Are You Using Your Washing Machine Correctly?

People these days are used to living a fast-paced lifestyle. Whether you run a big household or live on your own, chances are that even your weekends are fully booked with chores. Activities like washing your clothes are essential, but doing it by hand in the traditional way can be unnecessarily inconvenient and inefficient. Without the aid of modern tools and cleaning supplies, doing the laundry can easily eat up the hours that you are better off using to rest and recover from the week’s events.

A washing machine is an essential tool in many Filipino homes. Perhaps you have a trusty twin tub washing machine that you use to get over the more demanding aspects of washing your clothes. Or maybe you have an automatic washing machine that you can set up and simply forget about as you go through your other chores for the day. The wide availability of washing machines has certainly changed the way people live and maintain hygienic practices. But can your washing machine do more? Are you using it correctly in order to maximize its features and extend its service life? Here are some of the things you can do to ensure that you’re making the most of your washing machine:

Read and Follow Your Washing Machine’s Manual

There is no better way to learn how to use your washing machine than by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Before putting your washing machine to the test, it’s best to take your time and read through the manual so you know exactly what each part and setting is for. Even if your washing machine has been with you for quite some time, you might have been unaware that there’s a setting you can specifically use to wash your bedsheets and towels, for example. Perhaps you can discover new things about your old washing machine by taking a closer look at its manual, and thus improve on how you use it.

Inspect Your Clothes and Check the Labels

Maximizing your washing machine’s efficiency takes more than knowing the equipment inside and out. You also have to determine how to take care of your clothes properly. Following the instructions on the care labels will help you choose the right settings for your garments and make sure that the washing process will not damage them. It will also enable you to group clothes that have similar care instructions for a more efficient washing process. At the same time, be sure to inspect your clothes carefully before washing them. Check that you have not left any electronics, important documents, coins, or tissues in your pockets before throwing your clothes into the washing machine, as these items can cause damage both to your clothes and your appliance.

Make a Habit of Pretreating Stains

It can be tempting to just dump your dirty clothes into the laundry and let the washing machine take care of all the work. However, pretreating stains will help ensure that your clothes will be completely clean and in perfect condition once you take them out to dry or fold them. It just takes a few minutes to treat stains with liquid detergent. Let the treated section sit for a few minutes, then wash the article of clothing as usual. This step will ensure that the stain won’t be there once your laundry is done.

Take Note of the Don’ts When Using Your Machine

Overloading your machine is a no-no, as is leaving your wet clothes in the appliance for a long time. These bad laundry habits can prematurely damage the unit. It’s also unwise to manually fill your top or front-loading washing machine with water, as doing so can damage the electronic parts of the unit. The water should always come from the inlet so that it will not get into the sections of the machine that are supposed to stay dry.

Allow Your Washing Machine to Dry after Use

After using your washing machine, leave the door open for some time to let the interiors dry completely. This can help prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors inside its chambers. As much as you might want to be done and over with doing your laundry, give your washing machine time to air dry so you don’t encounter such problems in the future. If you’re in a hurry, you can try placing an air cooler next to the open chamber to help it dry faster.

Periodically Deep Clean and Maintain Your Machine

Every now and then, check on your washing machine and see if it needs a thorough cleaning. Inspect the lint trap and clear it of debris, use vinegar to wipe down the drum and rubber gaskets, and clean the surface of the machine using a microfiber cloth. If the machine is presenting plumbing or electrical issues, have a professional look at it so you can immediately address the root of the problem.

Washing machines can be counted on to take care of your laundry, but you also need to care for the machine properly in order to maximize its efficiency and prolong its service lifespan. To make the most of your investment in your washing machine and your clothes, go over this list when doing your laundry. Show your washing machine the care it deserves, and it will reward you with years of reliable service and help you keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle.

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