5 Beginner Washing Machine Mistakes

The most convenient invention of the modern world is the washing machine. Everybody has their hands on one. You may think that you know what you’re doing, but I guarantee that you have made one of these common washing machine mistakes.

These are the 5 most common pitfalls that catch new washing machine owners

1. Overloading the Washer

Often people think that putting more laundry in the washing machine saves them both time and money. In fact, this can end up costing you more time or money than simply inputting the correct amount. Overloading the washer puts a lot of wear and tear on your machine, especially the motor. It also crowds your clothes so that there is less room for each individual article to move around in the soapy water. This means that your clothes do not get as clean. Overall, putting too much clothes in the washer reduces its lifespan. Be cautious and don’t fill it more than ¾ full!

2. Keeping the door closed after use

You may be in the habit of closing your washing machine door after removing the clothes. This gives the appearance of a tidy room. Here’s the thing: closing the door when the dishwasher is still wet inside is a huge mistake! Moist environments, like the one in your washer, breeds bacteria and mold. This causes a lingering stink that will cling to the clothes you are trying to wash. Having the door constantly closed also wears the rubber seal faster. Be sure to open the door to let water evaporate and air out the inside. Leave it open for at least a half-hour (more if you can).

3. Never cleaning it

Washing machines get really dirty. Think about it: every time they are used, they fill up with dirty clothes. If you never clean it, all sorts of things can build up. You may have mold, bacteria, dirt, mud, stink, and other unwanted inhabitants in your washer. You can prevent this by running an empty load on hot with vinegar. Not only does this kill mold and bacteria, but it prevents clogging and other damages. If you do find yourself with damages, call an appliance installation service in Huntington Beach, CA.

Side note: clean the detergent trays as well to prevent clogging!

4. Going overboard with detergent

Another fatal washing machine mistake is adding too much laundry detergent. It would seem logical that adding more detergent gets you cleaner clothes, but that is not the case. More detergent in a laundry machine means that more suds will appear. Excess suds actually trap dirt! They don’t rinse out, so that dirt will stick to your clothes. Extra suds can also cause the washer to lock up. The dirt gets into the mechanism of the washer and causes damage. The dirt in your clothes will cause skin irritation and make your clothes rough. It is not worth it. Make sure that you are adding the correct amount of detergent for your load.

5. Not preparing your clothes to be washed

Clothes are very particular about the way that they need to be washed. Clothes with buttons, zippers, and metal pieces can potentially harm your appliance. Take care to unbutton all button-up shirts. Zip up all the zippers. Empty pockets of foreign items. The best thing you can do is check the tags for specific washing and drying instructions. Follow the instructions!