Be careful in using laundry products so as not to spill them on the exterior surface of any washer or dryer. Wipe up any spills promptly with a damp, soft cloth or paper towel. Most washer tops are porcelain enamel, which is quite resistant, but will be damaged by acids in rust removers and by long exposure to other chemicals. Sides and fronts of washer cabinets, and some tops, are synthetic enamel which will be damaged quickly by ammonia, chlorine bleach, abrasives and solvents.
Do not spray pre-wash soil and stain removers onto garments on top of the washer, for they can corrode painted and plastic parts such as the control panel. Do not treat with rust removers on top of the washer; use the sink and follow label instructions.
Turn off hot and cold water faucets going to the tub between washdays to prevent water pressure strain on hoses. Check that hoses are not kinked or bent.
If you were away and no hot water has been used in the house for two weeks or longer, open all hot water faucets and let them run several minutes before using the washer or any other electrical appliance connected to hot water. Do not smoke or light any flame while faucets are running; hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive, may build up in the water heater and hot water pipes if hot water is not used for a long time.
If the house is to be unheated in cold weather, drain and winterize the washer.
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