1240 days ago

How to Care for Your Washing Machine

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

Looking after your washing machine will maximise its life and performance.
Our member surveys indicate that the average life expectancy of a top loader is seven years, and 12 for a front loader. A little care and maintenance can go a long way, so here are some tips to help you get the most from your washer.

Watch out for keys and coins
Keys and coins kill washing machines. Check pockets before washing, and look for dirt and objects left in the drum, or hidden in the rubber seals after each wash.

Check your pump filter
Many washing machines have these as a last line of defence against foreign objects. Look for a small hatch low down on the outside of your machine. Check this monthly and clear anything that shouldn’t be in there — use a towel or tray to catch the water when you open it up. If your machine isn’t draining, this is the first thing to check before calling for a repair.

Limit your washer's spin speed
Keep this to 1200rpm, even if your machine goes up to 1400 or even 1600rpm. Higher speeds reduce the life of belts, drum bearings and door seals, without removing much more water.

Don’t use fabric softener with laundry detergent
Fabric softeners react to create a waxy residue called “scrud”. No one wants “scrud” – especially as it clings to unseen parts of the machine, such as under the agitator. If blobs break free, they can leave greasy marks on laundry.

Regularly clean the detergent dispenser
Check the manual to see how to remove it, and wash it thoroughly in warm soapy water.

Clean the door seal
Remove water from the door seal after each wash (if you notice mould, wipe the rubber seal with hot water and detergent). Between washes, leave the door and detergent dispenser open – that lets the interior dry.

Use the service cycle
Many machines have a specific “service” or “cleaning” cycle. It helps your machine smell fresh, prevents detergent build-up, and keeps it cleaning at its best.

If your machine doesn’t have a service cycle, run a hot wash with a full-strength powder detergent once a month.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 79.2% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    79.2% Complete
  • 20.8% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    20.8% Complete
554 votes
29 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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1 day ago

Watercolour Art Class

Arts for Health from Arts for Health Community Trust

Discover watercolour painting in a relaxed, supportive watercolour class designed for beginners and returning artists. These sessions will guide you through paint and watercolour control, colour mixing, washes, composition and perspective.

Each watercolour class will help you to develop new technical skills, become more confident in this medium, and increase your understanding of paint, walking away with a toolbox of new skills by the end of the term. This is a small class of 8 people only to allow plenty of tutor access.
Tuesdays - 3rd February - 24th March or
Fridays - 30th January - 27th March

Book now at - www.artsforhealth.co.nz...

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