Buzz
Washing machines have become an indispensable electrical appliance in modern households. Yet, there are still daily mistakes we make that not only increase electricity bills but also quicken the machine's deterioration.
Stop these mistakes now to safeguard your washing machine and make electricity bills more manageable.
Washing machines have become an indispensable electrical appliance in modern households. Yet, there are still daily mistakes we make that not only increase electricity bills but also quicken the machine's deterioration.
While using the washing machine daily, not everyone knows that certain habits can lead to quicker deterioration of the machine and a rapid increase in electricity bills. Let's explore these actions to understand why, shall we?
Leaving freshly washed clothes in the machine overnight
Washing clothes in the evening before bed and leaving them until morning to dry is a common habit for many households. However, this is a harmful habit that you should abandon immediately for the health of your family and the longevity of your washing machine. Despite clothes being cleaner after washing, the enclosed environment of the washing machine fosters bacterial growth on wet clothes, resulting in unpleasant odors on both the clothes and inside the machine. After washing, try to air-dry your laundry promptly and leave the washing machine door open to allow the drum to dry thoroughly, minimizing bacterial accumulation.
Neglecting washing machine maintenance
This is perhaps a mistake that many families make. Washing machines are electrical appliances with high usage frequencies and need regular maintenance to remain in optimal condition, preventing breakdowns due to dirt accumulation outside the drum. Regularly clean the lint trap, fabric residues, and use washing machine cleaning tablets monthly to eliminate bacteria, mold, detergent residues, and other hidden dirt outside the drum that may be difficult to identify visually.
Not sorting laundry before washing
Spandex, elastane, known for their stretchability and good elasticity, are used in various clothing types such as swimwear, lingerie, sportswear, etc. However, they should not be washed in washing machines as the machine's agitation can quickly deform the fabric.
White clothes should also be placed in laundry bags to prevent color bleeding from other garments. Alternatively, if possible, wash colored and white clothes separately. Garments made of materials like wool, silk should also be placed in laundry bags to maintain durability. Zippers, buttons should be fastened before washing to avoid damaging the drum during operation.
While seemingly minor details, paying attention to them will prolong the lifespan of both your clothes and washing machine.
Not checking the washing machine drum and laundry before washing
Take a few minutes to inspect the laundry before starting the washing machine, as forgetting keys, lighters inside could unintentionally damage your home washing machine. Not to mention the scenario where you have pets like cats, they often sneak into the washing machine drum to sleep. There have been cases where a cat owner had to break the glass door of the front-loading washing machine to rescue the trapped cat along with the detergent, as once the water is drained, the front-loading washing machine cannot be opened anymore.
Overloading or underloading the washing machine
Washing machines are designed to handle a certain amount of laundry and water. If your machine is 7kg capacity, don't overload it with 9-10kg of laundry. Overloading strains the machine to work and clothes won't get cleaned properly as there's not enough space for agitation and rinsing. In the long run, this will affect the machine's lifespan.
On the other hand, washing too few clothes may make the machine lighter but not your wallet. For a wash cycle, the machine is designed to operate in a specific manner with specific time and energy consumption. It won't run faster or use less water or electricity just because you're washing fewer clothes. So, if you have a small load, save it for the next cycle to avoid wasting electricity and water. A rule of thumb to determine if you have enough laundry is when dry clothes are placed inside the machine, they should only occupy 4/5 of the drum's height.
Using the wrong detergent type
There's a reason why detergent manufacturers produce specific detergents for front-loading washing machines. Detergents meant for top-loading machines or handwashing detergents produce excessive suds, unsuitable for front-loading machines. Suds generated during agitation can overflow from the washing drum, causing damage to the machine, and during rinsing, there may not be enough water to rinse out all the soap suds, leaving clothes poorly cleaned.
Choosing the right detergent type for your washing machine is crucial to ensure effective cleaning and prolong its lifespan. Always opt for detergents specifically formulated for front-loading machines to avoid potential issues and maintain optimal performance.
