Tips to Optimize the Use of Your Washing Machine
If you have a washing machine, it is a safe bet that you use it several times a week to enjoy clean laundry with little effort. This major household appliance is one of the first purchases when moving into a house or apartment with suitable plumbing. However, using a washing machine well involves more than popping your laundry in, filling the detergent drawer and running a mixed cycle to make sure your clothes come out clean. There are many tips that can help your washing machine work more efficiently with each wash and increase its lifespan. Here are some you can apply now!
Choose the Right Wash Cycle
Most washing machines now offer at least one mixed program that allows you to wash compatible fabrics together at 30°C or 40°C. It is a practical solution when you are short of time, but you still need to sort your laundry by color and care requirements.
Washing without sorting your laundry risks exposing delicate items to an unsuitable temperature or cycle. Some garments, such as certain swimsuits, require cold washing to help preserve their condition. Always check the care labels.
Conversely, some clothes and fabrics can tolerate higher temperatures. A 60°C cycle may suit sheets, tea towels, towels and some underwear when their care labels allow it. Ideally, take the time to sort your laundry and choose the right wash cycle for each load.
Choose Liquid Detergent
Powder detergent has its followers, and so does liquid detergent. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Powder detergent can suit whites and heavily soiled laundry, but it may leave residue if it does not dissolve fully during a low-temperature cycle. Liquid detergent dissolves readily and can suit colored and lightly soiled laundry.
If you tend to wash mostly mixed and lightly soiled laundry at 30°C or 40°C, liquid detergent can be a practical choice. You can use powder detergent for heavily soiled laundry, but follow the detergent instructions and garment care labels when choosing the dose and temperature.
Use Laundry Balls
Laundry balls are small round or pebble-shaped accessories that move among your clothes inside the washing machine drum. Some manufacturers claim that they improve washing and rinsing or allow you to reduce detergent use and cycle length. These benefits depend on the product, so do not assume that laundry balls can replace detergent or justify a shorter cycle.
If you choose to use laundry balls, check that your washing machine manufacturer permits them. Follow the detergent dosing instructions rather than automatically reducing the amount by half.
Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
If you open your washing machine door and notice bad odors, even after a wash cycle, it is time to check and clean the appliance. Start with the compartments that hold detergent and fabric softener: residue and mold can accumulate there. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, using warm water and a toothbrush where appropriate.
Also clean the door seals. Use a soft cloth or sponge to reach inside the folds, where dirt tends to settle and cause bad odors. Remove any residue and wipe the seals with a clean cloth afterward.
Descale the Drum
If your home has hard water, limescale can accumulate inside your washing machine, including on the heating element. Follow your manufacturer's guidance on whether to descale the appliance and how often. The appropriate frequency depends on water hardness and how much you use the machine.
How to Descale Your Washing Machine
Use a descaling product that your washing machine manufacturer recommends, following the instructions for the amount and cycle. Keep the drum empty during the process. Avoid adding vinegar or coarse salt unless the manufacturer specifically permits them.
You can carry out this cleaning before or after cleaning the door seals and detergent drawer.
Empty the Filter
If you sometimes forget to empty your trouser pockets before washing, your washing machine's drain pump filter may collect tissue fragments, receipts or coins. Buttons and clothing fibers can also become lodged there. On machines with an accessible filter, it helps prevent debris from reaching the drain pump.
Check and clean the filter regularly according to your manufacturer's instructions. Many machines have an access panel near the bottom front of the appliance, though the location and procedure differ by model. Turn off and unplug the machine, let any hot water cool, and prepare towels and a shallow container before opening the filter, since water may drain out.
Once you have removed the debris, clean the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Refit it securely and check for leaks when you next use the machine.
A few good habits and regular maintenance can help keep your washing machine and laundry in good condition for longer. These are good reasons to start applying these tips.
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