DIY Network

Washer and Dryer Spring home maintenance washer and dryer tips From "Home Maintenance" episode DHMW-101

In this segment host Tim Hockenberry shares tips on maintaining your washer and dryer.

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Inspect and Maintain Laundry Room

Materials:

Blow-proof washing machine hoses
Lubricant
Level
Pliers
Utility knife
Foil tape
Shop vacuum

Washing Machine

• It is best to replace the washing machine with blow-proof washing machine hoses, but first you should clean and lubricate the washing machine shut off valves. You should do this every spring. Dirt can accumulate on the valve stems and restrict their movement. Turning them once in a while throughout the year also helps make sure they are not seizing.

• To avoid a mess, it is a good idea to drain the hoses when you disconnect them. When you connect the new hoses be sure each hose goes from the correct temperature valve to the correct in take nozzle on the machine. Once you have everything connected turn on the water and check for leaks.

• To level the washing machine (and the dryer) simply turn the foot in the direction that adjusts it appropriately up or down.

• Once you have everything connected, turn on the water and check for leaks.

Figure A

Dryer

• Check and adjust the dryer vent. Find the most direct path to the outside vent, but leave some slack so there is no strain on the hose (figure A). Once you have marked off the proper length, cut off the excess.

• If you are using a nozzle to couple the hose to the outdoor vent outside, secure it with heat rated foil tape. Two layers of foil tape is best around these joints.

• Vacuum out the hose, the vent on the machine and the outdoor vent before reattaching the hose. Vacuum out the lint screen receptacle. Keeping lint under control is critical both for cleanliness and for household safety and you need to clean the line screen after every dryer cycle.

DIY Home Maintenance Seasonal Checklist "Take Care of Your House and It Will Take Care of You!"...and you can start by printing out DIY's PDF checklist file.

In the final segment of the Home Maintenance "Spring" episode, Tim shares tips on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.