While regular servicing of your laundry machines is important, there are a few simple actions you can do yourself between services. We’ve put together this 12 Step DIY Preventative Maintenance checklist to help you continue to get the best out of your machine and extend its life. These should be carried out regularly.
- Read the manual – The manual to your machine is a great starting point and an excellent reference document on the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to take care of your machine and how often maintenance tasks should be carried out. This will also help to show you where each part is located, as these can vary between models and sizes.
- Talk to your staff – Your staff may be an untapped resource on the performance of your machines. If they’re operating the machines regularly, they are most likely to notice small differences on performance or machine changes over time.
- Machine Care – Give the machines an all over clean and wipe down with soap and water, and again with just clean damp cloth (top, back, front, each side and the door inside and out). Clean the area surrounding the machines, including any lint.
- Look & Listen – For the duration of a full cycle, observe the machine and check all over for leaks and listen out for any unusual noises.
- Check the door opens, closes and locks as it should. This should be checked on a daily basis. The machine should not be able to run with the door open or the door unlocked; this is a safety measure.
Washing Machines: - Check water inlet hose for cracks, swelling, or other signs of wear and tear.
- Check the automatic chemical supply hose and connections. Ensure they’re a clean and no signs of cracking, swelling or leaks. Work with your chemistry provider. For manually dosed machines, clean your detergent supply dispenser by flushing well with water.
- Observe the drain valve during the first wash cycle for any water leaking. If there is no leak during the first wash cycle this confirms that the drain valve is functioning correctly.
- Ensure the machines are unloaded promptly after a completed cycle to prevent moisture build up. Leave door open at the end of the day allowing the machine to dry inside.
Dryers: - Remove as much lint from the lint compartment and lint screen as possible. This should be done daily to minimise risk of fire. The lint should be evenly distributed over the screen, if it appears to be gathering in one area more than another, we recommend you book in a service of the machine.
- Observe your load of washing – is it dry when the cycle is done? Are loads taking longer to dry than they used to?
- Check the fire suppressions system inlet and outlet hoses for any visible signs of deterioration.
If anything looks worn or broken, your machines aren’t performing like they used to, or something just doesn’t seem right, we recommend booking in a service with one of our technicians as soon as possible.
Other areas of the laundry that can help with maintaining the performance of your laundry operation:
- Clean and dry all laundry carts
- Thoroughly clean the laundry facility
- Replace or upgrade laundry lighting
- Have your laundry ducts professionally cleaned
- Inspect and clean wall air louvers or screens
Of course, if you don’t have the time for any of the above, you may like to consider an Aqualogic Protection plan where you can schedule in a service technician as regularly as you like (you won’t even have to think about it).
