How to Winterize Your Washer

Co-authored by Trevor Storey

Last Updated: February 5, 2023 Approved

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.

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This will run the water out of the inlet valve.
This is a propylene glycol based antifreeze and is non-poisonous and often used in RVs (Recreational Vehicles).
Let it run for about 30 seconds. This mixes the antifreeze with the water that was left in the washer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 1:

To use again

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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.
Run a gallon or two of water through each hose and into a sink or bucket.
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.)
Once the cycle is complete, the washer will be ready for the warm weather washing season.

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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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My washing machine was left out in the cold weather. I think the oil in the motor has frozen. What can be done about that? Also, can placing it in a heated area for 24 hours bring it back to use?

Community Answer

The oil won't be your problem. If there was residual water in the pump and it froze, your pump will be damaged. Bring it in, let it warm up, and watch for a leak coming from underneath as it goes through its cycles. If it doesn't leak, you lucked out. If it does, you'll have to weigh the cost of the repair vs. a different machine.

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How can I haul a used washing machine in the back of a truck in cold weather without damaging the pump?

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Drain water from the pump before taking it into the cold, or run polypropylene glycol through the water lines and pump.

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Tips

All you are really protecting is the discharge pump, which is impossible to completely drain.

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If you have poor water quality, it is prudent to inspect the inlet water screens periodically and to clean or replace them if there is build-up.

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Turn off the water spigots if you are going on vacation or will not be using the washer for an extended period of time. This minimizes the chance of catastrophic water damage due to a ruptured hose.

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