What are some tips for washer and dryer maintenance?

Washing machines can be maintained by replacing worn out rubber hoses with steel-jacketed hoses to avoid leaks and flooding. To maintain a dryer, homeowners can discard flammable and flimsy vinyl ductwork and replace it with metal ducts.

Regular cleaning helps keep washers and dryers operating at optimal levels. For example, wiping down the lint trap on dryers after each use helps keep lint from collecting in ducts. Cleaning the interior of washing machines by running an empty cycle with washing machine cleaning solutions or a bleach and water mixture helps to remove odors and mildew and to keep potential mold from forming and tainting the cleanliness of clothes washed.