Washing machines need no introduction – they are an appliance that helps us with laundry but like with all appliances, malfunctions are common. Fortunately, you can reduce the chance of malfunctions happening. If you want to spend less money on repair or avoid buying a replacement, here are 4 ways to make your washing machine last longer.
1. Clean Consistently
It may seem poetic that an appliance that primarily functions on cleaning, needs to be cleaned itself. Look for any signs that your washing machine needs cleaning. Check for any mould or mildew. Bad smells are usually a sign that your washing machine needs cleaning.
Sometimes, if your clothes aren’t in the best condition, it could stem from the washing machine not being cleaned properly.
2. Double-Check That Pockets Are Empty
Believe it or not but it’s common for people to throw clothes into the washing machine without checking the pockets first. This could be because they are rushing their laundry and often times, they forget to empty coins and other items from their pockets. Consequently, coins can damage the drum because they go around the cycle.
3. Balance Your Laundry
Always make a habit of balancing your laundry and avoiding overloading clothes. Use your judgement and decide if there are enough clothes for one cycle. Patience is required to ensure there is sufficient space for each load of clothes. If you overload too many clothes, the drums inside will get overwhelmed and as a result, will damage the mechanical parts and it will absorb a lot of water.
4. Don’t Overuse Your Laundry Detergent
Make sure you’re using the right amount of laundry detergent. It can be tempting to put extra detergent on clothes with stains. However, more detergent can result in malfunctions and suds will only end up blocking the draining system; making it difficult for your washing machine to pump out water.
Every now and then, you should check for signs that your washing machine needs cleaning. Washing machines go through cycles daily of dirty clothes so it’s not uncommon for dirt and odours to build up. Our washing machine takes care of our clothes so it’s only fair we take care of it regularly.
To keep your clothes in good shape, you need to take care of the washing machine first. Here are signs that your washing machine needs cleaning!
1. The Clothes Aren’t In The Best Condition
You set your washing cycle on, you wait for your clothes to finish and then find out they’re not cleaned to a high standard. If you find yourself in this position, it’s a sign that your washing machine filter needs to be clean.
Leaving your filter unchecked will cause laundry detergent to latch on your clothes and your clothes won’t dry well. The rule of thumb is to clean your washing machine filter every six months to avoid clothes’ condition decaying.
2. The Washing Machine Has a Bad Odour
If you spot a bad odour lingering from your washing machine, it is a major sign that it needs to be cleaned. Expectedly, a washing machine contacts germs and bacteria from dirty laundry so it’s not surprising mould builds up inside.
Nonetheless, this mould can go on your clothes, which is extremely unhygienic, so it’s better to clean without delay.
3. The Rubber Seal Around The Door Has Black Stains
A major sign that your washing machine needs cleaning is noticing any black stains on the rubber seal around the door. In a damp environment, mould, and bacteria build up and these get stuck on the rubber seal. Always make sure you act fast and clean the rubber seal to avoid further dirt forming.
Sometimes, any stains left on the washing machine door could be from laundry detergents that haven’t been rinsed away. Always make sure you are keeping an eye out for any stains.
Our guide should help you to spot the signs that your washing machine needs cleaning and make your laundry experience better!
If your washing machine is faulty or you missed the day to give it a good clean, get in touch with Laundryheap! We’ll launder your clothes and return them back to you within 24 hours until your washing machine is in good condition again!
If you’re wondering why the lace in your underwear is coming unravelled or why the elastic in your waistband isn’t doing its job anymore, it’s probably because you’re washing your underwear wrong. Have no fear, because we are here to rid you of ALL your underwear washing woes.
Should you be washing underwear with normal clothes?
Killing germs
How to wash your delicates
How to wash cotton
How to wash bras
How Laundryheap can help
Should you be washing underwear with normal clothes?
Unless you wash your clothing at a minimum of 60 degrees, the bacteria from your underwear can transfer to the rest of your load. You may now be wondering why we are advised to wash clothing at anything less than 60 degrees. Aside from the environmental benefits of a cold wash, cold water will CLEAN clothing but will not ELIMINATE microorganisms. Unless your clothing is particularly dirty, simply cleaning it will suffice.
Killing germs
There are several ways that you can rid bacteria from your underwear asides from a hot wash. Using an oxygen bleach detergent can kill the bacteria from underwear at as low as 20 degrees. After washing underwear in the washing machine, you should always clean your machine. The e-coli and bacteria from your underwear can stick to your washing machine and transfer to other loads of laundry. To wash your machine, simply add two cups of white vinegar and run an empty cycle. This will leave your machine sparkling clean and ready for your next load of washing.
Running an empty cycle every time you wash your underwear is not very environmentally friendly. Rather than wasting water, energy and detergent try hand washing your underwear instead.
How to wash your delicates
Washing your delicate underwear is always difficult. Lace can become unravelled, silk can lose its silkiness and colours can fade.
It’s always best to hand wash your delicates to avoid any unnecessary trauma to the material. Use warm water and a detergent without enzymes. Be careful not to use too much detergent as this will leave behind a soapy residue. Use a gentle plunging action when washing and avoid vicious rubbing. When drying NEVER hand-ring out residual water or use the tumble dryer. Instead, hang your underwear outside, but avoid drying in direct sunlight. This process will ensure that lace stays in tact and your silks stay silky.
If you do want to use your washing machine to wash your more delicate underwear make sure you check the care label first. This will give you an indication of what cycle and temperature you should use. Additionally, put your underwear in a laundry bag or pillow case to avoid lace being snagged in the washing machine.
Unlike underwear made from silk or lace, cotton is a more durable material, and, therefor, is less likely to be damaged in the washing machine. That being said, it is still important to use a laundry bag or pillow case to ensure that your cotton stays soft. Additionally, don’t wash your underwear with jeans, towels or any other rough materials. Unlike with delicate underwear, you can use any detergent to wash your cotton underwear, just don’t overuse it as you will leave a soapy residue.
Bras can be worn 2-3 times before they need to be washed. Regardless of if you hand wash or use a washing machine, its best to use a detergent that doesn’t contain bleach or alcohol. If you can’t find a detergent without either of these ingredients, use a small amount of baby soap for the same effect.
To ensure that your bras stay in good shape it’s best to hand wash them. Hand washing is the best way to eliminate sweat and odours and prevents them from losing their shape. The best way to hand wash your bras is to leave them in warm water with a small amount of detergent. Leave them for 40 minutes to 1 hour before taking them out of the water and hanging them over your shower curtain pole, or leaving them flat on a towel to dry. Never tumble dry your bras as this will lead to them losing their shape.
If you want to use your washing machine to wash your bras, use a delicate cycle setting and a laundry bag. Additionally, make sure you don’t wash your bras with any rough or heavy materials as this will break down the fibres of your bra and lead to their deterioration.
If you don’t want to risk ruining your underwear, Laundryheap can help. Simply book your slot using our app and we will pick up, wash and deliver your underwear back to you within 24hrs. We now offer contactless collection and delivery, among other support services to limit physical interactions.
Is it just me or isn’t it quite ironic that you have to clean a machine that’s made for cleaning? Well, yep, it’s vital to maintain the cleanliness of your washing machine to: 1) clean your clothes properly, and 2) preserve its cleaning life.
So, just how can you banish that awful smell and disgusting mould? Let’s find out:
Manual instructions: Be on the safe side and read the manual for instructions on how to clean your washing machine, as some manufacturers may not allow you to use products or cleansers in your machine.
Maintenance wash:In more simpler terms, clean the drum! Let your machine self clean by putting it through a hot temperature cycle (without clothes, of course) at least once a month, with a cup of vinegar thrown into the drum to help it sanitise.
Let it breathe: Leave the door of the washing machine open every so often to let the air circulate in the drum and prevent bacteria from growing. I would also recommend you do the same for the detergent drawer- you can never be too careful when it comes to cleanliness.
Wash out the detergent drawer: Simply remove the detergent drawer and give it a good sponge clean! Scrub away any detergent residue that has been built up. Give it a thorough rinse and let it dry before putting back into the machine.
Wipe the rubber: Give the rubber door seal a good clean with a damp cloth on a regular basis, being sure to completely clean out any hidden residue.
Clean the filter: The filter is the one that collects debris in order to protect the washing machine pump from blocking. If that doesn’t sound germ ridden to you, then I don’t know what does. So, what must you do? Empty it regularly to remove the dirt that has been gathered. The filter can be found at the bottom corner of the washing machine behind the removable plate/tab.
Oh and one more thing, you can leave your laundry to Laundryheap whilst you clean your washing machine.
