My job is anything but average. As Tom’s Guide’s Homes Editor (and product tester before that), I’ve been evaluating and reviewing appliances for his 6+ years. During that time, I learned all sorts of tips and tricks. Correct way to put in the dishwasher To 9 things you shouldn’t put in your air fryerBut one area that has always interested me is washing machines.
the more you learn about best washing machineto realize what is relatively unknown about these appliances and how widely taken for granted they are.
Many people get into the habit of using their washer the same way cycle after cycle without ever knowing that it can impair their performance or even make expensive repairs. We’ve put together our top 7 washing machine tips after testing. Whether you’re ignoring any of the following areas or completely unaware of them, here’s your chance to make some changes to make your washing machine even better.
If you think your washing machine is about to break, see here 7 signs you need a new washing machine When 11 things to look for when buying a washing machine.
1. Fill to proper capacity
Overloading the washing machine is one of the most common errors I’ve seen. Even when the drum is packed, people still do their best to pack the last sock so they don’t have to wait until the next cycle.
The problem with this practice is that the clothes cannot spin effectively in the cycle, which inherently reduces wash performance. I have. Therefore, it may be necessary to remove the weight from the drum before completing the wash.
However, referencing a washing machine’s specified capacity is not always a reliable measure of its limits. It is often loaded with tightly folded and compressed fabrics to take advantage of. So you should use your own judgment when it comes to this area. When the washing machine drum is full, put the rest of the laundry on another cycle.
Underloading a machine is unlikely to cause much of a problem, but it can waste some water and energy by running more cycles than necessary. , is one of our jobs. 5 easy ways to save money on laundry.
2. Use the right settings
Your washing machine likely comes with different settings, so why would you use the same settings for every cycle? I can’t decide—I did the same thing all through college.
The general assumption is that the clothes will be beautifully finished. However, there is a reason why machines offer so many settings. Each adjusts the length, strength, and temperature options of the fabric in question. So by using the corresponding settings you will get the best cleaning cycle for your items and they are much less likely to be damaged in the process. please.
Conversely, you may be using settings that are not sufficient.The quick wash setting is so fast, convenient, and cheap to do that it’s an easy setting to get addicted to. When to use the quick wash setting of your washing machine and when not.
If you use a quick wash on an item that requires a full wash cycle, your washing machine will not be able to completely clean your clothes, making the cycle pointless. If appropriate, try resorting to the Eco setting instead. But be prepared for it to take some time to complete.
3. Do not add fabric softener
This surprised me, but the fact Fabric softener is bad news for you and your washing machineTo create a “soft feel”, this liquid coats your laundry with a residual wax layer that remains long after the wash is over.
The problem is that this layer actually blocks and deters absorbency, which is especially troublesome for towels and sportswear. Basically, fabric softener also interferes with washing clothes.
Besides, fabric softeners can cause allergies and reactions if you suffer from sensitive skin. If residue is not thoroughly washed off after each cycle, it can build up to the point of clogging pipes and drains, leading to costly repairs.
Getting worse. Once the fabric softener is drained, it is also not environmentally friendly due to its non-biodegradable base. You can easily accomplish this by adding white vinegar.
4. Choose a laundry detergent that works for you
Another important mistake many people make is sticking to the same laundry detergent. There are many different brands and types to choose from, and for good reason. Different detergents are suitable for different people.
Sensitive skin is more likely to prefer non-bio over bio, and powders are preferred over liquids, especially when dealing with dirty clothes. Be careful with laundry detergents that contain These are listed in the ingredients list.
Eco options are also available if you care about the environment, but in my experience these do not offer solid cleaning performance. Note that there is a trend
Personally, I use different detergents depending on how much I wash. Powder for whites and liquid for colors. If you need the ultimate treatment, a detergent specifically designed for sportswear and delicates is also available.
See our guide powder vs liquid detergent For more information on the difference between detergents.
5. Don’t miss the swinging washing machine
When I tested the washing machine, what I often saw was that the model would start shaking and vibrating as I increased the spin speed. It often happens when the drum is overloaded. It can also occur when trying to wash one heavy item, such as a pillow or duvet. In this case, the weight in the drum is not balanced, so the machine can actually swing itself around with weight when speeding up or down. Or you’ll need to balance the load with additional towels. how to wash pillows For full details.
If your washing machine shakes on every cycle, you should investigate the problem as soon as possible. This can damage both the washing machine and the floor, not to mention a big mess.
If you have a new washer, make sure the shipping bolts are removed during installation. These are on the back of the washers and usually 4 need to be removed.
Alternatively, the washer placement may be uneven. If you can tilt it by hand, it’s not level and you’ll need to adjust your feet accordingly.See our guide How to fix a wobbly washing machine for more information. When in doubt, call a professional — don’t ignore an unstable washing machine.
6. Your washer/dryer doesn’t live up to your expectations
One thing I’ve learned with most electronics is that hybrid designs tend not to perform as well as dedicated models. The same goes for washer-dryers that function as both washing machines and clothes dryers. Especially the drying function is often best clothes dryer.
If you have the space for both appliances, we recommend purchasing one of each for best performance.If space is really at a premium, you can always opt for a stackable model instead. 8 ways to ditch your clothes dryer and save energy.
7. Don’t forget to clean your washing machine
One important thing most of us forget is to take the time to clean your washing machine. That’s right, the washing machine also needs cleaning. Ideally, you should do this once a month to keep your washing machine in top condition.
If you don’t clean your washing machine, soap residue, scale and mildew will build up inside, eventually compromising washing performance and making your drum musty.
At worst, this can damage your washing machine and lead to expensive repairs, so it’s important to take the time to clean your washing machine from time to time. You can do it with a few household items. For detailed instructions, see: how to clean washing machine.
For laundry tips, tricks, and how-tos, check out our guide to the best clothes dryers. This is the cheapest time to do laundry and save money. What do the laundry symbols mean?
