of your appliance. Try cleaning the pump thoroughly.
Problems with draining
First of all, make sure that your machine’s “full tub stop” function is not activated. Once this has been ruled out, the problem could be coming directly from the drain pump. As described in the previous point, check that no dirt or objects are preventing the pump from draining properly. Also check that the hose is not pushed in more than 30 centimetres.
Problems with leaks
Leaks can be caused by clogged or broken parts, a faulty gasket or a punctured hose. The first thing to do in the event of a leak is to switch off the appliance and disconnect it from the mains. Be careful not to leave the electric lead too close to the leaking water.
Tip
Most recent washing machines display fault codes, which will make it easier for you to identify the problem you are encountering. The operating instructions for your appliance contain all the explanations necessary for interpreting them.