The Christmas seasons brings joy, gatherings, and a surge in laundry. Ensure your washer and dryer are prepared for the holidays with these expert tips—and discover how APHW can provide peace of mind during the holiday rush.

Whether you’re hosting holiday dinners, running last-minute errands, or baking your favorite cookies, your washer and dryer are working overtime to keep up with the demand. 

With all the extra laundry piling up, the last thing you want is to have your appliances fail in the middle of the busy season. That's why it’s important to prepare your washer and dryer for the holidays—and America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) is built to help.

Why Holiday Appliance Preparation is Essential

During the holiday season, your laundry appliances are put to the test. From extra towels for guests to piles of dirty dishes and cooking mishaps, your washer and dryer will handle more loads than usual. If you don’t prepare them for the added stress, you may find yourself dealing with unexpected breakdowns right when you need your appliances the most.

A little maintenance and care before the holiday rush can go a long way in keeping your washer and dryer running smoothly—and avoiding stressful situations.

Essential Tips to Prepare Your Washer for Holiday Laundry

  1. Clean the Lint Filter
    While the lint filter is typically more associated with your dryer, it’s important to check your washer’s filter as well. Over time, lint, detergent, and fabric softener can accumulate, causing the washer to work inefficiently or even malfunction. Cleaning the filter ensures that your washer runs smoothly, especially when it’s running multiple loads during the holidays.
  2. Inspect Hoses for Leaks or Wear
    It’s a good idea to check the hoses that connect your washer to the water supply. Look for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. A small leak can lead to big water damage, especially during the busy holiday season. Replacing any worn-out hoses before they fail is a simple step to avoid costly repairs.

 

Close-up of a person removing gray lint from a dryer lint trap, emphasizing proper maintenance for efficient dryer performance and fire safety.

 

  1. Balance the Load
    Avoid overloading your washer during the holidays. While it might seem like a time-saver, too much laundry at once can strain the motor and wear out the appliance faster. Take the time to separate heavy items, like towels, from lighter loads to give your washer the best chance of operating efficiently throughout the season.
  2. Run a Cleaning Cycle
    Many modern washers come with a self-cleaning cycle, which helps remove detergent residue and buildup inside the drum. If your washer doesn’t have this feature, run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar to clean out any accumulated soap scum or mildew. This will keep your washer fresh and ready for the extra loads of laundry during Christmas.

Holiday Maintenance Tips for Your Dryer

Perspective view from inside a washing machine as a man reaches in to remove freshly washed blue clothing, showcasing modern laundry care and convenience.
  1. Clean the Lint Screen and Vent
    The lint screen is a critical safety component, as it prevents lint from accumulating in the dryer’s vent, which can cause a fire hazard. Clean the lint filter after every load. During the holidays, you’ll likely be using the dryer more than usual, so keeping it clear is essential. You should also clean the vent hose to ensure that air flows freely and the dryer operates efficiently.
  2. Check the Dryer Drum
    Before the holiday season gets underway, check the dryer drum for any obstructions, such as buttons, coins, or other debris. These small objects can damage the dryer or cause it to malfunction. It’s a simple step that can save you time and hassle later on.
  3. Make Sure the Dryer Is Level
    An uneven dryer can lead to excessive vibrations, noise, and inefficient drying. Make sure that your dryer is level on the floor and that all four feet are properly adjusted. This will help prevent future problems and make sure your appliance is working efficiently.

Why APHW Coverage is Important During the Holidays

Despite your best efforts to prepare your washer and dryer, things can still go wrong. 

With all the extra laundry to handle during Christmas, you may find yourself dealing with unexpected breakdowns.

That’s where APHW comes in. We’re here to give you peace of mind this holiday season!

Conclusion

The holiday season is meant to be joyful, not stressful. By taking a few simple steps to prepare your washer and dryer for the increased demands of Christmas laundry, you’ll ensure that these appliances continue to perform at their best. 

And with an APHW home warranty, you’ll have the peace of mind that if something does go wrong, you’ll be covered.

So, before the holiday season fully kicks in, take the time to give your washer and dryer a little extra attention. A little preparation now can help keep your laundry running smoothly—leaving you more time to enjoy all the magic the holidays have to offer.