Pastic Overlay on Control Panels
It is important to remove this plastic film before the machine gets too old as under certain conditions it will cause permanent damage to the finish below the film. When we sell new machines we always remove it as part of the installation as the manufacturer suggests.
Interestingly the film is applied to the metal panel while it is still flat before it is formed into its final shape. So it is really there to keep the panel from getting any scuff marks on it during the forming process and the manufacturer leaves it on mainly to save the cost and bother of having to remove it. Of course it does provide some protection for your new washer if you like to hit the control panel with hard objects, or if you are about to paint the room where the washer is located.
But it should be removed as soon as you are going to stop abusing your new washer LOL.
