Winterize Your Washer
Washers generally require a minimum of service, however winterizing can prolong the life of your appliance. This primarily applies if you keep your washer in an unheated part of the house-- the basement, bonus room or garage, for example.
Steps
- Shut off both water spigots.
- Turn the timer knob to "fill" and select warm wash, warm rinse.
- Turn the machine on for ten seconds. This will run the water out of the inlet valve.
- Disconnect the hoses from the washer inlets.
- Pour a quart of pink RV antifreeze into the basket. This is a propylene glycol based antifreeze and is non-poisonous and often used in RVs (Recreational Vehicles).
- Set the washer for "drain and spin". Let it run for about 30 seconds. This mixes the antifreeze with the water that was left in the washer.
- Remove the hoses from the spigots and clean the inlet screens.
To use again
- Inspect the hoses for signs of dry rot. Bend the hoses and examine carefully for small cracks. If you suspect that the hoses might be deficient, replace them. Remember that water pressure will be on these hoses continually throughout the warm season. If one hose should fail, substantial water damage may result.
- Connect the hoses to the spigots.
- Flush the water pipes and hoses. Run a gallon or two of water through each hose and into a sink or bucket.
- Connect the hoses to the back of the washer. Make sure the hot water line goes to the hot inlet. (Both the spigot and the washer inlet should be labeled "H" or "keyed" red.)
- Turn on the water and check for leaks.
- Pour a cup of detergent into the washer basket and run a complete cycle with no clothes in the washer. Once the cycle is complete, the washer will be ready for the warm weather washing season.
Tips
- All you are really protecting is the discharge pump, which is impossible to completely drain.
- If you have poor water quality, it is prudent to inspect the inlet water screens periodically and to clean or replace them if there is build-up.
- Turn of the water spigots if you are going on vacation or will not be using the washer for an extended period of time. This minimizes the chance of catastrophic water damage due to a ruptured hose.
Warnings
- Only use propylene glycol! Any other antifreeze will not be so environmentally friendly.
