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Washers generally require a minimum of service, however winterizing can prolong the life of your appliance. This primarily applies if you keep your washer in an unheated part of the house-- the basement, bonus room or garage, for example.
Steps
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Shut off both water spigots.
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Turn the timer knob to "fill" and select warm wash, warm rinse.Advertisement
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Turn the machine on for ten seconds. This will run the water out of the inlet valve.
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Disconnect the hoses from the washer inlets.
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Pour a quart of pink RV antifreeze into the basket. This is a propylene glycol based antifreeze and is non-poisonous and often used in RVs (Recreational Vehicles).
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Set the washer for "drain and spin". Let it run for about 30 seconds. This mixes the antifreeze with the water that was left in the washer.
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Remove the hoses from the spigots and clean the inlet screens.
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Inspect the hoses for signs of dry rot. Bend the hoses and examine carefully for small cracks. If you suspect that the hoses might be deficient, replace them. Remember that water pressure will be on these hoses continually throughout the warm season. If one hose should fail, substantial water damage may result.
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Connect the hoses to the spigots.
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Flush the water pipes and hoses. Run a gallon or two of water through each hose and into a sink or bucket.
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Connect the hoses to the back of the washer. Make sure the hot water line goes to the hot inlet. (Both the spigot and the washer inlet should be labeled "H" or "keyed" red.)
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Turn on the water and check for leaks.
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Pour a cup of detergent into the washer basket and run a complete cycle with no clothes in the washer. Once the cycle is complete, the washer will be ready for the warm weather washing season.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI did not winterize my washer for storage. What will go wrong?Community AnswerAny residual water that freezes will expand as it turns to ice and possibly crack plastic parts like the inlet valves or pump.
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QuestionMy washing machine was left out in the cold weather. I think the oil in the motor has frozen. What can be done about that? Also, can placing it in a heated area for 24 hours bring it back to use?Community AnswerThe oil won't be your problem. If there was residual water in the pump and it froze, your pump will be damaged. Bring it in, let it warm up, and watch for a leak coming from underneath as it goes through its cycles. If it doesn't leak, you lucked out. If it does, you'll have to weigh the cost of the repair vs. a different machine.
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QuestionHow can I haul a used washing machine in the back of a truck in cold weather without damaging the pump?Community AnswerDrain water from the pump before taking it into the cold, or run polypropylene glycol through the water lines and pump.
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Tips
- All you are really protecting is the discharge pump, which is impossible to completely drain.Thanks
- If you have poor water quality, it is prudent to inspect the inlet water screens periodically and to clean or replace them if there is build-up.Thanks
- Turn off the water spigots if you are going on vacation or will not be using the washer for an extended period of time. This minimizes the chance of catastrophic water damage due to a ruptured hose.Thanks
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Warnings
- Only use propylene glycol! Any other antifreeze will not be so environmentally friendly.Thanks
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About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
- "We have a recently installed a washer in our vacation home. We always winterize the cabin, but this year we did not know what we were going to do with the washer. I am pleased I Googled this. We are going to try it. We already use the RV antifreeze in the drainage traps and this works, so hoping this works the same for the washer pump." ..." more
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"We have a recently installed a washer in our vacation home. We always winterize the cabin, but this year we did not know what we were going to do with the washer. I am pleased I Googled this. We are going to try it. We already use the RV antifreeze in the drainage traps and this works, so hoping this works the same for the washer pump."
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"Great instructions for a top-loader, but also need instructions for winterizing a front-loading machine."
"Great help. One washer was ruined because we didn't winterize it in an unheated garage. "
"I liked your instructions, the best of many I looked at. Thank you."
"This was exactly what I needed to know. Thank you so much!"
