Common mistakes people might make when using a washing machine

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

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1. Common mistakes people might make when using a washing machine

A washing machine is an indispensable household appliance. It also represents a significant financial investment. Therefore, using the washing machine correctly will help ensure its durability and efficient operation.

1. Common mistakes people might make when using a washing machine

1. Forgetting to close zipper locks
Clothing zipper locks can break or get stuck inside your washing machine, scratching the drum. Additionally, with front-loading machines, zipper hooks can bump against the door glass, causing scratches or even cracks.
Solution: Before putting clothes in the washing machine, make sure all zipper locks are closed. Zipper strings should be pulled all the way to the top.

2. Not putting bra underwires in separate laundry bags
Women's bras often have metal hook fasteners that can damage the washing machine, snagging on other clothes or breaking off and getting stuck in the drum, potentially damaging it.
Solution: Hand wash your lingerie or separate them in a mesh bag before putting them in the washing machine. If no mesh bag is available, you can use an old pillowcase, but remember to tie it tightly.

3. Forgetting pens, pens, and money in pockets
Men often keep pens in shirt pockets, and when washing clothes, they forget to take them out. The ink can then spread to other clothes, ruining them. Meanwhile, women often leave money in pockets, which can degrade the quality of the bills and even get stuck in small crevices in the washing machine.
Solution: Check the pockets of all clothes before tossing them in the machine.

4. Using cold water for washing
While washing with cold water saves energy and reduces the shrinkage and fading of natural fiber clothes, cold water also makes your washing machine dirtier due to the presence of calcium deposits in the water. Your washing machine will perform better (and smell better) if you regularly run a maintenance cycle.
Solution: Set the washing machine to the highest temperature, add a cup of vinegar, and run an empty cycle for cleaning, at least once a month. Additionally, occasionally wash clothes with warm water to reduce dirt buildup in the washing machine.

5. Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine
If clothes are left wet in the washing machine for a long time after washing, they can develop an unpleasant odor and may even become moldy, affecting both your clothes and your washing machine.
Solution: Hang clothes immediately after washing. If for any reason you can't hang clothes immediately, at least leave the washing machine door open.

6. Using too much detergent
Washing machines tend to accumulate dirt due to leftover soap after each wash, coupled with the moist air inside the drum, which can lead to mold and dirt buildup. Additionally, if you use too much detergent and the washing machine can't rinse it all out, you may experience skin irritation when wearing clothes with leftover soap.
Solution: Check the usage instructions to see how much detergent is appropriate and follow those instructions. Do not use hand washing powder for machine washing, nor use detergent with excessive foam, as it may overflow.

7. Overloading the washing machine
Overloading the washing machine will quickly damage it because the machine's components are overworked. Imagine the drum having to wash a large load; it will shake vigorously, and if it's too heavy, it may rotate or shift out of position, especially during the spin cycle.
Solution: Estimate the number of clothes compared to the washing machine's weight limit. The best practice is not to overload the washing machine. Also, remember that thick woolen sweaters or jeans will weigh more than regular cotton shirts.

8. Only sorting clothes by light and dark colors
Typically, you sort clothes by color to prevent colored clothes from fading onto white clothes, but in reality, you should also sort by fabric type.
You should sort clothes by different fabric weights. For example, you shouldn't wash jeans with wool sweaters.

9. Pouring detergent directly onto clothes
The best way to distribute detergent is by adding clothes first, then water, then soap. Never pour detergent without adding water first to ensure even distribution of soap.

10. Buttoning up shirts before putting them in the washing machine

Some people believe that shirts should be buttoned up before putting them in the washing machine, but that's not true. The washing process will tug on the shirt, causing the buttons to shift, making the shirt's buttonholes loose and more likely to unbutton later.
Therefore, make sure the buttons are unbuttoned before putting them in the washing machine.

According to the internet

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common mistakes people make when using a washing machine?

Common mistakes include forgetting to close zipper locks, not using a separate bag for bras, leaving pens or money in pockets, and using too much detergent. These can lead to damage or inefficient washing. It's essential to follow proper washing practices to maintain your machine's longevity.

How can I prevent damage to my washing machine during laundry?

To prevent damage, always close zipper locks, check pockets for items like pens and money, and wash delicate items in mesh bags. Additionally, avoid overloading the machine and ensure you're using the correct amount of detergent for optimal performance.

Is it necessary to wash clothes with warm water for better washing machine maintenance?

Yes, occasionally washing clothes with warm water helps reduce dirt buildup and calcium deposits in the washing machine. This practice, along with running maintenance cycles, keeps your machine cleaner and smelling fresh.

What should I do if I accidentally left wet clothes in the washing machine?

If wet clothes are left in the washing machine for too long, they may develop a bad odor or mold. It's advisable to remove the clothes immediately and air them out. If you can’t do that, at least leave the door open to allow ventilation.

How should I properly add detergent to my washing machine?

To properly add detergent, first place the clothes in the machine, then add water, and finally pour in the detergent. This ensures even distribution of the soap and prevents issues such as excessive foaming or residue buildup.

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