Most washing machine repairs we attend trace back to four habits. All four are easy to change.
Clean the pump filter monthly
Coins, hair clips and lint collect in the filter behind the small door at the base of most front loaders. A blocked filter is the number one cause of 'won't drain' callouts, and clearing it takes two minutes.
Use less detergent than you think
Excess detergent doesn't rinse away. It builds up in the drum and hoses, feeds odour-causing bacteria and can trigger over-sudsing errors. Follow the dosing guide for your water hardness and load size.
Run a maintenance wash
A hot cycle with a machine cleaner every six to eight weeks clears biofilm from the drum and sump. Wipe the door seal afterwards and leave the door ajar so it dries out.
Keep it level and balanced
An unlevel machine walks across the laundry floor and destroys its own bearings over time. Check the feet with a spirit level and avoid washing a single heavy item on high spin.