3 Ways To Repair a Scratched Washer or Dryer

Maintaining a spotless washer/dryer for a long time is possible if you do the right thing.

Having a few scratches around the appliance may make it look older than it is and appear a great challenge, but you can get them out.

Before we even talk about how to eliminate these scratches, where do they come from in the first place? They could come from trying to move the washer from one place to another.

Also, when you don’t supervise your kids, they could make inscriptions on the washer. Whatever the cause, follow through with the tips we share in the next few headings to repair the scratches.

The next few sections will walk you through three ways to repair scratches on washers/dryers. Afterward, we will outline simple tricks to help prevent scratches on the appliance and maintain it to extend its life expectancy.

3 Ways To Repair Scratches on Washers/Dryers

Sometimes, what causes more worries is finding scratches inside the washer or on the dryer’s door. The scratches could result from leaving metallic objects inside the clothes.

Whether the scratches are big or small, outside or inside, you can fix them. Below, we will walk you through three practical ways to do that:

1. Use a Car Wax

Car waxes are usually for scratches on cars, but you can also use them for your washer. Depending on the nature of the scratch, car waxes hide the scratch to a great extent.

If the scratch is faint, like a small line across the side, you can mask it with car wax.

By doing that, it would almost seem like nothing had happened. The wax may even give your washer a fancy design; it would look like the scratch came with it.

Another benefit of using car wax on scratch is that the wax helps to control rusting. The tiniest scratch can expose the inner lining of the washer to water and other substances that cause rusting.

The masking that the wax provides shields the machine from moisture.

The wax also gives the machine an extra protective seal when you apply it on the scratch. A scratch may seem minor and insignificant, but it could worsen if mishandled.

Pour a reasonable amount on the scratch to apply car wax and smoothen it with a cloth.

2. Apply a Touch-Up Paint

A scratch on the washer may seem strenuous, but there are enough effective solutions to fix it. Touch-up paints can make the washer look new by covering up the scratches.

You can purchase touch-up paint from a local appliance repair store. If you don’t know where to go or the exact paint to buy, don’t worry.

There is a paint code in the washer manual that helps to verify the exact paint to get. Send this paint code to any appliance distributor near you and leave them with the rest.

They will use the information they find on the code and direct you on what to do. They will also tell you where to purchase the exact color that your washer needs.

So, how do you apply the paint once you have it? It’s pretty straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide to successfully apply touch-up paint to scratches on your washer/dryer:

• First, turn off your washer or dryer.
• Thoroughly clean the corner around the scratch with a spray or clean towel. Ensure that there is no dirt and that the surface is dry.
• Get the touch-up paint and shake well before use. Detach the brush you would use to apply the paint from underneath the paint. The brush comes with touch-up paint.
• Carefully apply the touch-up paint on the scratch, ensuring it gets into it.
• Leave it for a while to dry properly. Try not to be in a hurry to finish the process. Make sure the paint dries well before using the washer.

3. Other DIY Methods

Various DIY methods have proven effective in repairing scratches on a washer/dryer. You can use toothpaste and dry cloth for effective results.

Toothpaste has abrasive properties that help to smoothen the scratched surface. You are lucky if you have regular toothpaste (not gel).

Apply the toothpaste on a dry rag and rub it thoroughly on the scratches. Keep rubbing till the surface becomes smooth. After smoothening the surface, use a wet cloth to clean the surface.

Making a paste with baking soda and water is also effective for scratches. You can apply a paste of baking soda and water to the scratch.

Smoothen it as we described with the toothpaste for best results.

How To Care for Your Washer/Dryer

You know, avoiding the scratches in the first place is much better than repairing them.

Instead of worrying about eliminating scratches every time, there are a few things you can do to keep your washer surface clean all the time.

Below, we will walk you through some ways to avoid scratches and maintain your washer/dryer:

1. Sort Out Your Clothes Properly

Metallic objects cause some scratches and cracks inside the washer. Leaving earrings, other jewelry, coins, and object is terrible for the washer.

Before you begin the washing process, check your pockets for any iron/metal objects. Leaving such objects in the washer could affect the machine’s overall performance.

If those objects are present during the spinning process, they can hit the glass door at high speed. Such impact may cause a severe crack in the door or total damage.

2. Do Not Overload the Washer

One of the mistakes most people make is to burden the washer with so many clothes. Being in a hurry or washing many clothes doesn’t cut it. Try washing a few clothes at a time.

Overloading the washer limits the number of clothes that would be washed properly. You would eventually find out that all the clothes are still dirty.

3. Use the Right Detergent

Washing machines do not always use regular hand-wash detergents. If you discover that your clothes remain dirty after a washing cycle, using the wrong detergent might be the cause.

Confirm whether or not a detergent is suitable for your washing machine before buying and using it on your appliance. Some detergents fit a particular temperature while others won’t.

A good detergent has to fit the machine’s temperature to wash effectively.

4. Keep the Washer Clean

The washing machine cleans your clothes, and you may forget it needs cleaning too. Frequently run an empty cycle to cleanse the washer itself.

Such exercise keeps the washer clean and prevents odors from brewing. After cleaning the washer, you can leave the door open. Doing so improves airflow and prevents odors.

Also, avoid leaving damp clothes in the washer for a long time. You would only be breeding molds and making your clothes smell.

5. Clean the Washer/Dryer With a Neat Smooth Rag

To clean water spills or dirt on your washer/dryer surface, your best bet is to use an old cloth or neat rag. Using a rough material on the washer can leave scratches on it.

Use a foam or a clean towel instead. Ensure that the towel has a soft material and no rough edges.

Scrub gently with a soft towel, even when removing stubborn stains on the washer. Mix vinegar with some warm water and clean the surface of the washer or dryer.

Also, clean the hoses, door, and detergent/bleach supply cups. The surfaces may become dusty over time. Also, use a vacuum cleaner for the base of the washer or dryer.

Some dirt may get stuck there, and only the vacuum cleaner can remove it. Before using any cleaning agent, ensure it fits your washer and won’t be too harsh.

6. Place the Washer on a Leveled Surface

Most washing machines vibrate aggressively when they are spinning. This process can lead to heavy scratches and possible damage to its base.

What to do? Carefully follow the manufacturer’s manual instructions on unbolting the machine’s legs. You’d have to do this before even using the machine.

You can also place a thick material beneath the washer as support. This support balances the machine and reduces its potential to leave its position.

Also, ensure the washer faces the wall, but it shouldn’t be too close. If the hoses are too close to the wall, they may be pressed and block the easy flow of water.

Inspect the hoses and confirm that they are in place. The spinning vibration may affect the hose, so you need to check it out.

The hoses supply and remove water from the machine. If they are affected, the washer won’t perform effectively.

7. Switch Off the Washer When Not in Use

If you are leaving the house briefly or vacationing, switch off the washer. Leaving it on for a long time may lead to some electrical faults.

Also, it is not always advisable to leave any electrical appliance on when not in use. It is dangerous, to say the least, and could lead to a fire outbreak.

Conclusion

We’ve come this far with at-home ideas to remove scratches from washers and dryers. In addition to the tips above, remember to keep the kids out of the laundry room.

They could mistake the washer for a drawing board or playbox and make a mess of it.

They could also play with the hoses or connecting wires, which is dangerous. If possible, lock up the laundry room when you are not around. Keep the room clean and tidy as well.

Also, often inspect the washer/dryer for leakages, electrical faults, and damage issues. Where you can’t handle a challenge, contact an expert to help you.