Expert says this ‘tiny’ laundry blunder is extending your machine's cycle!
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Laundry day can be a bit of a chore, but it's a necessary one. We all love the feeling of fresh, clean clothes, but what we don't love is when our washing machine seems to take an eternity to finish its cycle.
We've all been there—waiting for that final spin, only to watch the machine stubbornly drag out the last minute like it's got all the time in the world.
It's enough to make you wonder if the machine has a mind of its own!
But before you start plotting a comical revenge against your appliance, as seen in the viral videos mocking the never-ending cycle, let's dive into the real reasons behind these delays.
It turns out the culprit behind your washing machine's tardiness could be a common laundry mistake you're making.
An appliance repair service conducted a controlled test and found that washing machine cycles ran by an average of 11 minutes, which is almost 17 per cent longer than the cycle suggests. In some cases, the delay was as staggering as 23 minutes!
The reason? It boils down to how much detergent you're using.
It's a simple error with time-consuming—and potentially costly—consequences, says appliance repair expert Ian Palmer-Smith.
So, what's going on inside your washing machine? Palmer-Smith points out that using too much laundry detergent is a frequent mistake.
When you overdo it with the suds, your machine has to work overtime to rinse out the excess, which can add precious minutes to your cycle.
Not only does this extend the wash time, but it can also lead to a clogged machine, potentially resulting in the need for repairs. To avoid this, stick to the recommended amount of detergent, especially if you're using a liquid form.
Another factor contributing to the extended cycle time is how you load the drum. Overloading or unevenly distributing your laundry can throw the machine off balance.
Modern washing machines detect this and attempt to correct it—often by extending the cycle.
To prevent this, make sure you're not filling the machine more than 80 per cent full and that you're spreading out the clothes evenly.
Lastly, be mindful of the weight of your laundry. Loading the machine with too many heavy items, like a pile of damp towels or a mountain of hoodies, can strain the appliance.
This strain can prevent the machine from spinning at its optimal setting, once again leading to a longer cycle time.
Now that you're armed with this knowledge, you can tackle laundry day with a bit more confidence and, hopefully, a bit less time spent waiting for that final beep.
Remember, the key to a quick and efficient wash is simple: use the right amount of detergent, don't overload, and balance your load. Your washing machine isn't out to get you—it's just trying to ensure your clothes come out clean and fresh.
Have you noticed your wash cycles taking longer? Got any other laundry hacks? Let us know—we’d love to hear your tips!
We've all been there—waiting for that final spin, only to watch the machine stubbornly drag out the last minute like it's got all the time in the world.
It's enough to make you wonder if the machine has a mind of its own!
But before you start plotting a comical revenge against your appliance, as seen in the viral videos mocking the never-ending cycle, let's dive into the real reasons behind these delays.
It turns out the culprit behind your washing machine's tardiness could be a common laundry mistake you're making.
An appliance repair service conducted a controlled test and found that washing machine cycles ran by an average of 11 minutes, which is almost 17 per cent longer than the cycle suggests. In some cases, the delay was as staggering as 23 minutes!
The reason your washing machine is taking so long comes down to a common and often overlooked mistake. Image source: Photo by RDNE Stock project from Pexels
The reason? It boils down to how much detergent you're using.
It's a simple error with time-consuming—and potentially costly—consequences, says appliance repair expert Ian Palmer-Smith.
So, what's going on inside your washing machine? Palmer-Smith points out that using too much laundry detergent is a frequent mistake.
When you overdo it with the suds, your machine has to work overtime to rinse out the excess, which can add precious minutes to your cycle.
Not only does this extend the wash time, but it can also lead to a clogged machine, potentially resulting in the need for repairs. To avoid this, stick to the recommended amount of detergent, especially if you're using a liquid form.
Another factor contributing to the extended cycle time is how you load the drum. Overloading or unevenly distributing your laundry can throw the machine off balance.
Modern washing machines detect this and attempt to correct it—often by extending the cycle.
To prevent this, make sure you're not filling the machine more than 80 per cent full and that you're spreading out the clothes evenly.
Lastly, be mindful of the weight of your laundry. Loading the machine with too many heavy items, like a pile of damp towels or a mountain of hoodies, can strain the appliance.
This strain can prevent the machine from spinning at its optimal setting, once again leading to a longer cycle time.
Now that you're armed with this knowledge, you can tackle laundry day with a bit more confidence and, hopefully, a bit less time spent waiting for that final beep.
Remember, the key to a quick and efficient wash is simple: use the right amount of detergent, don't overload, and balance your load. Your washing machine isn't out to get you—it's just trying to ensure your clothes come out clean and fresh.
Have you noticed your wash cycles taking longer? Got any other laundry hacks? Let us know—we’d love to hear your tips!
