Washer Maintenance Tips
Leveling
Your washer spins so fast that when it is not level, it can vibrate excessively during the spin cycle. If your washing machine is not perfectly level (with all four legs touching the floor), it can bang around and rock back and forth. The machine can also "walk" across the room. This can be detrimental to the machine if action is not taken to correct it.
Many washing machines have adjustable leveling legs. You can adjust the leg to the proper height, and then tighten the lock nut up against the body of the machine to keep the leg from moving.
Some machines may have rear self-adjusting leveling legs. Keep the machine as close to the floor as possible. The lower it is, the less likely it is to vibrate. You can set these legs by tilting the entire machine forward onto its front legs (with the rear legs 3 to 4 inches off the floor) and then setting the machine back down. The legs should adjust automatically. If they do not, you may need to tilt the machine forward and tap on the rear legs with the handle of a hammer to loosen them. The lower the machine is to the floor, the lower the center of gravity of the machine, resulting in less vibration.
To reduce vibration even more consider using Shake Away Pads. These pads are engineered to absorb the vibration transferred from the machine to the floor.
Cleaning out/Removing objectionable odors
Once a month you should run a cycle of hot water with 2 cups of chlorine bleach through your washer. At the beginning of the wash cycle, add the bleach directly to the washtub and not through the bleach dispenser. This routine maintenance will help remove any soap deposits and will also help keep germs from accumulating in the airtight parts of the washer. Some newer machines have a 'clean' cycle. Follow the manufacturers recommended instructions regarding this cycle. For front load machines, use Affresh to clean out the interior of the washer.
Water fill hoses
It is good preventative maintenance to check the washing machine hoses from time to time for wear and/or weakness. As the hoses age, they lose resiliency and may develop small blisters which could burst. A broken hose can cause a lot of damage to your home. Replace the hoses if there are any signs of wear. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the hoses every 5 years. For more peace of mind, one alternative is to use high quality stainless steel hoses