Proper use and maintenance of your washing machine can extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. Here are the key dos and don’ts for daily use and upkeep.
The Do’s: Essential Practices
Leave the door/lid open: After a wash, leave the door or lid open to allow the interior to dry. This is the best way to prevent mold, mildew, and musty odors.
Clean the filters: Check and clean the drain pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom) and the lint trap regularly to ensure proper drainage and prevent odors.
Use the right detergent: Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent if you have an HE machine. Using regular detergent can cause excess suds that may damage the machine’s internal components.
Check pockets: Always empty all pockets before loading. Coins, keys, and hairpins can severely damage the wash drum, pump, or glass door.
Use mesh bags: Place small or delicate items (like baby socks, lingerie, or masks) in mesh laundry bags to prevent them from getting sucked into the drainage system or snagged.
Level the machine: Ensure your washer is balanced on the floor. An uneven machine can vibrate excessively, causing damage to the motor and your floors.
The Don’ts: Common Mistakes
Don’t overload: Fill the drum only about 75% full. Overloading strains the motor and suspension, and prevents clothes from moving freely enough to get clean.
Don’t use too much detergent: More soap does not mean cleaner clothes.
Excessive detergent can leave residue on fabrics and gum up the machine’s internal sensors and pumps.
Don’t leave wet clothes sitting: Remove wet laundry as soon as the cycle ends. Leaving damp clothes in the machine encourages mold growth on the door seal and in the drum.
Don’t wash flammable stains: Never put items soaked in gasoline, oil, or alcohol in the washer. These chemicals are highly flammable and can lead to a fire or explosion during the wash or dry cycle.
Don’t ignore the hoses: Inspect the water inlet hoses every few years for cracks or bulges. A burst hose can cause massive flooding in minutes.
Items to Keep OUT
Certain items should never go in the machine as they can be ruined or cause damage:
Memory Foam: The agitation can shred memory foam pillows or pads.
Items with Pet Hair: Excessive fur can clump together when wet and clog your drain pump and pipes.
Coins and Keys: These are the most common causes of mechanical failure in washing machines.
Waterproof items: Jackets like raincoats can trap water and create a “balloon” effect that can violently unbalance the machine during the spin cycle.
