How to Properly Maintain Your Washer and Dryer to Extend Their Lifespan

In today’s world, every dollar is vital. As the cost of groceries, gas, and utilities on the rise, more Canadians are looking for ways to stretch their budget without giving up quality. When it comes to household appliances, a little upkeep can go a long way.

Washers and dryers are major investments because they’re essential for daily life. However, if not properly maintained, they tend to wear out faster, break down more often, and drive up utility bills. The good news? Regular maintenance is simple, affordable, and can add years to your machines.

Keep reading to learn how to maintain your washer and dryer, how servicing them can help lower your energy and water bills, and why a refurbished model from Econoplus might be the smartest way to save.

Maintenance Tips For Your Washer And Dryer

Regular maintenance keeps your machines clean, helps prevent breakdowns, saves energy, and even protects your home.

Dryer Care: More Than Just Cleaning The Lint Trap

Most people remember to clean the lint filter, but that’s only one aspect of the issue. A blocked lint filter and vent can be a major safety hazard. 

According to the Office of the Fire Marshal of Quebec, lint buildup is one of the leading causes of dryer fires, which cause hundreds of house fires in Canada yearly. In fact, up to 92% of dryer-related fires are caused by preventable mechanical or electrical failure, often linked to poor maintenance.

Here’s how to reduce the risk and keep your dryer operating efficiently:

• Clean The Lint Filter After Every Load: This simple step improves airflow and reduces drying time. If you're drying heavier items like towels, fleece sweaters, or bedding, expect more lint than usual. Even if a load seems small, make it a habit not to let it go unchecked. A clean filter also reduces wear on your dryer and prevents overheating.
• WARNING: Dryer Sheets Can Cause a Waxy Buildup on The Lint Screen: You may not be able to tell by looking at it, but try running water through it, and you’ll see that the water doesn’t flow freely through the screen. Use warm water, dish soap, and a soft-bristle brush to clean the screen.
• Inspect and Clean the Dryer Vent Every 6 Months: This vent leads from the back of your dryer to the outside of your home. Disconnect the vent carefully, then use a dryer vent cleaning brush or vacuum hose to remove buildup. If the duct is long, you may need to clean it from both ends.
• Use a Vacuum to Clean the Vent Port and Dryer Area: With the machine unplugged, vacuum around the rear panel, under the unit, and inside the vent opening. Lint can settle behind or underneath the dryer, especially in older homes or laundry rooms without good ventilation. 
• Check the Airflow At the External Vent Hood: Go outside while the dryer is running and feel the airflow from the exhaust vent. You should notice a steady stream of warm air. If the flow feels weak, blocked, or nonexistent, it’s a sign that the vent is clogged or possibly crushed behind the machine. Poor airflow forces the dryer to work harder and use more energy, increasing a fire risk.

Washer Care: Combatting Odour and Buildup

Washers, especially front-load models, can develop unpleasant smells over time. That musty/funky odour you catch when you open the door? It’s often caused by detergent residue, trapped moisture, and a mix of body oils, fabric softener, and dirt that linger inside the drum and rubber gasket.

The rubber seal in front-load washers is a big culprit. It keeps water from leaking out during cycles and traps moisture, creating a warm environment for mould and mildew. Even top-load washers aren’t immune. Soap scum and lint can collect in corners and filters, especially if you use regular detergent instead of high-efficiency (HE) options.

Here’s how to keep your washer smelling fresh and running clean:

• Wipe Down the Rubber Gasket After Every Load: Use a dry cloth to remove any moisture trapped around the door seal. Pull the seal back gently to get into the folds because this is where bacteria and mold tend to hide. Leaving the door open when not in use also helps air things out and discourages mildew from forming.
• Run a Monthly Deep Cleaning Cycle: Use a commercial washer cleaner tablet or make your own solution. Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of water and pour it into the detergent tray. Then add two cups of vinegar to the drum and run a complete hot-water cycle.
• Top-Load Machine Benefit From a Similar Process: Though they typically need more vinegar, about 4 cups, to offset the extra water used during the cycle. The cleaning mix helps remove gunky buildup and neutralize bad smells.
• Check and Clean the Drain Pump Filter: If your washer has a drain filter, it’s usually located at the bottom front panel (check the manual). Clean it every few months. You’ll be surprised what can accumulate there and how it can affect performance and smell.
• Use the Right Detergent and the Right Amount: Too much soap, especially non-HE formulas, in a front-load washer doesn’t fully rinse out. The leftover residue sticks to the drum and builds up over time.
• Clean the Dispenser Drawer: Detergent and softener compartments can be hotspots for mildew. Remove the drawer (if possible) and rinse it thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Leave it open to dry when not in use.

How Washer and Dryer Maintenance Saves You Money

Clean, efficient machines last longer and cost less to run.

Energy Savings

Dryers with clogged vents can take longer to dry clothes, using more electricity every cycle. Likewise, a washer loaded with detergent residue or hard water buildup may need extra rinse cycles or re-washing.

Well-maintained laundry appliances:

• Use less electricity and water per cycle
• Get clothes clean and dry faster
• Reduce costly breakdowns or repair bills

Appliance Longevity

The average washer or dryer can last 10–15 years, but that number drops significantly without maintenance. Simple routines, like cleaning filters, checking hoses, and keeping vents clear, can add years to your machines and help you avoid expensive replacements.

Why Refurbished Washers and Dryers Are Worth a Look

Cheap appliances, like refurbished washers and dryers, offer a more budget-friendly and eco-conscious alternative, especially when you shop from a trusted outlet.

What is a Refurbished Appliance?

If they come from Econoplus, refurbished washers and dryers are pre-owned models that are fully inspected, cleaned, and repaired by experienced technicians. Units may come from returns, trade-ins, or open-box items that can’t resell as new.

Each one is tested for functionality and safety and comes with a 3 months parts and labour warranty — a major upgrade over buying used from a stranger online.

Real Savings and Value

Purchasing a brand new washer and dryer can sometimes be a significant investment, with prices reaching into thousands of dollars. At Econoplus, you have the opportunity to purchase high-quality, refurbished models for 30 to 50% less than retail, depending on the brand, size, and features.This  allows you to save significantly while still enjoying exceptional performance and reliability. 

Earth-Conscious Choice

Buying refurbished reduces demand for new manufacturing and keeps large appliances out of landfills. Every reused washer or dryer means less metal, plastic, and electronics being mined, processed, and shipped worldwide.

Financing That Works For You

Worried about paying upfront? Econoplus offers 0% financing*, making getting the appliance you need today easier and paying over time with no added interest.

Here’s how it works:

• Apply in minutes, either in-store or online
• Choose from flexible terms based on your budget
• Pay zero interest with approved credit
• *Certain conditions apply

It’s a great way to invest in a better washer or dryer without draining your savings or putting off an urgent replacement.

Why Econoplus Stands Out

Econoplus specializes in giving used machines a second life. Our team carefully refurbishes each unit and backs our products with a 3 months parts and labour warranty, plus access to repairs, service, and knowledgeable support staff.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Massive inventory of washer dryer liquidation, and laundry pairs, updated regularly
• In-store and online shopping with detailed specs and photos
• Local delivery and haul-away options to make the switch easy
• Eco-conscious mission — reducing waste without sacrificing quality or performance

Econoplus: The Smart, Sustainable Choice

Taking care of your washer and dryer doesn’t take much time, but it pays off with lower bills, fewer repairs, and a longer lifespan for your machines. 

When it’s time to replace them, refurbished options give you better value and a smaller footprint, even letting you afford features you'd expect in the best washing machines without the premium price tag.