8/20/22, 1:57 PM How to Winterize Your Washer: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

How to Winterize Your Washer

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Last Updated: June 6, 2021
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Washers generally require a minimum of service, however winterizing can prolong the life
of your appliance. This primarily applies if you keep your washer in an unheated part of the
house-- the basement, bonus room or garage, for example.

Steps

Shut off both water spigots.

1
Turn the timer knob to "fill" and select warm wash, warm rinse.
2
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Turn the machine on for ten seconds. This will run the water out of the inlet
3 valve.

Disconnect the hoses from the washer inlets.

4
Pour a quart of pink RV antifreeze into the basket. This is a propylene
5 glycol based antifreeze and is non-poisonous and often used in RVs
(Recreational Vehicles).

Set the washer for "drain and spin". Let it run for about 30 seconds. This
6 mixes the antifreeze with the water that was left in the washer.

Remove the hoses from the spigots and clean the inlet screens.
7
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8/20/22, 1:57 PM How to Winterize Your Washer: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Method Method 1 of 1:
1 To use again
Inspect the hoses for signs of dry rot. Bend the hoses and examine
1 carefully for small cracks. If you suspect that the hoses might be deficient,
replace them. Remember that water pressure will be on these hoses continually
throughout the warm season. If one hose should fail, substantial water damage
may result.

Connect the hoses to the spigots.

2
Flush the water pipes and hoses. Run a gallon or two of water through
3 each hose and into a sink or bucket.

Connect the hoses to the back of the washer. Make sure the hot water line
4 goes to the hot inlet. (Both the spigot and the washer inlet should be labeled
"H" or "keyed" red.)

Turn on the water and check for leaks.

5
Pour a cup of detergent into the washer basket and run a complete cycle
6 with no clothes in the washer. Once the cycle is complete, the washer will
be ready for the warm weather washing season.

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Community Q&A

Question

I did not winterize my washer for storage. What will go wrong?

Community Answer

Any residual water that freezes will expand as it turns to ice and possibly crack
plastic parts like the inlet valves or pump.

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