Maintaining Laundry Equipment

Whether you own a Laundromat or have a laundry room in your home, properly maintaining your laundry equipment is essential to keeping it running smoothly and preventing breakdowns.  To get the most use out of your washers and driers, keep them clean and replace worn-out parts when necessary.

Washer

• Check the water filter inlet screen frequently.  It may become dirty due to the particles that inevitably build up in water as clothes and fabrics are washed.  Clean it regularly, and replace it when it wears out.


• Clean the tub as needed.  Although it’s regularly filled with detergent and water, the drum requires cleaning every once in a while due to the dirt and particles that come off from clothing when it’s being washed.  Use a washing machine cleaner to remove any dirt and soap residue on the inside.  If you are a homeowner, you should do this once every three months.  If you run a Laundromat, you’ll need to clean your washers more frequently depending on the number of customers that use your machines.


• Check connections, hoses and joints.  Look for leaks and other signs of wear and tear.  If a hose bursts, it can cause significant flooding.  It’s very important to make minor repairs such as replacing the hose from time to time in order to avoid major issues in the future. 

Dryer

• Clean the lint screen daily.  Accumulation of lint in the ducting and on the lint screen can be a serious fire hazard because dryers operate at very high temperatures.  A buildup of lint can cause a fire if the hot air becomes constricted.


• Wipe down the machine frequently. Dust and lint can accumulate on the surface of the dryer as well as on the inside.  Wipe the entire machine with a damp cloth regularly to keep it clean.  You can also use a vacuum cleaner to collect lint inside and underneath the dryer.