Elite Upkeep - April 2025 Pro-Active Approach to Home Care - Washer & Dryer Care -

At most short-term rentals, washers and dryers are unsung heroes, often called upon to wash that favorite shirt or pair of shorts that got dirty on the first day.  Here in Curaçao, the sun rarely sleeps and the humidity loves to hang around and so, appliances face challenges that go well beyond the normal wear and tear. If not properly cared for, washers and dryers can quickly become inefficient, costly to repair, or worse, in need of replacement.  

Whether you live in your home full-time or make it available for vacation rental, keeping your appliances in peak condition helps protect your investment, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and even reduce energy bills. A little care goes a long way!

Washer Wisdom

• Always Leave the Door Open - Humidity is a given in Curaçao and your washer, already prone to mold and mildew needs its drum dried completely. This one small habit can prevent major odor issues

• Wipe Down the Gasket Weekly - The rubber door seal is a mold magnet. Wipe it down with a vinegar and water solution weekly, especially during the warmer months when mold grows faster.

• Run a Monthly Cleaning Cycle - Use a washer cleaner or a homemade combo of vinegar and baking soda to run a hot wash cycle without clothes. This helps flush detergent buildup, limescale (a common issue with Curaçao’s hard water), and mildew.  Check your machine for a “cleaning cycle” setting. 

• Check the Hoses - Heat can dry out rubber hoses faster than in cooler climates. Inspect for cracks or bulges every few months and replace hoses every 3–5 years, even if they look okay. A hose burst can cause major water damage.

• Watch Your Detergent - Less is more. Excess detergent leaves residue, which traps heat and bacteria, and clogs up components. Use HE detergent (high efficiency), especially with front-loaders.

Dryer Discipline

• Empty the Lint Trap - Do this every single load. Lint builds up faster in humid air and is a fire hazard. Clear it after every use, even if it looks clean. This could save you from a costly repair - or worse.

• Clean the Condenser Unit Monthly - With condenser dryers (common here), you’ll want to remove and clean the condenser filter with water once a month to prevent overheating. When clogged, these dryers take longer to run and use more power.

• Wipe Down the Drum - Dust and sand from beach towels? They love to cling to the drum. Wipe it out occasionally to keep it clean and smelling fresh.

• Ventilate the Laundry Area - Condenser dryers release warm air into the space. Without proper ventilation, this heat lingers, making the appliance work harder and raising indoor temps. If your laundry room turns into a sauna, consider a fan or form of ventilation.

• Don’t Overload It - It’s tempting, especially with multiple turnovers, but overloading wears out the motor and shortens the life of your machine. Two smaller loads are better than one crammed-full drum.

In our tropical heat, washers and dryers don’t just require care, they demand it and just a few simple maintenance habits can make all the difference.  Taking care of you washer and dryer will result in lower energy costs as a result of more efficient machinery, you’ll require fewer repairs, your machines will last longer and your guests will be happier. A musty towel or T-shirt never results in a 5 Star review.  

If you’d rather not juggle lint traps and gasket wipes between bookings, we’re here to help. We ensure your home and its appliances are always guest-ready.