Maintaining your washer and dryer is not just about keeping them clean and efficient—it’s also a safety issue. A poorly maintained dryer can actually create a household fire, and a malfunctioning washing machine can spill hundreds of gallons of water in just one hour. For tips on how to maintain your washer and dryer, contact a company that provides washing machine repair in Birmingham and take a look at the information below.

Perform Important Upgrades
Washing machines come with rubber hoses that become prone to cracking open over time. You can replace these rubber hoses with steel-jacketed hoses that won’t split. Your dryer also comes with a fragile vinyl duct that is actually quite flammable. You can replace this vinyl duct with a metal one to reduce your risk of causing a household fire.

Clean the Lint Trap and Dryer Duct
Dryers cause thousands of fires and millions of dollars in property damage each year. To greatly reduce the risk of causing a dryer fire, always remove lint from the dryer’s lint trap before running the dryer. You should also have a dryer repair company inspect and clean the ductwork every six to 12 months.

Replace the Hoses
Inspect your hoses every six months to be sure there are no signs of damage or wear. Many dryer repair experts recommend replacing your hoses every five years so that your appliances last longer and use less energy.

Install a Drip Pan
Place a drip pan underneath your washing machine. A pan with a drain will collect water that would otherwise leak onto the floor or wall and promote mold growth. This is especially important if your washer is on the second floor, as any water that leaks out of the washer can get into the ceiling of the first floor.