In Palm Beach, your washer and dryer don’t really get an “off season.” Between beach towels, guest linens, and everyday laundry, they’re working hard in heat, humidity, and salt air, all things that wear appliances out faster than the national average.
The good news: with a few simple habits, you can add years to their life and avoid a lot of emergency repair calls. Most washers and dryers are built to last around 10–13 years, and good maintenance can push them toward the upper end of that range.
Romano’s Appliance Repair keeps Palm Beach County laundry rooms running, so here’s the same prevention playbook we share with our own customers.
Part 1: Preventing Washer Problems
1. Don’t Overload the Washer
Stuffing the drum might feel “efficient,” but it’s one of the fastest ways to:
- Burn out the motor
- Stress the suspension and bearings
- Leave clothes half clean and soapy
Aim to fill the drum to about ¾–80% full so clothes can move freely. Overloading also makes spin cycles struggle and stretch longer than they should, adding extra wear.
2. Use the Right Detergent (and Less of It)
In South Florida’s softish water and HE washers, more soap ≠ cleaner clothes. Too much detergent:
- Leaves residue inside the tub and hoses
- Causes musty smells and mold
- Makes the machine rinse and spin longer to clear suds
Tips:
- If you have a high efficiency (HE) machine, use HE detergent only.
- Start with less than the cap line and only add more if clothes aren’t coming out clean.
3. Keep the Door Gasket Clean and Dry
Florida humidity + a closed washer door = mold party.
For front load washers especially:
- After each load, wipe the rubber gasket and glass dry.
- Remove coins, hair ties, and sand that hide in the folds.
- Leave the door cracked open when not in use so the tub can air out.
This alone prevents most of the “my washer stinks” complaints we see.
4. Clean the Washer Filter Regularly
Most modern washers have a small filter or drain pump filter that catches lint, hair, and small objects so they don’t destroy the pump. If it clogs, you get:
- Slow drains
- Error codes
- Water left in the drum
- Pump burnout
Experts generally recommend cleaning the washer filter every 2–3 months, or sooner if you do lots of loads or have pets.
Check your owner’s manual for the location (usually behind a small panel near the bottom front).
5. Run a Monthly Cleaning Cycle
Soap scum, hard water, and body oils build up inside the tub, especially in a humid climate like Palm Beach. Regular cleaning:
- Keeps odors away
- Helps prevent mold and mildew
- Lets your washer rinse and spin properly
Once a month:
- Run the manufacturer’s tub clean cycle with a washer cleaner tablet or
- Run a hot cycle with no clothes and a cleaner designed for washers (follow label directions).
Routine washer cleaning is one of the simplest ways to avoid breakdowns and keep the machine working efficiently.
6. Inspect Hoses Before They Burst
Few things ruin a Palm Beach condo or home faster than a washer hose flood.
Every 6 months:
- Pull the washer out a bit and inspect hot/cold hoses.
- Look for bulges, cracks, rust at the fittings, or damp spots on the wall or floor.
Most pros suggest replacing rubber hoses about every 3–5 years, even if they “look fine.”
Consider upgrading to stainless steel braided hoses, cheap insurance compared to water damage.
7. Keep the Washer Level
If your washer “walks” or bangs loudly, it’s not just annoying, it’s wearing out the suspension and bearings.
- Use a small level on top of the machine.
- Adjust the feet until the unit is solid and doesn’t rock when you push diagonally on the top.
Proper leveling is one of the easiest ways to extend washer life and cut down on repair calls.
Part 2: Preventing Dryer Problems
1. Clean the Lint Filter Every Single Load
This one is huge, for safety and performance.
A clogged lint screen:
- Chokes airflow
- Makes the dryer run hotter and longer
- Raises your electric bill
- Increases fire risk
Experts recommend cleaning the lint filter after every load to keep the dryer efficient and reduce hazards.
Every few months, give the filter a deeper clean (per the manual) to remove waxy buildup from dryer sheets and fabric softener.
2. Don’t Ignore the Dryer Vent
Even if you’re good about the lint screen, lint still travels into the vent line and builds up over time.
A partially blocked vent causes:
- Longer dry times
- Hotter, harder running dryer
- A serious fire hazard
HVAC and appliance experts typically recommend cleaning the dryer vent every 1–3 years, more often for large families, heavy use, or homes with pets.
In Palm Beach’s humid air, lint clumps and sticks more easily, so many homes benefit from more frequent cleanings, especially condos with long vent runs.
3. Watch for Early Warning Signs
Call for service if you notice:
- Clothes taking more than one cycle to dry
- The top or sides of the dryer feel very hot
- A burning, hot, or musty smell when running
- Weak or no airflow at the exterior vent hood
- New thumping, grinding, or squealing noises
These are your “check engine” lights. Fixing a small airflow or belt problem now is much cheaper than replacing a burned out motor or heating element.
4. Avoid Overloading and Mixed Monster Loads
Just like your washer, your dryer hates being overstuffed.
Overloading:
- Reduces tumbling and airflow
- Makes sensors read poorly
- Overheats components
Try not to mix heavy items (towels, blankets, jeans) with light ones (t-shirts, underwear) in big loads. Dry bulky items separately so everything dries evenly and the dryer doesn’t struggle.
5. Keep the Laundry Room Cooler and Drier
In Palm Beach, laundry rooms can become mini saunas. That heat and humidity:
- Make the dryer work harder
- Encourage mold in and around the washer
- Stress electronic boards over time
If possible:
- Keep the area ventilated (exhaust fan or open door).
- Fix any small water leaks fast.
- Don’t block the dryer’s intake or back panel with clutter.
Part 3: When to Call Romano’s vs. DIY
Good DIY Tasks
You can safely handle most basic maintenance, including:
- Cleaning the washer filter and running tub clean cycles
- Wiping gaskets and leaving doors open
- Cleaning the dryer lint screen
- Vacuuming visible lint around the dryer and vent hood
- Checking that both machines are level
Always unplug (and shut off gas, if applicable) before touching anything internal.
Time to Call a Pro
Call Romano’s Appliance Repair if you notice:
- Repeated error codes, leaks, or drainage issues
- Burning smells or tripped breakers
- Dryer that’s hot but not drying
- Washer that won’t spin, fills endlessly, or doesn’t drain
- Loud banging, grinding, or squealing noises
- Signs of melted plastic, scorch marks, or smoke
Routine cleaning and upkeep dramatically reduce major breakdowns, but when something does go wrong, professional diagnosis protects both your home and your appliances. Routine pro maintenance and cleaning is proven to help washers and dryers work more effectively and avoid costly failures.
Why Palm Beach Homeowners Choose Romano’s
Romano’s Appliance Repair has become a trusted name across Palm Beach County, with a 4.8–4.9★ average rating and top rankings in the area. In 2025, Romano’s was recognized as the #1 appliance repair company in Palm Beach Gardens by Quality Business Awards, scoring over 95% for service quality and satisfaction.
What that means for your washer and dryer:
- Certified technicians experienced with all major brands
- Same day or next day appointments in most of Palm Beach County
- OEM parts stocked for faster repairs
- Upfront, transparent pricing
- 1-year parts and labor warranty on repairs (often double the industry standard)
Keep Your Laundry Room Running Like New
A few simple habits, cleaning filters, watching lint, not overloading, and checking hoses, can easily add 3–5 years to the life of your washer and dryer while cutting down on surprise repair bills.
When something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait for a full breakdown.
Call Romano’s Appliance Repair at (561) 352-8870 or visit RomanosApplianceRepair.com to schedule a washer or dryer checkup.
Your towels, beach gear, and everyday laundry will thank you, and so will your future self when you’re not buying new machines years early.
