January 25, 2022 3 min read

Washing Machine Tips

Tip 1: Before putting clothes in the washer, prepare them

Before putting your clothes in the washing machine, it is recommended to unbutton shirts, close any zippers, empty your pockets, and fasten any Velcro straps.

This helps prevent the clothes from being damaged while they are in the washing machine. For example, if you leave clothing buttoned, it can cause wear around the buttonholes and may tear over time. Also, lint can get caught on the Velcro straps if you don't close them properly.

Tip 2:  Before you start washing, remove the stains from your clothes

A common question we get is: "Can I put bleach in my washing machine to whiten my clothes?" While it is true that bleach can be put in a washer to whiten your clothes, unfortunately, putting bleach in the washing machine will not remove stains off clothes.

If your clothing has stains from things like coffee, wine, or soda, it is recommended that you remove the stains first by hand before putting them in to wash with the other clothes. Removing the stains beforehand will also prevent staining other clothes as well.

Tip 3: Light and heavy clothes should be separated

Have you ever wondered which clothes go well together in the washing machine? Having multiple hampers to separate different types of clothes will ensure a more even wash for your clothes. You can sort your clothes by their material: t-shirts, blouses, and other clothes made from light material can be grouped together in one hamper. While clothing made from thicker materials such as jeans and jackets should go in a separate hamper.

By doing this, you can prevent damaging the more fragile clothes and ensure that the water and soap in the washer will be more evenly distributed. Also, keep in mind that clothing made from thicker and heavier materials need to stay in the dryer for a longer time than clothing made from a lighter material.

Tip 4: Sort clothes by color

You've probably heard many people saying: "You need to separate your laundry by color." This is definitely true and you should take precautions to avoid turning your favorite white shirt into a red one.

Dark-colored clothes have dyes that can seep into the lighter ones, this is especially true when using hot water in your washing machine. So there is a chance for your light-colored clothes to change colors when you wash them with dark-colored ones.

If you are in a rush and need to wash both types of clothes at the same time, use a cold water wash to reduce the risk of your clothes changing colors.

Tip 5: Avoid overloading your washer

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is: "How much clothes can you put in a washing machine?" The answer depends on what kind of washing machine you have. Manufacturers always indicate the capacity of their machines.

Follow it strictly. Make sure that the clothes can move around freely for them to be cleaned thoroughly. Similarly, refrain from putting very small loads per cycle to avoid wasting water and detergent.

Tip 6: Leaving the washer door open after use is a good habit

Mold and mildew grow in damp areas. Your washing machine can be the perfect place for this to happen. To prevent mold and mildew growth, leave your washing machine's door open after a cycle.

Doing so will give it time to air out and dry up. This can prevent foul odor from occurring as well.

Tip 7: Clean Your Washer

If your washer begins to smell, it's likely due to the build-up of residues such as hard water minerals, detergents, and laundry soils that are left behind from on the drum after multiple cycles. Dirt and stains removed from clothes can stick around in the drum after washing and form a breeding ground for bacteria. The main purpose of washing machines is to clean clothes, so they should also stay clean.