The washing machine: 8 mistakes we all make and which can ruin this valuable appliance
The washing machine was one of the best inventions of the nineteenth century: this appliance - which has now become an always-present item in our homes - allows us to save a lot of time and frees us up to do other things. Very often, however, we forget that like all machines, even the washing machine needs some maintenance to continue to do its job properly. Without necessarily carrying out major interventions, we should regularly undertake some rudimentary maintenance tasks for the washing machine.
Did you know that we all make mistakes when we do our laundry? Below, 8 common mistakes are listed:
1. Detergent
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The first mistake to avoid is not paying enough attention to the detergents used - both in terms of quality and quantity. In fact, a non-standard detergent for the washing machine can produce too much foam and ruin the machine. It is best to choose detergents formulated specifically for the washing machine. As far as quantity is concerned, however, we erroneously tend to think that by using more detergent, we will obtain better results - but this is not the case. In fact, too much detergent also causes too much foam and will prevent the washing from being cleaned properly. Always follow the washing instructions to ensure you use the right amount of detergent!
2. Cleaning
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We often forget that even the washing machine itself needs cleaning. In fact, it is very important to periodically clean the filter to avoid the accumulation of dirt residue which could clog the engine. However, remember to clean the rest of the washing machine. It can happen that we notice a bad smell emanating from the washing machine but try to solve this by ncreasing the dose of detergent used. Don't do this: clean your washing machine regularly by running an empty wash, perhaps adding vinegar and baking soda to the drum. In this way, your washing machine will always be sanitized, clean and free of bad smells. And don't forget to clean the detergent dispenser tray!
3. Excessive loads
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Overloading the washing machine can also be harmful. When we're in a hurry it's easy to try to wash everything in the laundry basket in one go. But this will not buy us time - on the contrary. An excessive load prevent the fabrics from getting thoroughly wet and therefore, they do not get cleaned properly. Not to mention that an overloaded drum could cause damage to the machine's components. Therefore, it is best to opt to do several washes rather than just one, big one. Also pay attention to the fabrics: the size of a load differs depending on the fabrics washed: with cotton, you can fill the drum up to 3/4 capacity; with synthetics, 1/2; with wool, 1/3.
4. Stained clothes
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If the clothes are very dirty it is important to wash them as soon as possible to remove stains. Also remember the importance of pre-treating: in fact, to remove the most stubborn stains, a pre-wash is necessary to allow for effective cleaning. For excellent results without resorting to aggressive chemical detergents, you can use Marseille soap, vinegar, bicarbonate or salt and lemon.
5. Items in pockets
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Not checking the pockets before washing clothes can lead to small objects and tissues getting into the washing machine which then block the filters and other internal mechanisms. Further, ink stains from pens can ruin an entire load. So, be sure to check that all pockets are empty. Another useful tip is to use washing bags for washing underwear and small items: using a bag, at the end of the wash, you will find the same number of socks you had when you started. And your washing machine will be better protectied.
6. Water hardness
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Neglecting water hardness is another fundamental mistake in using the washing machine. In fact, hard water can ruin garments and cause a build-up of limescale inside the components of the appliance, causing the machine to fail. To evaluate the hardness of your water, you can carry out a small test: fill a bottle 1/3 full with tap water, add a few drops of liquid soap and shake it. If foam forms on the surface and the water remains clear, it means that the water is soft, otherwise it is hard. Depending on the hardness of your water, your washing machine will need different doses of detergent.
7. Positioning of the washing machine
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It often happens that the washing machine shakes violently and moves during the spin cycle. This usually happens for several reasons: the floor may not be level; the transport bolts have not been removed; or the shock absorbers or bearings are broken. In any case, a shaking washing machine problem can be easily avoided by making sure that the appliance is correctly positioned and is level with the ground.
8. Not separating garment types
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Washing clothes of different fabric types in the same load certainly saves us time, but it doesn't give us the same results in terms of efficiency. In fact, each fabric type has different needs in terms of temperature and washing time. So washing different types all together can cause damage to the garments and/or not effectively remove the dirt. It is therefore essential to separate the garments by fabric type, paying close attention to the washing instructions on the labels. Your garments will thank you and will last longer!
Do you make any mistakes using your washing machine?
