Bharat SainiLast Updated on September 4, 2014 by Bharat Saini
The commercial laundry business is tough on equipment. Near-constant use and heavy loads ensure that your commercial/industrial washer won’t last forever. On average, you can expect 15 to 20 years of performance when your washers are properly maintained and serviced. Make these six simple maintenance steps a part of your daily equipment check routine, and you’ll help to extend the life of your washers to the high end of the average–or more.
1. Leave the washer’s main door slightly open when not in use. This will help in preventing mold buildup and unwanted odors. If your washer smells, don’t simply mask the odor with fragrance, it’s time to clean it as described in step 2.
2. Periodically run the washer without a load. Use the hot setting with a cup of white vinegar. This will help to clean and remove residual soap buildup and bacteria that causes mold buildup and odors.
3. Clean the washing machine’s detergent drawers often, especially the cavity for the bleach. Detergent, bleach and softener buildup can cause cleaning performance, odor, and leakage issues.
4. Lint and other debris can collect in the drain pump filter. Clean the drain filter on your washing machine often depending on how often it is used. The higher the use, the more frequently you should clear the filter.
5. Visually inspect your inlet water hoses frequently to avoid unexpected water leaks – and flood damage! If you see a small blister, it could be an early sign of a rupture. We recommend replacing the hoses every 5 years.
6. One last checkpoint: the filter screens on your water inlet valves. Inspect them yearly and remove debris buildup to ensure maximum wash times.
The result: Washers are the lifeline of your laundry operation. Treat them well and they will treat you well in turn. By performing these six simple tasks routinely, your washers will perform better, you’ll save on repairs parts, and replacement, and you’ll get a higher return for your capital expenditure. And, you can throw away those ‘out of order signs.
Note: Do not repair or replace any part of your washer, or attempt to perform any service to it without checking with published user – repair instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you do not understand these instructions, or don’t have the skills to carry them out, be sure to contact the authorized distributor representing your washer’s make and model.
