For most homes and businesses in Lagos, a washing machine is not just another appliance—it’s a lifesaver. It saves hours of manual scrubbing, reduces water usage, and delivers cleaner clothes with less stress. But like any machine, a washing machine can only serve you well if you take good care of it.

At Neatstore, where we supply everything from top load washing machines in Lagos to heavy-duty dry cleaning machines in Lagos, one of the most common questions customers ask is:

“How can I make my washing machine last longer?”

The answer is simple: consistent maintenance and good usage habits.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical, easy-to-follow maintenance tips that will help you extend the life of your washing machine—whether you’re running a family home or a commercial laundry business.

Why Washing Machine Maintenance Matters

Many people buy a washing machine expecting it to serve them for 10 years or more. While that’s possible, poor usage can reduce its lifespan to just a few years.

Regular maintenance offers several benefits:

  • Longer Lifespan: Keeps your machine in top condition.

  • Better Performance: Clothes come out cleaner, fresher, and less damaged.

  • Lower Costs: Avoid frequent repairs or premature replacement.

  • Energy Savings: A well-maintained machine uses less water and electricity.

  • Safety: Prevents leaks, electrical faults, and accidents.

Whether you’re using top load washing machines in Lagos for household laundry or operating dry cleaning machines in Lagos for business, maintenance should be a top priority.

1. Don’t Overload the Machine

One of the most common mistakes people make is stuffing the machine full of clothes to save time. Overloading stresses the motor, suspension, and drum, leading to excessive vibrations and faster wear.

👉 Tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended capacity. For example, if your top load machine has a capacity of 8kg, don’t cram in 12kg worth of laundry. Split your loads instead.

2. Use the Right Detergent and the Right Amount

Using too much detergent or the wrong type can cause soap scum build-up inside the drum, hoses, and filters. Over time, this leads to clogs, foul odors, and reduced performance.

👉 Tip:

  • For top loaders, use detergents specifically labeled for them.

  • For high-efficiency or front loaders, use low-sudsing detergent.

  • Stick to the recommended measurement—more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes.

At Neatstore, we also provide laundry consumables for homes and businesses to ensure your machines stay in good shape.

3. Clean the Drum Regularly

Every few weeks, run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar or baking soda. This helps kill bacteria, remove mold, and dissolve detergent build-up.

👉 Tip: For commercial environments, where dry cleaning machines in Lagos or washers are used daily, schedule a deep cleaning every week to avoid chemical residues.

4. Keep the Door and Gasket Dry

Moisture around the door or lid can lead to mold and foul smells. This is especially true for front loaders, but top loaders can also trap moisture under the lid.

👉 Tip: After each wash, leave the door or lid open for a few hours to let the drum air out. Wipe the rubber gasket and drum rim with a dry cloth.

5. Check and Clean the Filter

Your washing machine has a filter that traps lint, hair, and small objects. If left unchecked, the filter gets clogged, reducing efficiency and causing drainage issues.

👉 Tip: Clean the filter every month. In commercial laundry setups, daily or weekly cleaning may be required depending on usage.

6. Inspect and Replace Hoses

Leaking hoses are a common cause of washing machine failures. Rubber hoses can wear out, crack, or burst after years of use, causing water damage.

👉 Tip:

  • Inspect hoses every six months.

  • Replace rubber hoses every 3–5 years.

  • Consider braided stainless steel hoses for better durability.

7. Balance the Machine Properly

If your washing machine shakes excessively, it may not be level. This not only makes noise but also stresses the drum and motor.

👉 Tip:

  • Use a spirit level to check your machine.

  • Adjust the feet until it sits evenly.

  • For top load washing machines in Lagos, balancing is especially important as uneven loads can damage the suspension rods.

8. Use Stabilizers for Voltage Fluctuations

In Lagos, unstable power supply is a reality. Voltage fluctuations can damage sensitive electronic controls and motors.

👉 Tip: Always connect your washing machine—or dry cleaning machines in Lagos—to a voltage stabilizer or surge protector. This protects your investment from sudden power surges.

9. Empty Pockets Before Washing

It may sound obvious, but coins, keys, and other small objects left in pockets can damage the drum, clog the filter, or scratch the glass door.

👉 Tip: Always check clothes before loading them. It saves both your clothes and your machine.

10. Schedule Professional Servicing

Even with good maintenance habits, it’s wise to schedule professional servicing at least once a year. Technicians can inspect internal parts, lubricate moving components, and replace worn-out parts before they fail completely.

👉 Tip: Neatstore partners with trusted technicians in Lagos for routine servicing of both domestic machines and dry cleaning machines in Lagos for businesses.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Washing Machine Lifespan

  • Using hot water cycles too frequently.

  • Leaving wet clothes in the drum for hours (causes mold and odors).

  • Ignoring strange noises or leaks.

  • Dragging the machine instead of lifting it when relocating.

Avoid these, and your machine will thank you with years of reliable service.

For Businesses: Special Care for Commercial and Dry Cleaning Machines

If you run a laundry business, hotel, or dry cleaner, your machines work much harder than household ones. Proper care is even more important.

Here’s what we recommend at Neatstore:

  1. Daily Cleaning: Wipe down machines after every shift to prevent chemical damage.

  2. Weekly Drum Descaling: Chemicals used in dry cleaning machines in Lagos can leave deposits. Regular cleaning prevents build-up.

  3. Monitor Workloads: Never push machines beyond their stated capacity. Overloading commercial machines shortens their lifespan.

  4. Stock Quality Supplies: Cheap detergents or solvents may damage machine parts. Always use trusted brands, available through Neatstore’s wholesale supply network.

Why Choose Neatstore?

At Neatstore, we don’t just sell appliances—we provide solutions. Here’s why customers across Lagos trust us:

  • Wide Range of Products: From household top load washing machines in Lagos to professional dry cleaning machines in Lagos, we cover all laundry needs.

  • Affordable Options: Machines for every budget, without compromising on quality.

  • Expert Guidance: Our team helps you pick the right machine for your lifestyle or business needs.

  • After-Sales Support: Installation, servicing, and maintenance by trusted technicians.

  • Supplies and Accessories: Detergents, fabric softeners, filters, and more to keep your machines running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Your washing machine is an investment—whether it’s serving your family at home or running daily cycles in your business. With proper care, you can extend its lifespan, save money, and enjoy better performance for years.

From avoiding overloads and cleaning filters to using voltage stabilizers and professional servicing, the little steps you take today can add years to your machine’s life.

And when the time comes to upgrade, Neatstore is your trusted partner—offering reliable top load washing machines in Lagos for homes and heavy-duty dry cleaning machines in Lagos for businesses.

👉 Don’t just use your washing machine—take care of it, and it will take care of you.

✨ Visit Neatstore today to explore our full range of washing machines, dry cleaning solutions, and laundry supplies. Together, we’ll make laundry easier, smarter, and longer-lasting.