Lifehack logo

Make The Most Out Of Your Washer And Dryer

Use your washer and dryer the right way

By MarkJonesPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
Like
how to use the washer and dryer

Although washing machines liberated us from hand washing, laundry cleaning is still (hands down) the worst house chore ever!

The list of things that actually go wrong when doing laundry is long, ranging from machine meltdowns to damaged clothes. But it does not have to be this way.

By simply following our tips below, you can turn this nightmare of a chore into a blissful experience. Ok, maybe not blissful, let's go with bearable. Here’s how.

Go easy on water and laundry detergents

In the spirit of saving water, it is important to use it proportionate to the size of your load. Moreover, using too much water for small loads reduces the efficiency of your washer and dryer system. This is because too much water does not allow proper agitation of clothes which is key in cleaning.

When it comes to laundry detergent, less is more. Using too much does not result in cleaner clothes. In fact, the opposite is true as extra detergent might not rinse well hence is deposited on your clothes making them dull.

Saving on energy saves on cost

What good is a laundry machine if it drains your pocket with energy bills? By adopting some energy saving habits, you can get the most out of your washer and dryer without denting your wallet.

●Save hot water cycles for grease or oil stains. Hot water is high on the list of energy consuming features. Switching down to warm water will reduce the energy used by half while using cold water can save up to 90% of the energy used.

● Optimize on the high-speed setting. Running a cycle on high-speed setting drains more water from your clothes. This will save time and energy used when using the dryer.

●Running a full load is more energy saving compared to small loads. This is because both laundry machines use almost the same energy despite the load size.

●Don't wait for your dryer to complete the cycle. Completely drying your clothes makes them crease which will require ironing. If you want to skip the ironing process, remove your clothes from the dryer before they dry completely and hang them out to air dry.

Don't overload your washer or dryer

While full loads are preferable compared to small frequent loads, be wary of overloading your washer and dryer.

Overloading results in overworking your machine which means more energy is being dispensed. Furthermore, overloading results in wear and tear which reduces the longevity of your washer and dryer.

Don't forget to clean your washer and dryer regularly

With all the laundry cleaning going on, it is easy to skip on cleaning your machines. Like any home appliance, your washer and dryer require regular maintenance for smooth operation.

For machines with lint filters monthly cleaning will remove build-up and eliminate odour. This especially goes for the dryer which when left unclogged might result in overheating or even fire.

You should also leave the washer and dryer door open for about 3 hours after every load. This allows aeration which not only kills bad odour but also prevents mildew formation.

To remove detergent build-up, regular cleaning should be done by adding a cup of white vinegar and running the hot water cycle. This prevents residue build-up which often stains clothes or worse, destroys your machine in the long run. Some manufacturers recommend using bleach as an alternative to vinegar especially when getting rid of mould and residue.

Prevent unnecessary repairs

A little TLC goes a long way in ensuring you spend as little as possible on repairs. This incorporates proper maintenance and mindfulness while using the washer and dryer.

Ensure sharp objects do not find their way into the machine. These not only destroy clothes but can also rupture washer drums or cause blockages.

High-quality detergents are also paramount in the efforts toward proper maintenance. This ensures that lather does not build-up resulting in future mechanical problems.

Lastly, ensure that both the washer and dryer are placed on a levelled platform. This prevents unnecessary rattling when in operation which not only makes noise but also results in wear and tear.

how to
Like

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.