While it’s not the most fun and glamorous task on your end-of-season camping checklist, winterizing RV appliances—especially washer-dryer combos—is an essential task that should not be overlooked before storing your camper for the colder months.
Failing to properly winterize these sensitive appliances can lead to disastrous consequences come springtime. The internal components of a washer-dryer unit are particularly vulnerable to the freezing temperatures and moisture fluctuations of winter weather. If water is left sitting in the hoses, valves, or internal workings, it can expand as it freezes, causing cracked parts, burst pipes, and other expensive damage that will be a major headache to repair. This could easily cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars before you're able to use your RV again.
On the other hand, taking the time to carefully winterize the appliances yourself is a relatively quick and inexpensive process, often taking no more than a few minutes. Parts Via has you covered with the tools and tips needed to winterize your RV’s washer-dryer combo. Follow this guide to keep your appliances safe through winter and ready for use next season.
Start with the Owner’s Manual
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to winterize an RV washer dryer combo, let’s take a minute to acknowledge the importance of actually reading the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for your particular make and model.
It’s easy to brush off this step, since so many models follow the same basic steps. However, the processes can still differ slightly—and sometimes, that small variance can make a big difference. Plus, many newer RV washer-dryer combos feature a special “winterize” setting, so some steps may not be necessary.
For simplicity’s sake, the process we’ll run through below is the same step-by-step guide recommended by Splendide, one of the largest and most popular RV washer-dryer combo manufacturers. Additionally, please note that even if you’re using compressed air to blow out the coach’s water lines, you'll still need to run some RV antifreeze into the washer combo to protect it. Check out the simple procedure for that below.
Winterizing Your RV Washer Dryer Combo: Option 1
Make sure the machine is powered OFF.
Pour 1/2 quart of your favorite RV-type antifreeze directly in the washer drum.
Shut the door tightly and select “SPIN” on the program selector knob.
Press ON/OFF Button (IN) and wait 1-2 minutes.
Now press ON/OFF Button (OUT) and unplug the washer-dryer from its electrical outlet in order to completely disconnect the power.
Turn all water supply faucets OFF and disconnect the inlet hoses from the faucets. Be sure to drain any remaining water from the hoses.
If your plan is to pump antifreeze throughout the entire fresh water system, follow the slightly-more advanced steps below.
Winterizing Your RV Washer Dryer Combo: Option 2
Make sure the machine is powered OFF.
Turn the WASH TEMP knob to “HOT.”
Select “REGULAR” in Cotton/Heavy Duty on the Program Selector Knob.
Press the ON/OFF button (IN) and allow your washer to fill until antifreeze is in the drum.
Now, select “RESET” on the Program Selector Knob and wait 5 seconds (Status/Door Lock LED should blink).
Turn the Program Selector to SPIN position and let the antifreeze drain from the drum.
Next, go back to RESET on the Program Selector Know and wait 5 seconds (Status/Door Lock LED should again blink).
Turn the WASH TEMP knob to “COLD.”
Select “REGULAR” in Cotton Heavy Duty on the Program Selector Knob.
Press the ON/OFF button (IN) and allow your washer to fill until antifreeze is in the drum again.
Move your Program Selector knob to “RESET” and wait 5 seconds (Status/Door Lock LED will blink again).
Move to “SPIN” using your Program Selector Knob and let all the antifreeze drain from the drum.
Press the ON/OFF button (OUT).
De-winterizing Come Spring
To use again at the start of next season, flush all the water from your pipes, then:
Check the integrity of your water inlet hoses and reconnect them to their corresponding HOT/COLD faucets.
Turn the faucets ON.
Plug your RV washer-dryer combo into the appropriate electrical outlet or reconnect your RV power supply, but ensure the ON/OFF button is in the off (OUT) position.
Pour 1/2 TBSP of powder detergent or liquid equivalent into your ‘Detergent’ compartment.
Turn the Program Selector knob to select “EXPRESS” cycle.
Push the ON/OFF button (IN) and turn on the machine, allowing it to run through one complete cycle to drain out any remaining antifreeze completely.
Pro Tips for Winterizing Your RV Washer-Dryer Combo
Winterizing your RV washer-dryer combo properly can save you from costly repairs and ensure it's ready to go when adventure calls. Use these pro tips to protect your unit and simplify the process:
During the winterization process, keep your detergent tray open so that you can easily monitor when the antifreeze actually reaches the washer drum.
Introduce RV antifreeze into your overall RV system before beginning to winterize your RV washer-dryer combo.
Take some time to remove the dispenser drawer and thoroughly clean it so it’s good as new when you’re ready to use it next season.
Be sure to use RV-specific antifreeze, as regular automotive antifreeze is toxic to your plastic holding tanks and will create costly damage.
Now that you’re an expert on the ins and outs of winterizing your all-important RV washer-dryer combo, consider investing in a few high-quality winterizing accessories from a trusted source like Parts Via. These items will help ensure that your RV washer-dryer combo will emerge unscathed come springtime.
A product like StarBrite antifreeze, formulated specifically for RV water systems, is an indispensable first line of defense, ensuring that any lingering moisture is thoroughly flushed and replaced with a freeze-resistant solution. Pairing this with a reliable VIAIR air compressor to thoroughly purge the lines of any remaining water is also a wise move, creating a comprehensive winterization strategy that will give you peace of mind throughout the long, cold months ahead.
By taking the time to properly winterize this often-overlooked component, you can easily and effectively safeguard your investment and enjoy worry-free adventures for seasons to come.