Easy Steps On How To Winterize Your Washing Machine

It is that time of the year again when you need to winterize your washing machine. While it isn't necessary to do this, it actually helps prolong the life of your laundry appliance. Rather than purchase a replacement soon, you would want to use your current washer longer by maintaining it properly.

You should winterize your washing machine if you have installed it in your basement or garage. The temperature in these areas of the house is usually not controlled. Moreover, the tap water supply might contain hard minerals that can cause mineral build up in the pipes or the hoses of the machine.

Without further ado, here are the simple steps on how to winterize your washer:

Step 1: Don protective gears such as gloves. This will prevent chemicals from harming your hands. If you are sensitive to chemicals, you should wear latex gloves.

Step 2: Turn the washer on and choose the quick rinse cycle in warm water temperature. You should only run the washer for half a minute, just enough to let water run through the machine.

Step 3: Shut off the faucet or the water source of the machine. This will cut off the water supply.

Step 4: Remove the water hoses. Make sure you have an empty bucket or an absorbent towel nearby to catch excess water that may drip from the water hoses. Remove excess water.

Step 5: You should prepare the winterizing solution. Try using Propylene glycol solution. This is often used as an anti-freeze solution for RVs. Measure a quart of the solution and pour it in the washer drum.

Step 6: Turn the washer on and select the drain and spin cycle. You don't need water supply for this. You are just letting the propylene glycol solution run inside the system of the machine.

Step 7: After the machine has passed the glycol solution, clean the filter screen and the inlets of the machine. Rinse the filter using soapy water and remove debris or mineral build up.

Step 8: Once you are done cleaning the filter, connect the hose to the faucet. Do not attach the hose to the back of the machine yet.

Step 9: Open the faucet and let water rinse the interior of the hose.

Step 10: After cleaning, connect the hoses to the back of the machine.

Step 11: Run an empty water cycle and add a cup of detergent. Let it rinse the interior of the machine.

Source by Alan Cassidy