How to Keep Your Washing Machine Running Like New (A South African Maintenance Guide)
- 3 hours ago
- 10 min read
Your washing machine is probably one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. It deals with family-sized loads, hard water, load shedding, and the occasional forgotten R20 coin in a trouser pocket. With a little regular attention, you can easily add years to its life and avoid expensive repair calls.
This guide covers both front loaders and top loaders, with specific tips for the conditions South African homes actually deal with.
👉Why SA Homes Are Hard on Washing Machines
A few things make our environment rough on appliances:
Hard water. Some parts of South Africa have particularly hard water, which is high in calcium and magnesium. Over time, this creates limescale buildup on the drum, heating element, and seals — reducing efficiency and causing wear.
Load shedding. When power comes back on after an outage, voltage spikes can quietly fry your machine's control board (PCB). One bad week of load shedding can do more damage than years of normal use.
Dust. In drier areas, fine dust finds its way into motors and components and accelerates wear.
Water pressure fluctuations. Inconsistent municipal pressure stresses hoses and inlet valves.
☑️What Every Machine Needs
Regardless of whether you have a front loader or top loader, these habits apply across the board.
1. Use the Right Amount of Detergent (Less Than You Think)
Most South Africans use too much washing powder. More soap does not mean cleaner clothes — it means more residue building up inside the machine, leading to odours, mould, and blocked dispensers. If you're using a concentrated detergent, about half the cap is usually enough for a standard load. If your machine is producing excessive suds, cut back.
For front loaders, always use a detergent labelled "HE" (High Efficiency) or "front loader" formulation. Regular powder produces too many suds for low-water front-loader cycles.
2. Don't Overload It
It's tempting to push one massive load rather than two normal ones, especially when water and electricity costs are climbing. But overloading strains the motor, bearings, and suspension springs. Clothes also come out less clean because there isn't enough water movement. A good rule: you should be able to fit your hand flat on top of the load inside the drum.
3. Empty Pockets Before Loading
This one sounds obvious, but coins, hairpins, and small clips are responsible for a surprising number of pump blockages and drum damage incidents. Make it a habit before every load.
4. Run a Monthly Drum Clean
Once a month, run an empty hot cycle (60°C or above) to clean the drum. You can use:
A cup of white vinegar poured into the drum (not the drawer)
A sachet of commercial washing machine cleaner (widely available at Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Game)
Most Samsung machines have an Eco Drum Clean cycle built in. LG models have a Tub Clean programme. Use them. If your machine doesn't have a dedicated cycle, the hottest standard wash will do.
🔵Front Loader Specific Maintenance
Front loaders are more water- and energy-efficient, but they do need a bit more attention to stay fresh.
Clean the Door Gasket (Rubber Seal) After Every Few Washes
The rubber seal around the door collects water, lint, hair, and the occasional small sock. In humid conditions, this is where mould starts. After a wash, pull back the folds of the seal and wipe them out with a damp cloth. Once a week, use a mild solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to wipe it down properly.
If you already have black mould spots on the seal, a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water left on for 30 minutes, then scrubbed off, works well.
Leave the Door Open After Every Wash
This is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent front-loader smell. Closing the door traps moisture and creates the perfect environment for mould and bacteria. Leave it open by a few centimetres after every cycle to let the drum dry out. If you have young children, there are door prop accessories available online that keep it slightly open without being a safety risk.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter Every 1–3 Months
On most front loaders, there's a small access panel near the bottom front of the machine. Behind it is the drain pump filter. This catches lint, coins, and debris before they reach the pump. If it's blocked, your machine won't drain properly, clothes come out soaking, or the machine won't spin.
How to clean it:
Have a shallow container and some old towels ready — water will come out.
Many models (Samsung, LG, Defy) have a small emergency drain hose next to the filter cap. Open that first to let most of the water out before unscrewing the filter.
Unscrew the filter cap slowly. Pull out whatever's in there.
Rinse the filter under the tap, screw it back in firmly.
Do this every 1–3 months. If you're getting error codes like 5E (Samsung) or OE (LG), a blocked filter is usually the culprit.
Clean the Detergent Drawer Monthly
Pull the drawer out fully (press the release tab if there is one), soak it in warm soapy water for 10 minutes, and scrub with an old toothbrush. The compartments where fabric softener sits are particularly prone to mould. Rinse and let it dry before pushing it back in.
🟦Top Loader Specific Maintenance
Top loaders are generally simpler machines, but they have their own maintenance needs.
Keep the Lid Open After a Wash
Same principle as the front loader door — airflow prevents odour and mildew inside the drum. Leave the lid open between washes whenever possible.
Check and Clean the Lint Filter
Most top loaders have a lint filter inside the drum, usually clipped to the side. Check it after every one or two washes. It should pull out easily — tap it out over a bin and rinse it under the tap. If you forget about it for months, you'll notice clothes coming out with lint and fluff on them.
Balance Your Loads Properly
Top loaders are more sensitive to unbalanced loads than front loaders. When you're washing something heavy like towels or jeans on their own, try to distribute them evenly around the drum. An unbalanced load causes excessive vibration, which over time wears out the bearings and suspension. If the machine is "walking" across your floor during spin cycles, the load distribution is wrong — or the feet need levelling (see below).
Clean Inside the Drum and Under the Agitator
Detergent and fabric softener residue builds up under the agitator (the central column in older top loader designs) over time. Once a month during your drum clean cycle, you can also wipe down the inside of the drum with a vinegar-dampened cloth, paying attention to the area just under the lid rim.
📅Every 3 Months: Descale for Hard Water Areas
If you're in hard water areas in South Africa, descaling is not optional — it's essential. Limescale builds up on the heating element and drum seal, makes the machine work harder, and shortens its life.
Run an empty hot cycle (60°C+) with half a cup of white vinegar OR a commercial descaler like Durgol or Descaler Tabs available at Makro, Builders Warehouse, or most hardware stores. Do this separately from your regular drum clean — it's a different function.
Signs you already have limescale buildup: clothes come out stiff or chalky, wash performance has dropped, or heating takes noticeably longer.
🔩Hoses: The Thing Everyone Forgets
Inlet and drain hoses are the most overlooked part of washing machine maintenance, and a failed hose can flood your kitchen or laundry room in minutes.
Inspect inlet hoses every 6 months. Look for cracks, bulging, or kinks where the hose connects to the tap and the back of the machine.
Replace hoses every 5 years, even if they look fine. Rubber degrades invisibly from the inside.
Check the drain hose for any kinks or obstructions that might be slowing drainage.
If you're going away for more than a few days, turn off the water inlet tap behind the machine. It's a simple habit that eliminates the risk of a hose bursting while you're away.
🔌Load Shedding: Protect Your Machine's Electronics
The control board (PCB) is the most expensive part to replace on a modern washing machine — often R2,000–R5,000 or more, depending on the brand. Voltage spikes when power is restored after load shedding can destroy it instantly.
What to do:
Plug your washing machine into a surge-protected extension lead rated for appliances. Look for a joule rating above 600J. These cost a few hundred rand at Builders, Makro, or Game.
Better yet, if your area has frequent or severe outages, consider an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) for additional protection.
If load shedding starts mid-cycle, don't panic. Most modern machines will resume or restart safely, but if possible, pause the cycle yourself before the power goes off.
⚖️Keep the Machine Level
An unlevel machine vibrates excessively during spin cycles, which accelerates wear on bearings and suspension. Check the level every 6 months — use a small spirit level on top of the machine. Adjust the feet (most unscrew or screw in to raise or lower each corner) until it's stable and doesn't rock.
⚠️Common Washing Machine Problems You Can Prevent
Regular maintenance helps prevent:
Problem | Common Cause |
Bad smells | Moisture and soap residue |
Machine not draining | Blocked filter |
Excessive shaking | Overloading or uneven balance |
Clothes still dirty | Too much detergent or drum build-up |
Mould around door | Poor ventilation |
Water leaks | Damaged hoses or seals |
📞When to Call a Technician
Some things are DIY. Some are not. Call a professional if:
You hear grinding or metal-on-metal sounds during a cycle
The machine leaks and you can't identify the source
It won't turn on or complete cycles despite basic checks
Error codes persist after filter cleaning and power cycling
The drum is loose or moving more than it should
👉Brand-Specific Washing Machine Maintenance Tips for Popular SA Brands
South Africa's most purchased washing machine brands each have their quirks and useful built-in features worth knowing about.
Samsung Washing Machines
Samsung's range spans entry-level top loaders to smart front loaders, and their machines are among the most maintenance-friendly available with built-in drum clean reminders, filter alerts, and app-based diagnostics that take the guesswork out of upkeep.
Strengths: Feature-rich (AI, smart apps, bubble wash/steam). Good for tech-savvy users. Strong preference in surveys.
Maintenance & Issues: Electronic control boards and sensors can fail (especially budget models). Bearings/drain pumps are common repair points after 4–6 years. Smart features add complexity. Clean the drain pump filter 5–6 times a year to avoid 4E/4C (water supply) and 5E/5C (drainage) error codes.
Care Tips: Regularly clean the drum with cleaner cycles; check detergent drawer and rubber seal for mould (common in humid SA conditions). Use HE detergent. Service centres are widespread.
Best For: Modern features and app control. Mixed long-term reliability reports
LG Washing Machines
LG's Direct Drive motor (backed by a 10-year warranty) removes the belt from the equation entirely, meaning fewer moving parts, less noise, and lower long-term maintenance costs.
Strengths: Often praised for gentle wash (6-motion or TurboWash), direct-drive motors (fewer parts to wear), energy efficiency, and smart features (similar to Samsung). Good cleaning performance.
Maintenance & Issues: Bearings and door seals can wear; some electronic issues, but generally solid. Direct-drive helps reduce vibrations/noise. LG's Smart Diagnosis feature (available on Wi-Fi and NFC-compatible models via the LG ThinQ app) can read fault codes directly from the machine without a technician needing to visit ... worth using before calling for a repair.
Care Tips: Run monthly tub clean cycles; inspect inlet filters (especially with hard water or load-shedding power fluctuations). Good spare parts availability.
Best For: Balance of performance, gentleness on clothes, and reliability. Frequently recommended alongside Bosch.
Bosch Washing Machines
Bosch front loaders are built for quiet, efficient operation. The EcoSilence Drive motor and anti-vibration casing make them a particularly good fit for open-plan homes and apartments, while the AllergyPlus cycle is particularly suitable for households with allergies.
Strengths: German engineering reputation; quiet, efficient front-loaders with good build quality. Highly rated for longevity in user anecdotes (8–10+ years common).
Maintenance & Issues: Drain pump blockages (very common — clean filter regularly). Heating elements or bearings in older units. Electronics generally reliable.
Care Tips: Emphasise pump/filter maintenance (Bosch provides good self-help guides). Use correct detergent to avoid residue. Strong service support.
Best For: Premium, quiet, reliable front-load performance. Often tops user recommendations. Well-suited for open-plan homes or apartments where noise matters.
Defy Washing Machines
Defy is South Africa's home-grown brand, and that local roots show in the practical design. Defy is a well-known local brand famous for its robust build quality and strong local after-sales service presence. Defy offers care resources and maintenance schedules for each model on their Defy support page.
Strengths: Local brand with strong after-sales support and parts availability. Affordable, large-capacity top-loaders popular in SA.
Maintenance & Issues: Mixed reviews — some last 10+ years, others have early leaks, pump/motor issues, or poor wash performance. Recent user complaints about quality variability.
Care Tips: Regular filter/pump cleaning essential. Robust for local conditions but monitor for leaks early. Excellent local service network.
Best For: Budget buyers who value local support. Hit-or-miss reliability.
Hisense Washing Machines
Hisense has grown its footprint in South Africa significantly as a budget-friendly option that still packs reasonable features. A no-frills option at a competitive price point - inverter models included.
Strengths: Excellent value, growing market share, decent features for the price. Good for larger loads.
Maintenance & Issues: Bearings can fail earlier (e.g., 2–4 years in some reports); parts availability sometimes challenging. Budget models more prone to issues.
Care Tips: Avoid overloading; clean filters often. Good entry-level option with local availability.
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers wanting modern features.
Whirlpool Washing Machines
Whirlpool's front loaders are built around their 6th SENSE technology, which automatically reads the load and adjusts water, temperature, and cycle time accordingly ... a genuinely practical feature for keeping both electricity and water usage in check.
Strengths: Solid mechanical reliability in many models; good for everyday use.
Maintenance & Issues: Lower-end models may have spin/drain problems or belt issues. Some reports of variable quality.
Care Tips: Focus on drain pump/filter cleaning (very common fix across brands). Check hoses for kinks/blockages.
Best For: Value and simpler mechanics in certain lines.
Speed Queen Washing Machines
Speed Queen occupies a different category from the other brands on this list with metal components where most brands use plastic. It's not a budget buy ... it's a deliberate long-term investment. Lead Household Appliances is the only official Speed Queen agent in Southern Africa.
Strengths: Built like commercial machines. Exceptional durability (often 20–25 years claimed with proper use). Simple, robust mechanics. Top choice for heavy daily use.
Maintenance & Issues: Fewer electronic failures; mainly belts/motors over very long periods. Noisier and less "smart." Higher upfront cost.
Care Tips: Minimal - focus on basic cleaning and balanced loads. Very serviceable with mechanical parts.
Best For: Longevity and heavy use (large families, frequent washing). Stands out for reliability.
Quick Washing Machine Recommendation Summary for SA Buyers
Premium/Reliable Long-Term: Bosch or Speed Queen.
Feature-Rich & Efficient: LG or Samsung.
Best Value/Local: Defy or Hisense.
Heavy Use: Speed Queen or large Defy/Hisense top-loaders.
📜A Simple Maintenance Schedule to Stick To
Task | How Often |
Wipe down door gasket / leave door/lid open | After every wash |
Clean detergent drawer | Monthly |
Run drum clean cycle | Monthly |
Clean drain pump filter | Every 1–3 months |
Descale (hard water areas) | Every 3 months |
Inspect inlet and drain hoses | Every 6 months |
Clean mesh filters on inlet hoses | Every 6 months |
Check machine is level | Every 6 months |
Replace inlet hoses | Every 5 years |
A washing machine that's properly cared for can last well over a decade. The steps above take maybe 30 minutes a month in total — a worthwhile trade-off against a repair bill that can easily run R2,000 to R8,000 depending on what's gone wrong. Get into a routine, and your machine will quietly get on with doing its job.
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