While the washing machine makes your job easier, it needs proper maintenance to continue saving you time. And for good reason, some laundry habits can damage your washing machine and negatively impact its efficiency. Here are the things to remember to avoid this.
How you go about the washing machine determines its durability, efficiency, and the condition of the clothes after washing. And for good reason, if they are misused, our machines can quickly become defective. Here are some tips to remember to preserve them.
Linen – Source: spm
7 rules to stop ruining your washing machine
-
Protect your machine by paying attention to small objects
It is not rare to put our clothes inside the drum without having emptied the pockets. And yet, it is the thing never to do. The small objects in question can be coins, keys and other metal objects which, with a high washing speed, can get stuck in the drain hose, the pump and the external wash tub. In which case, it will be necessary to refer to the manual of the machine to know how to access these places and remove small objects. In the long run, this could damage the drum and other areas of the device, which could cost you a pretty penny to repair.
-
Protect your machine by favoring light loads
Laundry load – Source: spm
If it is tempting to fill the load with laundry to the maximum , it is a gesture that is counterproductive and could damage your washing machine. Indeed, an overfilled drum is likely to deteriorate and then be the source of leaks during the washing cycles . The right measures to take are to avoid the high rate of heavy loads, to ensure that the textiles are not rolled up in each other and to carry out a balanced washing cycle.
-
Protect your machine by removing lint before washing
It is advisable to remove lint before placing the laundry in your washing machine. This will prevent their transfer to other items and thus avoid unnecessary accumulation. A good way to do this is to use a lint roller to soften the lint residue during the drying phases of your washing machine or dryer.
-
Protect your machine by limiting the use of fabric softener
We all like to soften our clothes whether it’s our t-shirts, our sweaters, our woolen jeans or even towels and sheets. The feeling is most pleasant. However, under no circumstances should you abuse the fabric softener during laundry. Frequent use would only deteriorate the fabric, especially towels and deprive them of their absorbent properties.
The best thing is to replace the fabric softener with white vinegar, which can very well play the role of fabric softener. It is therefore an excellent alternative to chemical products. If you also want to find the feeling of commercial softeners, you can always add a few drops of lavender essential oil or another oil of your choice.
As for towels, it is best to wash them regularly at low temperatures to protect the colors and preserve their original shape . Also, be careful not to overdry them at the risk of losing their flexibility. The last thing you want is stiff towels.
-
Protect your machine by using a reasonable amount of detergent
Detergent – Source: spm
Too much detergent does not equal better washing. And for good reason, too much detergent will not rinse properly, which can expose the washing machine to residues that clog its components . If your machine also has a pre-wash setting, feel free to use it.
-
Protect your machine by examining your laundry basket
Placing clothes in the drum without checking them first can cause uneven and poorly executed washing. Instead, make sure the sleeves and bottom of the pants are unfolded or not tangled together.
-
Protect your machine by not leaving wet clothes inside
If you want to protect your machine, you absolutely must avoid leaving your washed items inside and exposing them to humidity. Apart from the risk of mold forming, bad odors may emanate from your machine and therefore your laundry. To avoid this, set your phone’s timer or alarm to remove the clothes in time.
In addition to these 7 rules, we must obviously not forget to thoroughly clean the machine.
