3 Tips to Prepare Your Laundry Appliances for the Holidays in 2024

1. Get Your Washer Holiday-Ready

With the holiday season around the corner, it's time to gear up your laundry appliances. A perfectly functioning washer plays an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness and freshness of your clothes during this busy season. Here are some steps to ensure your washer is in prime condition:

• Clean the drum and detergent dispenser. Dirt, grime, and residue can accumulate over time in your washer's drum and detergent dispenser, affecting its efficiency and leading to unpleasant odors. Throw a washer cleaning tablet such as Affresh into your washer and run an empty cycle using the hot water setting. After the cycle, wipe down the drum with a mild detergent and a damp cloth. For the detergent dispenser, remove it and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• Check and replace worn-out fill hoses. Inspect the hoses connected to your washer for signs of wear and tear like cracks, bulges, or leaks. Replace damaged hoses to prevent potential water damage or flooding. For added durability and peace of mind, consider using metal-reinforced hoses to prevent leaks and flooding.
• Clean the filter. Many washers have a filter that traps debris from your laundry. A clogged filter can affect the performance of your washer and lead to drainage issues. Refer to your washer's manual to locate the filter, remove any accumulated debris, rinse under running water, and ensure it is completely clean before reinserting it.

Here are instructions for removing and cleaning the drain pump filter in a common front-load washer:

By following these steps, you can ensure your washer is ready for the holiday season and enjoy clean, fresh laundry.

Preparing Your Dryer for the Holiday Rush

You’ll need your dryer to run smoothly and efficiently during the holidays. Here are some steps to get your dryer holiday-ready:

Wash the Lint Screen and Clean the Exhaust Vent Duct

Before you start using your dryer more frequently during the holidays, wash the lint screen thoroughly with water as shown in the video below because a clogged lint screen will reduce dryer efficiency and cause overheating.

Clogs in the exhaust system of the dryer will also cause overheating and dryer inefficiency. Pull the flexible exhaust vent duct off the back of the dryer and vacuum out lint buildup. Use a dryer vent brush to remove lint from the vent duct system that goes to the outside of your home.

You should also check the dryer vent outlet on the outside your home and remove any obstructions. Make sure the vent damper opens easily and isn’t blocked. Watch out for wasp nests in this area as you check the vent outlet.

Clean the Dryer Drum and Drum Seals

Dirt, lint, and debris can accumulate inside the dryer drum and seals. Clean the drum using a damp cloth and a mild detergent solution. Inspect the seals for signs of wear or damage and replace if necessary. This will prevent leaks and ensure optimal drying performance.

Inspect the Heating Element

The heating element generates the heat required to dry your clothes. Check for visible signs of damage or overheating such as discoloration or burnt areas. If you notice any issues, schedule a service technician to repair or replace the heating element.

By following these steps, you can ensure your dryer is ready to handle the extra laundry loads during the holiday season.

Schedule Regular Maintenance for Your Laundry Appliances

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your laundry appliances in top condition, especially during the holiday season when they're working overtime. By scheduling professional maintenance, you can ensure they're holiday-ready and performing at their best. Here are some benefits of professional maintenance:

• Efficient performance. Professional maintenance identifies and resolves any issues in your laundry appliances, allowing them to function at their maximum capacity. This results in faster wash cycles, better cleaning, and energy savings during drying.
• Extended appliance life. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your laundry appliances. Addressing minor issues early on can prevent them from escalating into major problems that may require expensive repairs or replacement.
• Improved safety. Faulty laundry appliances can pose safety risks such as electrical hazards or fire. Professional maintenance can detect potential safety issues and ensure safe operation of your appliances.

Once you understand the importance of professional maintenance, the next step is to find a reliable service provider. Here are some tips to help you:

• Read customer reviews. Verified customer reviews and testimonials can give you an idea about the reputation and reliability of the service provider.
• Check service provider credentials. Ensure the service provider is licensed, insured, and certified to perform maintenance on your specific laundry appliances.
• Ask for recommendations. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have had positive experiences with appliance service providers. Find a service provider with a strong reputation.

After finding a reputable service provider, it's important to schedule regular maintenance appointments. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep your laundry appliances in top shape all year round. Set a reminder to schedule appliance maintenance at least once a year.

Winterizing Your Laundry Appliances

Winter can be harsh on your laundry appliances, but with a few simple steps, you can ensure they remain in top condition throughout the holiday season. Here are some tips for winterizing your laundry appliances:

Prevent Freezing and Damage

Freezing temperatures can damage your appliances. Ensure your laundry appliances are located in a heated area of your home. If they're in a garage or unheated area, consider installing a space heater to keep the temperature above freezing. Disconnect the hoses from the water supply and drain any remaining water to prevent freezing and potential damage during the winter when necessary.

Insulate Pipes and Hoses

Thoroughly insulate the pipes and hoses of your laundry appliances to protect them from freezing if they’re exposed to cold conditions. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape for protection. Insulating the hoses will also help maintain the water temperature and prevent them from becoming brittle in cold weather.

Choose the Right Detergents

Cold weather can affect detergent performance. Choose detergents specifically formulated for cold water. These detergents are designed to dissolve effectively in lower temperatures, ensuring clean and fresh clothes.

By following these tips, you can prevent potential winter-related issues and prepare your laundry appliances for the holiday season. A proactive approach to winterizing your appliances will extend their lifespan and save you from costly repairs.

Addressing Common Holiday Laundry Appliance Issues

The holiday season often brings more guests and festive outfits, putting extra strain on your laundry appliances. Here are a few tips to address common issues and prepare your laundry appliances for the holidays.

Manage Increased Laundry Loads Wisely

The holiday season is a busy time, and your appliances need to handle the extra laundry loads. Check your washer and dryer's capacity to ensure they can accommodate larger loads. Don’t overload the washer and dryer. Plan to do more loads during the holiday season.

Troubleshoot Common Laundry Appliance Problems

During the holidays, you may encounter common issues like clogged drains, excessive noise, or malfunctioning controls. If these problems arise, try troubleshooting them before seeking professional help. Refer to your appliance's manual or check online resources like our Sears PartsDirect Repair Help Section for DIY troubleshooting tips.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

While some issues can be resolved with DIY troubleshooting, there are times when it's best to get professional help. If you're unsure or uncomfortable handling the problem yourself, rely on trained technicians who can diagnose and fix the issue correctly. Professional help can save you time, prevent further damage, and ensure optimal performance of your laundry appliances.

At Sears Home Services, we understand the importance of having reliable laundry appliances during the holidays. Our team of experienced technicians is ready to assist you with any issues you may encounter. Contact us today to prepare your laundry appliances for the holiday season!