Since wet and humid environments are the breeding ground for bacteria, it's important to drain your washing machine and let it get dry, too. Generally, the washing machine should be cleaned once every month.
Water In Bottom of Washing Machine Drum: Why It Happens
You're not an appliance repair expert, but you know something is not right when you hear water sloshing around in your washer after a cycle. But it may not be any cause for concern! Your washing machine is designed to keep some water in the drum when not in use.
Do you have a front loader washing machine that has a little flap door at the bottom corner of the unit? Ever wondered what purpose that little door served? It is in fact, a door to a drain trap. So this is where all those little items such as buttons and coins have mysteriously disappeared to during the wash cycle.
If your washer drains to a standpipe, pull the drain hose out to make sure that no more than 5 feet of hose are in the standpipe. The hose cannot drain more than 5 feet away from the machine, too.
The black bits in washing machines are essentially a build up of bacteria, grease, and mould. Over time and without regular cleaning, a washing machine will get clogged up with leftover detergent and debris, which will then become a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
While all washing machines do have drain pumps, front-loaders depend on high-velocity pumps to expel all traces of water before the door is opened. Maintaining the drain pump and filter is key to keeping your machine in perfect shape.
Many front load washers have a drain trap that catches items like socks or coins before they reach the main drain. This helps limit complex clogs. However, if the drain trap itself is getting pretty full, it can cause drain issues in the washer too. Not every washer has a drain trap.
If there's no clog, the water should drain on its own owing to gravity. At this point, you can be fairly certain there are no clogs in the hose, and the problem is either related to the inner workings of the machine — the drain pump, a belt, the lid switch, etc. — or a clog in the drain pipe.
Since wet and humid environments are the breeding ground for bacteria, it's important to drain your washing machine and let it get dry, too. Generally, the washing machine should be cleaned once every month.
Standing water in your machine means you can't wash your clothes, and it creates a breeding ground for bacteria! Fortunately, there is usually a simple explanation for water leftover in a washing machine. Either your drain hose is clogged or your washing machine pump is broken.
Preventing Sitting Water
The most obvious culprits are socks and underwear. These small items can easily slip between the inner and outer tub and be pulled into the drain. Many models of washer have an access panel on the front to allow you to manually drain your washer and pull out any obstruction.
Mold problems in front-load washing machines are very common, but not inevitable! The key culprit for this problem is the front-load washer's sealing door. Unlike Top Load Washers , a front-loader has a door surrounded by a rubber gasket that creates an airtight seal when shut.
Expected Washing Machine Lifespan
Top-load washing machines are the classic style that has been being used for generations and they typically last about 14 years. Front-load washers are relatively new to the market by comparison and they last about 11 years on average.
A clogged detergent drawer is a mould-magnet. The build-up of old detergent will then end up black with mould, and as your fresh detergent drains into the washing machine during the cycle, it can end up bringing the old gunk with it, resulting in nasty grey sludge on your laundry.
When a washing machine finishes a cycle sometimes water can remain in the drum where the machine hasn't been able to drain it correctly. It is also worth draining the machine before cleaning the filter to stop water from leaking out onto the floor while you are cleaning it.
The design of top-load washers, on the other hand, allows the water to drain down through the drum and out of the unit, providing fewer opportunities for mold or mildew to grow. Most top-loaders are also easier to maintain than front-load machines.
Drain Hose Problems
To test this, remove the drain hose attached to the washer and make sure it is clear. An easy way to check that the drain hose is clear is to blow air through it. If nothing is obstructing the drain tube, the problem is most likely at the washing machine pump.
Perform a SPIN ONLY cycle.
The unit should begin a SPIN ONLY cycle and attempt to drain any remaining water that is inside the washer. If your model does not have a SPIN ONLY, use this Alternative Method to SPIN ONLY.
Don't do it! toilet waste pipe is significantly larger than a standard washing machine waste for a very good reason!