21 Laundry Mistakes That Can Damage Your Washer and Dryer
Laundry might look easy, but how you do it can really affect how long your washer and dryer last. Little mistakes made during regular loads can build up and cause big problems, leading to costly repairs or new machines.
Recent numbers show about 70% of homes in the U.S. have a washing machine. Still, many people harm these costly machines without knowing it because of bad laundry habits. This causes repairs and new purchases that cost hundreds of dollars every year.
In this article, we’ll get into common laundry mistakes you might be making and offer practical solutions to ensure your washer and dryer stay in peak condition for years to come. With proper care, you can avoid these problems and keep your appliances running efficiently.
Are you ready to see if you’re guilty of any of these laundry blunders? Stick around to see if you’re guilty of these laundry slip-ups, and let us know in the comments which mistake surprised you the most!
Running Back-to-Back Loads
Giving your washer and dryer a break between loads is essential. Running multiple loads back-to-back causes the machines to overheat, which wears out internal components faster. The motor and other parts need time to cool down between cycles to function properly.
Allow at least 30 minutes between loads to let the machines cool down. This practice extends their lifespan and improves efficiency. It’s especially important for dryers, where overheating can also pose a fire hazard.
Ignoring the Washer’s Filter
Many washers have a filter that catches dirt like lint, hair, or small items. Over time, this filter can get blocked, making the machine work less well and causing problems with draining water. If you don’t clean it, the washer might stop working properly.
Look at the filter often and clean it to keep the washer working its best. Taking out the buildup helps your washer run better and stops expensive fixes. This easy job also stops bad smells caused by stuck dirt.
Ignoring the Lint Trap and Vents
Dryers rely on proper airflow to dry clothes efficiently. Failing to clean the lint trap after every load causes lint buildup, restricting airflow and increasing drying time. Over time, this can cause the dryer to overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
Clogged dryer vents are also dangerous. Lint buildup in the vent not only slows drying but also poses a fire hazard. It’s crucial to clean the vent system at least once a year or whenever you notice the dryer taking longer to dry clothes.
Washing Items with Metal Components
Zippers, buttons, and metal clasps can hurt your washer’s drum and dryer. These hard things can scratch the drum’s surface, causing marks that can wear down the machine over time. They might also get caught in the drum, leading to problems with how the machine works.
To keep your machines safe, close all zippers, button up clothes, and turn them inside out before washing. You can also put small items with metal parts in a mesh laundry bag to help stop damage.
Not Using the Right Dryer Setting
Many people use the same dryer setting for every load, but this is not a good idea. Using high heat for delicate clothes can make them shrink, lose color, or wear out quickly. Heat also harms synthetic fabrics, making them lose their stretch.
Using lower heat for delicate clothes helps them last longer and stay in good shape. The “air dry” or “tumble dry” setting works best for clothes that do not need heat.
Using Too Much Detergent
Using more detergent than needed doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, it has the opposite effect. Excess detergent builds up in the washer and hoses, causing blockages that reduce efficiency. Over time, it can lead to mold, unpleasant odors, and even mechanical problems.
Too much soap also leaves residue on clothes, making them feel stiff and unclean. High-efficiency washers, in particular, are sensitive to detergent amounts, so always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper dosing.
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Neglecting Regular Cleaning
Many people don’t clean their washer and dryer often. Dirt, soap, and fabric softener can build up over time, making them work less well. In the dryer, lint can gather and cause a fire risk.
Make sure to clean the lint filter after each use and wash the washer drum often to keep it working right. If you don’t take care of it, mold and mildew can grow inside the washer, especially in front-load machines.
Running an empty wash with hot water and vinegar can help get rid of bad smells and keep the machine smelling fresh.
Not Leveling the Machines
A washer or dryer that’s not level will shake and vibrate excessively. This constant movement can damage the drum, motor, and other components. Unstable machines wear out faster and may also cause noise issues that disturb your household.
Use a level to ensure both appliances are balanced. Most washers and dryers come with adjustable feet to make leveling easier. If the machines still vibrate, placing them on vibration pads can help.
Closing the Washer Door After Use
Closing the washer door after a wash keeps moisture inside the drum, which helps mold grow. This is a big problem with front-loading washers because the seal can hold water and cause a bad smell.
Keep the washer door open after every use so air can flow and dry the drum. This easy habit stops mold and mildew from growing and keeps your washer smelling clean.
Not Using the Right Detergent
High-efficiency (HE) washers need special HE detergent. Using regular detergent in an HE washer makes too many suds, which can cause poor rinsing and damage the machine. It can also leave leftover soap that blocks parts and lowers how well the washer works.
Always pick the correct detergent for your washer. HE washers use less water, so the wrong detergent can hurt cleaning and cause problems over time.
Failing to Adjust for Water Hardness
Water hardness can change how well your washer cleans clothes. Hard water has minerals that make detergent less effective, causing clothes to look dull, feel stiff, and leaving residue inside your washer. Over time, these minerals can also harm parts inside the machine, making it last for a shorter time.
If your water is hard, try using a water softener or adding extra detergent to clean better. This simple change can help your washer work well and last longer.
Overusing Fabric Softener
Fabric softener can leave a residue in your washer, clogging up the machine’s internal parts over time. This sticky buildup reduces the washer’s efficiency and can lead to mechanical failures. It also coats your clothes in chemicals, reducing their breathability and absorbency.
Instead of using fabric softener, consider using dryer balls or white vinegar as natural alternatives. They keep clothes soft without leaving harmful residues in your washer or on your fabrics.
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Using Cold Water for Every Load
While cold water is gentle on fabrics and saves energy, it’s not always the best choice. Some stains, such as grease or oil, don’t dissolve well in cold water, leaving your clothes dirty even after washing. Cold water also doesn’t disinfect as effectively as hot water.
It’s best to use hot water for loads that need deep cleaning, such as towels or bedding. For regular laundry, cold water works fine, but be mindful of using the right temperature for specific loads.
Not Replacing Worn Parts
Hoses, belts, and seals in your washer and dryer wear out over time. Neglecting to replace these parts can lead to bigger problems, like leaks or breakdowns. Worn-out hoses are especially prone to bursting, causing water damage in your laundry room.
Check these parts regularly for signs of wear, such as cracks or brittleness. Replacing them early can prevent costly damage and keep your machines running smoothly.
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Using Incorrect Spin Speeds
The spin speed setting is important for keeping your clothes and washer safe. High spin speeds can be hard on delicate fabrics, making them stretch or tear. Using the highest spin speed all the time can also damage the washer’s motor over time.
Pick the right spin speed for the type of fabric. Delicate clothes need slower spins, while heavier items can use faster spins. This helps keep both your clothes and washer working well.
Overlooking Pre-Treatment for Stains
Not treating stains first makes your washer work harder. Strong stains like grease, oil, or ink need extra care before washing. Letting the machine handle them by itself often does not work well and means running extra wash cycles, which wastes water and electricity.
Deal with stains quickly before they stick. Using the right stain remover helps clean better and makes your washer do a better job. This also keeps clothes safe from harm caused by rough scrubbing or washing again.
Not Using Mesh Bags for Delicate Items
Delicate items, like lingerie or small fabric accessories, are easily damaged in the wash. Washing them without protection can lead to tears, snags, or loss of shape. It also increases the chance that they’ll get caught in the drum, causing mechanical issues.
Using mesh laundry bags protects delicates and reduces wear. These bags allow items to be washed safely while preventing them from becoming tangled or damaged. This practice ensures your washer remains in good working condition and your delicate items stay intact.
Overlooking the Importance of Load Size
Washing too few clothes in a load can be just as harmful as overloading. Small loads cause the washer drum to spin unevenly, creating vibrations that damage internal components over time. It also leads to wasted water and energy, reducing efficiency.
Aim to wash medium-sized loads that allow for proper movement of clothes in the drum. This helps prevent machine imbalance and ensures better cleaning performance. Being mindful of load size extends the life of your washer and reduces utility costs.
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Washing Shoes and Heavy Items Incorrectly
Shoes, blankets, and heavy things can make the washer drum uneven if not put in the right way. An uneven load makes the washer shake and move a lot, which can hurt the drum or motor. It also makes the washer clean less well.
To stop this, wash heavy things in small amounts and spread them out evenly in the drum. For shoes, put them in a mesh bag or pillowcase to keep both the shoes and the washer safe.
Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions
Each washer and dryer model comes with specific instructions for optimal use. Ignoring these guidelines can shorten the lifespan of your machines. Misusing settings or neglecting recommended maintenance schedules often leads to unnecessary wear and tear.
Take the time to read the manual that comes with your appliances. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations ensures that you’re using your machines as intended and helps prevent costly repairs.
Forgetting to Balance Loads Properly
When putting clothes in the washer, keeping balance is very important for it to work well. If the load is not balanced, the washer will shake a lot, which can hurt the motor and drum. This makes the machine wear out faster and shortens how long it lasts.
To prevent this, spread clothes evenly around the drum. Putting heavy and light clothes together can also cause imbalance. Washing clothes of similar weight in one load helps the washer stay steady while it runs.
Final Tips for Keeping Your Washer and Dryer in Top Shape
Your washer and dryer are important for everyday life, and with good care, they can work well for many years. Avoid common laundry mistakes like putting in too many clothes, using too much soap, or forgetting to clean your machines regularly. This helps your appliances last longer and keeps your clothes clean and fresh every time.
Always follow the instructions that come with your machines and do regular maintenance checks. A little extra care will save you money on repairs and new machines, and make laundry easier and faster.
Next time you do laundry, remember these tips and take good care of your washer and dryer!
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.
