How often should I run an empty hot cycle with washer cleaner or plain white vinegar?

Monthly. Run an empty hot cycle with washer cleaner or plain white vinegar. With water this hard, scale builds up in the valve and the drum long before you can see it.

How often should I wipe the door gasket dry on a front loader and leave the door ajar between washes?

Monthly. Wipe the door gasket dry on a front loader and leave the door ajar between washes. Nearly every smell complaint we get is this.

How often should I check the fill hoses for bulges or rust at the metal ends?

Yearly. Check the fill hoses for bulges or rust at the metal ends. Rubber hoses wear out, and a burst one floods a laundry room in minutes.

Washing Machine Maintenance & Repair Tips

What usually fails on a washing machine here

A washer that won't drain is a drain pump nine times out of ten, and what's in the pump is usually a sock, an underwire, or a handful of change. Banging on spin is normally worn suspension rods or shocks. Our hard water is rough on the water valves where the hoses hook on, too. They scale up and slow the fill.

Check this first — about two minutes

Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.

1Look for the small access panel at the front bottom, open the filter and clear it.
2Have a towel ready, because water will come out.

Still not fixed?

The longer version, written for a washing machine that has already failed the quick check above.

Keeping a washing machine out of trouble

Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.

Monthly
Run an empty hot cycle with washer cleaner or plain white vinegar. With water this hard, scale builds up in the valve and the drum long before you can see it.
Monthly
Wipe the door gasket dry on a front loader and leave the door ajar between washes. Nearly every smell complaint we get is this.
Yearly
Check the fill hoses for bulges or rust at the metal ends. Rubber hoses wear out, and a burst one floods a laundry room in minutes.

Free reminders Get a reminder when washing machine maintenance is due By text, email or both. Two or three a year, each with the one job that matters that month. Sign me up

When to stop and call someone

Stop here Don't push past this Stop and call if the drum bangs hard enough to walk the machine, or if water appears anywhere near the outlet. Schedule Service

Guides on washers and dryers

From what we see on service calls across Pinal and Maricopa County.

Step-by-step · Dryer Dryer Not Drying? Check These Before You Call Anyone A dryer not drying, taking three cycles, or running hot with damp clothes. The airflow checks that fix most of it, and the burning smell that means stop. Work through it →

Other appliances

Past the point of a home fix?

Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.

Call (480) 791-8858 Schedule Service

(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County