How to Winterize Your Washer

Steps

Shut off both water spigots.

Turn the timer knob to "fill" and select warm wash, warm rinse.

Turn the machine on for ten seconds. This will run the water out of the inlet valve.

Disconnect the hoses from the washer inlets.

Pour a quart of pink RV antifreeze into the basket. This is a propylene 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 mixes the antifreeze with the water that was left in the washer.

Remove the hoses from the spigots and clean the inlet screens.

To use again

Inspect the hoses for signs of dry rot. Bend the hoses and examine 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.

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

Connect the hoses to the back of the washer. Make sure the hot water line 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.

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