No matter how mild the off-season looks, winterizing your RV appliances is essential before putting your camper into storage—and that includes your Splendide washer-dryer combo. All it takes is one hard freeze for pipes or pumps to crack, turning your sleek laundry setup into little more than scrap metal.
Gain some cheap insurance by following the five simple steps below. Based directly on the manufacturer’s guidance for both current and legacy models, this process assumes you’re already running RV antifreeze through your freshwater system and are ready to do the same for your Splendide unit. To help keep your appliance in top shape, we’ve added extra context so you’ll understand why each step matters, avoid common mistakes, and discover products that make the job easier.
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Step 1: Clean the Lint and Debris Traps
Before you start winterizing, prep your unit by removing any buildup that could block drainage or lead to mold in storage. Lingering lint, dust, pet hair, coins, and other small items can interfere with proper operation and cause damage over time.
Because Splendide machines are gentle on clothing and produce very little lint, there’s no traditional lint filter to clean. Instead, a specially designed self-cleaning pump flushes it down the drain. However, for vented combos, you will need to go outside and check the dryer vent on the side of your RV to ensure proper airflow and remove any visible lint. We recommend unscrewing the cover or using a lint brush to clean deeper inside the vent. While you’re doing a seasonal cleaning, consider inspecting the dryer vent hose and removing any buildup with a vacuum wand attachment.
For the washing machine, clean the debris filter located behind a small panel on the lower-right, front corner of the unit. Place a towel or small dish to catch any water that may drain out, then remove the filter (and any treasures you may find inside), rinse it out under the faucet and reinstall. Use a rag to clean around the washer door’s rubber gasket, where debris and lint can also accumulate. Finally, inspect the drain hose to ensure it isn’t kinked or squashed before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Drain the Water Lines
Even when your Splendide isn’t in use, a surprising amount of water lingers inside—especially in the pump, drain hose, and water inlet lines. If that water freezes, it can crack fittings or damage the internal valves. So, before temperatures drop, you’ll need to completely drain the washer, along with the rest of your RV’s water system.
Start by running a short “Drain” or “Spin” cycle to clear any water from the drum and pump. When the cycle finishes, disconnect the inlet and drain hoses from the back of the unit to let any remaining water escape. Keep a small towel or shallow pan handy to catch what drains out.) Once drained, reconnect the hoses.
At this point, move on to draining the rest of your RV’s water system—open all faucets, flush the toilet, and drain the water heater. You don’t need an air compressor for this step, but it can make the job quicker and more thorough. If you use one, attach a blow-out plug to the city water inlet, apply gentle air pressure, and open each drain and faucet to push out the remaining water.
Step 3: Apply RV Antifreeze
Once you’re sure the RV’s water lines are clear, it’s time to introduce antifreeze into the system. This prevents any remaining water in valves, pumps, and hoses from freezing by diluting it with a liquid that has a much lower freezing point (often –50°F or even –100°F, depending on the product). Antifreeze also lubricates internal seals and gaskets, keeping them from drying out or cracking during storage.
Be sure to use non-toxic, propylene glycol–based RV or marine antifreeze—never automotive. Follow the product instructions to determine how much to use, then run antifreeze through both the hot and cold lines so the entire system is protected.
Once the lines are primed, you’ll be ready to run antifreeze through your Splendide combo unit in the next step.
Step 4: Winterize the Washer
As you go through the process of pumping antifreeze through your fresh water system, follow these steps to protect your Splendide washer from freeze damage.
- With machine power OFF, advance the cycle selector knob to Lightly Soiled and press the Power button once.
- Use the Temp button to select HOT.
- For earlier “Legacy” models, like the WD2100XC/XCP or WD7100XC, turn the Wash Temp knob to HOT and advance the Cycle Selector to position 3.
- Crack the Dispenser Drawer open about one inch (1”) to confirm when antifreeze enters the drawer.
- Press and hold the START button for 2 seconds, then release. The machine will enter a short fill, then pause, enter a longer fill, and then pause again. Once you’ve seen antifreeze enter the dispenser, move on to the next step. If not, press and hold the Power button to turn the machine off and repeat the process above.
- For Legacy models, press the ON/OFF button, then press START and let the machine fill until the drum turns (about 1–2 minutes).
- During the pause after the second (longer) fill, press and hold the Power button to turn the machine off. The machine will automatically drain the antifreeze from the drum, then shut down.
- For Legacy models, press the ON/OFF button to turn power off after the drum fills. Then advance the Cycle Selector to Spin, press ON/OFF, and then START. This will drain the antifreeze automatically. Once finished, press ON/OFF again to power down.
If you’re using an even older model, like the Comb-o-Matic 6200, contact Splendide directly for the correct winterization process.
Step 5: Maintain Airflow During Storage
To keep your Splendide dry and mold-free all winter, leave the washer door slightly ajar and the dispenser drawer cracked open. This prevents sealing in moisture and helps stop mildew and odor before they start.
If your RV will be stored in a humid environment—or anywhere with frequent temperature swings—place small moisture absorbers or a compact dehumidifier near the appliance. These help prevent musty smells and protect internal components from condensation. Parts Via carries a wide selection of both active and passive dehumidifiers, as well as odor eliminators in a variety of fresh scents.
Keep Your RV Winter-Ready with Parts Via
Winterizing your Splendide washer-dryer combo doesn’t take long, but it can save you from major repair costs and headaches come spring. By draining the lines, running antifreeze through the system, and keeping airflow in mind during storage, you’ll ensure your appliance stays in top condition and ready for the next trip.
When it’s time to stock up on RV antifreeze, blow-out plugs, dehumidifiers, or other winterization gear, Parts Via has you covered. Explore our full selection online and take advantage of fast, FREE ship-to-store pickup on all your purchases. You’ll save on delivery costs and get expert assistance at a nearby network dealer whenever you need it.