5 Things You Should Know About Your Washing Machine

When it comes to doing laundry at home, many Filipinos have embraced the use of washing machines. It is especially convenient to have a washing machine with dryer during the rainy season, as you can look forward to having clean laundry despite the bad weather. And instead of using your time and energy to hand-wash your family’s clothes, using a washing machine means you can enjoy the rainy day in the company of your loved ones instead.

But even with the popularity of using a washing machine and the many advantages it offers, there are many misconceptions and little known facts about this appliance. This may be preventing you from maximizing its usage or even buying one for your home. Read on to learn five important facts about washing machines.

Washing Machines Can Be Energy Efficient

Many people associate the large size of washing machines with needing a lot of electricity to run. This would be true if you were buying an old unit made during the 90s, but technology has evolved a lot since then. Because of advances in energy-efficient processes and the development of inverter technology, the most recent washing machine models use 70% less energy than those manufactured decades ago.

A washing machine with inverter technology allows the unit’s motor to operate at variable speeds, depending on the wash cycle selected and the laundry load. This means that when you change the settings of your washing machine, the power required to wash your clothes also gets adjusted. So if you’re washing delicate garments in a gentle wash cycle, the washing machine will use less power. In contrast, a higher wash setting for heavily soiled clothing will prompt the machine to use more power.

Washing Machines Help You Save Water

Apart from energy efficiency, many washing machines available today can help you reduce your water consumption. Some of the most water-efficient models only need 30 liters of water for a 3.5-kilogram load of laundry. You’ll also find many newer models with different wash cycles and water levels you can adjust so you get the most out of each load without using too much water.

In addition to such helpful features, you can opt to wait to do your laundry until you can wash a full load. This practice lets you cut back on the amount of water used compared to washing multiple small loads throughout the week.

Washing Machines Can Help Kill Bacteria on Clothes

Did you know your washing machine can help you kill the bacteria clinging to your garments? Using hot water and adding bleach to the wash cycle can help eliminate germs from your clothes. Just make sure to first check the garment tag as some fabrics should not be exposed to bleach or are best washed with cold water to maintain their quality.

Apart from bleach, you can use borax or sodium borate for a deeper clean. This laundry aid helps prevent the growth of fungi, mold, and bacteria, which can give clothes an unpleasant musty smell. When using borax to disinfect your laundry, add half a cup to the washing cycle and use warm water.

Using Too Much Detergent Is Bad for Washing Machines

If you want your washing machine to last a long time, you must use it properly. This includes using only the recommended amount of laundry detergent per load. While it may be tempting to add more detergent because you expect it to do a better job of cleaning clothes, this practice can make your unit weak and cause it to conk out. That’s because the excess detergent accumulates inside the unit, which prompts your machine to work harder to rinse your clothes. As a result, it strains the motor of the machine and causes it to malfunction.

Additionally, excess suds can block the machine’s drainage pipes and damage its parts. The extra soap can also remain in the machine and leave a residue, which can make the drum an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to thrive in. If you’re not sure how much detergent you should put in, check the appliance manual for the recommended amount of laundry detergent according to the wash cycle and laundry load.

Washing Machines Need Cleaning, Too

Some people think that because washing machines are constantly filled with soap and water, this is enough to keep their interiors clean. On the contrary, you need to regularly clean your machine to keep it efficient and effective. Over time, the interior of the appliance gets dirty because of leftover detergent that builds up in its nooks and crannies. This residue can encourage mold and bacterial growth inside your machine, which can transfer to your clothes. This may be why they have an unpleasant smell despite being newly laundered.

If you want a quick way to clean your washing machine, put two cups of distilled white vinegar in the appliance’s detergent dispenser. Without any clothes in the bin, run a regular wash cycle at the highest setting. This should refresh and clean your washing machine.

Using a washing machine makes the once tedious task of doing the laundry more manageable and convenient. It saves you time and effort and can even help you conserve water and energy. So, use this information to help you maximize the usage of your appliance and ensure that it can last your household for a long time.

Related Products