Maintaining Your Washer & Dryer: Tips & Checklists

Keep Your Washer & Dryer Running Smooth: Easy Maintenance Tips to Save Big

Your washer and dryer are two of the hardest-working appliances in your home and are also major financial investments. While built to last 10 to 14 years, without regular care, they can start breaking down much earlier, drive up your energy bills, and lose their performance efficiency.

But there’s good news—most of these problems are easily preventable with a little routine maintenance.

This guide covers the must-know maintenance tips, early signs of malfunctions, and how a home warranty can protect your budget when unexpected issues arise.

Why Washer & Dryer Maintenance Matters

Washers and dryers often don’t get the attention they deserve—at least, not until something goes wrong. But with a little consistent TLC, these essential appliances can deliver dependable performance for years to come.

Here’s why routine maintenance of your washer and dryer matters:

Increased longevity

Regular care can extend the lifespan of your washer and dryer by an additional 5 to 8 years, according to Consumer Reports. Small actions, like cleaning lint traps, inspecting hoses for cracks or bulges, and keeping vents clear, can significantly reduce premature wear and tear and keep your machines primed to run reliably for years.

Increased energy savings and performance

A clogged dryer vent alone can increase energy usage by up to 30%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. And it’s not just the dryer vent—cracked or loose hoses can cause leaks and pressure drops, forcing the machines to run longer to overcompensate.

Regularly inspecting and cleaning your machines helps them operate more efficiently, reduces energy and water usage, and improves overall results—like clothes coming out fully clean and properly dried the first time.

Save on costly repairs

Major appliance defects often start with small symptoms or minor hiccups. Addressing these early can prevent them from escalating into serious—and expensive—problems.

For instance, mold and mildew buildup can lead to persistent odors and damage door seals and internal components. Worn hoses bursting without warning can cause water damage to floors, carpets, and walls.

Simple preventive steps, like inspecting hoses for leaks and wiping down door gaskets to stop mold buildup, can help you catch small issues early and avoid major repairs down the line.

DIY Washer & Dryer Maintenance Checklist

Here are some actionable tips you can take to keep your household’s two major workhorses—your washer and dryer—in tip-top shape:

Clean lint traps and dryer vents

Every time you dry a load of laundry, heat and friction cause microfibers to break off from clothes and create lint. While the dryer’s lint screen captures most of it, some lint inevitably escapes and builds up in the vent hose and exhaust duct. 

Over time, this hidden buildup restricts airflow, forcing the dryer to work harder, increasing energy use, and posing a serious fire risk. In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryer lint buildup causes nearly 3,000 residential fires every year. 

To prevent this, clean the lint trap after every load and inspect and thoroughly clean the dryer vent at least twice a year. Want to know what appliances are typically covered under a warranty if issues arise? Read about which major appliances are covered with ARW Home.

Check washer hoses

Washer hoses move large amounts of water in and out of the machine under constant pressure, meaning they’re highly susceptible to wear and tear over time.

Cracks, bulges, and leaks can develop along the hose, leading to serious water damage if left unchecked. 

Every few months, inspect the hoses for signs of fraying, bubbling, or moisture around the connections. Replace any damaged hoses promptly—and even if they appear intact, it’s a good practice to replace washer hoses every five years as a preventive measure.

Run cleaning cycles

Your washer comes into contact with a variety of materials—detergents, hard water, and fabric softeners—all of which can leave behind residue over time. This buildup causes unpleasant odors and reduces your washer’s cleaning performance. 

To keep your washer fresh, run a maintenance wash cycle about once a month using a commercial washing machine cleaner or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Running a full hot water cycle helps eliminate soap scum, mineral buildup, and mildew before they become a problem.

Inspect and level appliances

An unbalanced washer or dryer can rock and shift mid-cycle, causing loud vibrations, inefficient operation, and even internal damage. To prevent this, use a bubble level to check that your appliances are sitting evenly on the floor.

If they’re not aligned, adjust the feet until the machine is stable and properly balanced.

Avoid overloading

Overloading your washer or dryer strains critical parts like the drum, motor, and bearings and can lead to poor cleaning results, clogs, or overheating.

In washers, heavy loads make it harder for water and detergent to circulate; in dryers, airflow becomes restricted, leading to longer drying times, damp clothes, and higher energy consumption.

To protect your appliances, stick to recommended load sizes—typically no more than three-quarters full, or about 15 to 20 pounds of laundry for a standard machine.

When to Call a Professional for Appliance Maintenance

Even with regular upkeep, there may come a time when your washer or dryer needs professional attention. Certain warning signs shouldn’t be ignored, as they can point to underlying issues that simple DIY maintenance can’t fix.

Noisy operation or vibration

If your washer or dryer is making loud noises, banging sounds, or shaking mid-cycle, it’s a clear signal something isn’t right. Excessive vibration can result from an unbalanced machine, worn drum bearings, loose internal parts, or suspension problems. 

While minor vibrations can sometimes be corrected by adjusting the appliance’s leveling feet, ongoing noise usually suggests deeper mechanical issues that require a professional repair.

Water leaks or drainage issues

Water pooling near or dripping from your washer could indicate a cracked hose, a worn door seal, or a faulty internal pump. Drainage problems can also stem from a clogged drain hose, blocked filter, or failing pump.

If routine maintenance doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s important to call a technician to prevent water damage and costly home repairs.

Dryer not heating or clothes taking too long to dry

If your freshly washed laundry is still coming out damp after a full drying cycle, it could mean your dryer isn’t producing enough heat—or that airflow is restricted.

Clogged lint traps, blocked vent hoses, or faulty heating elements are the usual suspects.

If cleaning the lint trap and vent doesn’t fix the problem, it’s best to have a professional assess the machine and restore its proper airflow and heating performance.

Electrical or display malfunctions

If your appliance’s display screen is unresponsive, or the machine fails to start, it could point to an electrical problem such as a failed control board, wiring issues, or internal fuse damage.

Other red flags include flickering lights, dead buttons, or frequently tripped breakers. Electrical problems should always be handled by a licensed technician to ensure your appliance remains safe and operational.

Common Washer & Dryer Issues & How to Prevent Them

Here are some tips to prevent common issues homeowners face with washer and dryer: 

Mold/mildew buildup in front-load washers

Moisture trapped inside the washer drum and door seals can lead to mold and mildew build up over time, causing unpleasant odors and potential damage to internal components.

To prevent this, always leave the washer door and detergent drawer ajar after each use to encourage healthy air circulation. Wipe down the drum and door seals regularly to eliminate lingering moisture, detergent, and soap scum. 

Also, run a monthly cleaning cycle and use only the recommended amount of detergent—too much soap leaves residue that fuels mold growth.

Clogged dryer vents and fire hazards

Lint buildup inside the lint trap, vent hose, or exhaust duct restricts airflow, forcing the dryer to work harder, overheating it, and creating a serious fire risk.

Other than cleaning the lint trap after every load to maintain safe airflow, you also want to inspect and clean the vent and exhaust duct several times a year, especially if you notice longer dry cycles or a burning smell. 

To clean the vents, disconnect the dryer, remove the vent hose, and use a vent brush or vacuum to clear out built-up lint. Make sure the outside vent flap moves freely and that the vent hose is short, straight, and free of kinks. 

Lastly, avoid drying items that have come into contact with flammable substances like gasoline, oil, or paint thinner to further reduce risk of fire. 

Washer not draining or spinning

If your washer isn’t draining or spinning properly, the cause could be a clogged drain filter, a blocked or kinked drain hose, or an overloaded drum.

Start by checking the drain filter for lint, debris, or small objects that could block water flow. Then inspect the drain hose to ensure it’s not kinked, crushed, or clogged. 

Finally, avoid overloading the washer; heavy, unbalanced loads can prevent the drum from spinning freely and strain the motor.

Dryer taking too long to dry

Clean the lint trap after every load to keep air moving freely through the machine. Inspect and clean the vent and exhaust duct several times a year to remove hidden lint buildup. 

Also, avoid overloading the dryer, as large, heavy loads block airflow and slow down drying times.

How a Home Warranty Can Help with Washer & Dryer Repairs

Even with the best maintenance habits, washers and dryers can still experience issues over time due to normal wear and tear. A home warranty can help protect you from paying major repair or replacement costs out of pocket when these problems arise.

Under ARW Home’s appliance protection plans, many of your washer and dryer’s critical components are covered, including:

• Motors
• Belts
• Pulleys
• Switches (such as lid switches and actuators)
• Timers
• Heating elements
• Control boards
• Sensors
• Other internal mechanical and electrical components

If your washer or dryer stops working due to a covered mechanical issue, ARW Home Warranty will arrange for a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the problem at no additional cost beyond a service fee.

Filing a claim with ARW Home Warranty is simple: just submit a claim online or via phone, pay a small service call fee, and ARW Home will dispatch a licensed technician to assess the problem and complete any covered repairs. Not sure what that process looks like? Explore how home warranty claims typically work.

FAQs About Washer and Dryer Maintenance

How often should I clean my washer and dryer?

Certain cleaning tasks should be done after every load: clean the lint filter, wipe down the drums and door seals, and leave the washer door and detergent drawer slightly open to let moisture escape.

Run a cleaning cycle through your washer about once a month to remove detergent residue and mildew buildup. Finally, clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct at least twice a year to remove hidden lint and maintain strong airflow.

What’s the best way to clean a washer drum?

The best way to clean your washer drum is to run an empty cycle on the hottest setting using either a commercial washer cleaner or a natural solution like white vinegar and baking soda. 

For a DIY washer cleaning method, pour two cups of vinegar into your detergent tray and run a hot wash cycle, then sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the washer drum and run a second hot cycle. This two-step process removes buildup, kills bacteria, and eliminates odors.

Can I use DIY solutions to unclog dryer vents?

For light buildup, you can use a vacuum hose attachment or a dryer vent brush to clean inside the duct. Hose extensions can help you reach deeper, and there are cleaning kits with flexible brushes for longer vents. 

However, if you’re dealing with major buildup or a full clog, it’s best to call a professional.

What does a home warranty cover for washers and dryers?

ARW Home Warranty plan typically covers the repair or replacement costs of most major washer and dryer components that break down due to normal wear and tear. 

This includes motors, belts, pulleys, heating elements, timers, switches, control boards, sensors, pumps, valves, and other internal mechanical and electrical parts.

How do I know if it’s time to replace vs repair?

Repair or replace—that’s the question on every homeowner’s mind when a major appliance breaks down. In most cases, the answer comes down to the age of the appliance, the cost of the repair, and the severity of the issue.

If your machine is close to 10 years old and repairs would cost more than half the price of a comparable new model, replacement is usually the smarter choice. However, if the appliance is relatively new and the repair is minor, fixing it is typically the better option.