Expert repairman reveals 5 huge mistakes that could damage your washing machine
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Have you ever wondered why your clothes sometimes come out of the washing machine smelling less than fresh or with random marks or stains that weren't there before?
Well, it could very well be because you’re not using of your washing machine properly.
According to one Brisbane-based repairman with experience in fixing front loader washing machines, there are 5 avoidable mistakes that people make with their machines that can lead to smelly garments and unsatisfactory washes.
The expert shared a photo in a popular Facebook group, showing what a washing machine drum looks like after too much grimy build-up.
‘Just for all the front loader owners, I see this level of grime near daily (I repair appliances for a living),’ he captioned.
‘Whilst many will not be this bad, most (in my experience) will be. Obviously, there are varying factors that can make it better or worse,’ he added.
The repairman went on to list five things that can cause issues with your washing machine.
Mistake #1: Using fabric softener.
The expert said that fabric softener isn’t good for your machine or clothes because the liquid coats them in ‘scented wax’. This can clog up your washing machine and pipes.
We did some research and a laundry experiment showed how using fabric softeners can make clothes flammable as well. This is because fabric softener has molecules that increase the surface area of the cloth, which makes it feel softer but also more flammable. You can read more about this here.
Mistake #2: Using poor-quality detergent.
The repairman personally recommended Radiant or OMO detergent, however, any brand will do as long as it’s high quality.
‘The cheap stuff is quite nasty,’ he shared.
Mistake #3: Constant cold washes.
‘Come on admit it, when did you last do a full hot wash?’ The expert asked.
Washing clothes in hot water kills off germs and is very effective in removing any mould on clothing. However, be sure to read clothing labels before opting to do a full wash in hot water, since the temperature can damage, fade, or shrink some fabrics.
Mistake #4: Not doing the bowl/tub clean when the machine prompts you.
Regular cleaning of your washing machine is essential to keep them running better for longer.
Mistake #5: Using too much detergent or softener.
‘Try using half the recommended dosage and adjust from there,’ he explained. Using too much fabric softener, as explained above, causes build up in your washing machine. Too much detergent, on the other hand, creates too many suds. This leads to higher water use, more grimy build up, and can cause odour issues.
To figure out if your machine has a build-up of residue in its drum, check if you are getting random marks on washed items near the end of the cycle.
‘It’s very likely to be the grime coming out into the wash,’ the repairman shared. He added further that there was no simple or easy way to completely clean out the build up of grime from a front loader washing machine. Meanwhile, top loaders can be taken apart easily, scrubbed, and cleaned.
To help ensure your washing machine is running efficiently, it’s important to keep it clean and maintained properly. Here are some at-home tips for ensuring your machine gets the care it needs.
First, you’ll have to prepare the following:
Did you find these tips useful, members? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Also, if you want to share your own tips for cleaning and home improvement, consider checking out our forum here!
Well, it could very well be because you’re not using of your washing machine properly.
According to one Brisbane-based repairman with experience in fixing front loader washing machines, there are 5 avoidable mistakes that people make with their machines that can lead to smelly garments and unsatisfactory washes.
The expert shared a photo in a popular Facebook group, showing what a washing machine drum looks like after too much grimy build-up.
‘Just for all the front loader owners, I see this level of grime near daily (I repair appliances for a living),’ he captioned.
The repairman attached this grimy photo of a washing machine drum in his post. Credit: Facebook
‘Whilst many will not be this bad, most (in my experience) will be. Obviously, there are varying factors that can make it better or worse,’ he added.
The repairman went on to list five things that can cause issues with your washing machine.
Mistake #1: Using fabric softener.
The expert said that fabric softener isn’t good for your machine or clothes because the liquid coats them in ‘scented wax’. This can clog up your washing machine and pipes.
We did some research and a laundry experiment showed how using fabric softeners can make clothes flammable as well. This is because fabric softener has molecules that increase the surface area of the cloth, which makes it feel softer but also more flammable. You can read more about this here.
The repairman shared key washing machine mistakes with others. Credit: Adrienne Andersen/Pexels
The repairman personally recommended Radiant or OMO detergent, however, any brand will do as long as it’s high quality.
‘The cheap stuff is quite nasty,’ he shared.
Mistake #3: Constant cold washes.
‘Come on admit it, when did you last do a full hot wash?’ The expert asked.
Washing clothes in hot water kills off germs and is very effective in removing any mould on clothing. However, be sure to read clothing labels before opting to do a full wash in hot water, since the temperature can damage, fade, or shrink some fabrics.
Mistake #4: Not doing the bowl/tub clean when the machine prompts you.
Regular cleaning of your washing machine is essential to keep them running better for longer.
Washing in hot water is effective in removing soil and killing germs. Credit: RODNAE Productions/Pexels
Mistake #5: Using too much detergent or softener.
‘Try using half the recommended dosage and adjust from there,’ he explained. Using too much fabric softener, as explained above, causes build up in your washing machine. Too much detergent, on the other hand, creates too many suds. This leads to higher water use, more grimy build up, and can cause odour issues.
To figure out if your machine has a build-up of residue in its drum, check if you are getting random marks on washed items near the end of the cycle.
‘It’s very likely to be the grime coming out into the wash,’ the repairman shared. He added further that there was no simple or easy way to completely clean out the build up of grime from a front loader washing machine. Meanwhile, top loaders can be taken apart easily, scrubbed, and cleaned.
To help ensure your washing machine is running efficiently, it’s important to keep it clean and maintained properly. Here are some at-home tips for ensuring your machine gets the care it needs.
First, you’ll have to prepare the following:
- White vinegar
- Bicarb of soda
- Spray bottle
- Damp cloth
1. Remove all clothes from your washer and make sure the machine is dry.
2. Wipe up any grime on the rubber gasket using a dampened cloth and a bit of white vinegar.
3. Next, add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run a complete washing cycle with hot water. Set it on the largest load setting.
4. Repeat the cycle and this time, add ½ cup of bicarb of soda to the drum.
5. Once you complete the cycle, fill your bottle spray with vinegar, and wipe the drum and outside of your washing machine with a damp cloth.
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