How to Winterize the Washing Machine?

If you keep your washer in area where you need to winterize for the winter (unheated garage or unoccupied vacation home), the following steps may provide you with some helpful guidance in preparing before extreme temperatures occur and possibly leave you with damaged plumbing and/or a ruined appliance.

TOP LOADERS:

1. Turn off the main water supply to both water taps.

2. Remove the fill hoses, drain them of all water and reinstall them - leave water supply turned OFF.

3. Add 1 gallon of Recreational Vehicle (RV) antifreeze (non-toxic) to an empty wash tub.

4. Select the DRAIN/SPIN function on the timer and allow the washer to run for one minute to drain the antifreeze from the wash tub, and any water remaining in the drain pump or drain lines.

NOTE: Not all the antifreeze will drain. A small amount will remain in the drain pump and line (this is normal).

5. STOP or CANCEL the timer on the washer and UNPLUG.

6. Wipe down and dry the wash tub.

7. Clean the detergent dispenser and fabric softener dispenser and ensure they are dry.

8. Store washer, unplugged in an upright position.


FRONT LOADER:

1. Turn off the main water supply to both water taps.

2. Remove the fill hoses, drain them of all water and reinstall them - leave water supply turned OFF.

3. Add 1 gallon of Recreational Vehicle (RV) antifreeze (non-toxic) to an empty wash tub.

4. Select the DRAIN/SPIN function on the timer and allow the washer to run for one minute to drain the antifreeze from the wash tub and any water remaining in the drain pump or drain lines.

NOTE: Not all the antifreeze will drain. A small amount will remain in the drain pump and line (this is normal).

5. Press PAUSE/CANCEL twice to halt the cycle and UNPLUG the appliance.

6. Wipe down and dry the wash tub.

7. IMPORTANT: Check the perimeter of the door bellow (gray rubber seal) and make sure no small articles of clothing are left in the rubber folds. Clean this area thoroughly and dry. NOTE: Anything left behind will mildew over a period of time causing foul odors.

8. Clean the detergent dispenser drawer of any remaining water or fabric softener residue.

9. Store washer, unplugged in an upright position.

Secondary Method:

If you cannot find RV antifreeze (or prefer not to use it), another method of draining the washer is to remove the drain hose from the standpipe at the wall and pull a vacuum on the line with a wet/dry shop vac. This will pull any remaining water from the drain pump and lines.

If a shop vac is not available, lowering the drain hose from the standpipe to the floor will allow it to drain using simple gravity. IMPORTANT: On a front loader, you may have to remove the drain line from the drain pump to drain the pump. Or, use the access cover (if equipped). Most front loader pumps are accessed by removing the lower panel directly below the door.

Taking the Washer out of Winter Storage:

To remove antifreeze from the washer following storage, run the appliance on a complete cycle with detergent and NO garments added.