Washers & Dryers: The Most Common Mistakes People Make

Posted on December 6, 2021 by oozle

Washers and dryers are essential to keeping your household running smoothly. However, many common laundry missteps can cause your machines to malfunction, and replacing these appliances can be quite costly. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to preserve your washer and dryer. Read on to discover the most frequent laundry mistakes people make with their machines and how you can avoid them.

Not Cleaning the Washer

No one wants to add another chore to their to-do list. However, unsanitized washers can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold that can threaten the integrity of your machine and leave your clothes smelling funky. Luckily, it’s easy to keep your washer clean and free of debris: Simply cleaning the detergent drawer and washer door seal on a routine basis can make a big difference. It’s also a good idea to run a clothes-free wash with about a cup of bleach once a month to keep the washbasin clean and mold-free.

Ignoring Clothing Labels

If you’re in a rush, or simply dislike doing laundry, it’s tempting to throw all your clothes in the same washer load. Unfortunately, ignoring the care labels on your clothing can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to the care and keeping of your most beloved items. Many fabrics, including cashmere and taffeta, cannot be machine washed without damaging the article of clothing. After you’ve spent your hard-earned money on that beautiful silk blouse, it can be frustrating to discover that the washing machine has ruined it. By reading the care labels on your clothing, you can preserve your favorite pieces for years to come. You’ll even spend less money over the long haul since your items won’t wear out as fast.

Laundry Symbols

Those symbols on the care tags of your clothing aren’t just for decoration—they’re a handy tool for determining the best way to wash your clothes. If your care label doesn’t have written instructions, or they’re in a different language, you can always rely on the laundry symbols to guide you. For example, a washtub symbol indicates that a garment is machine washable, while a hand inside a washtub will let you know to hand wash instead. A circle inside a square means you can tumble dry your garment, and a number of dots inside the circle ranging from 1-3 will indicate the appropriate heat setting (one for low and three for high).

Letting the Lint Filter Fill Up

Lint filters are an essential component of your dryer, but many people often forget to empty them out. A clogged lint filter will force your dryer to expend more energy to fully dry your clothes, which can translate to a faster accumulation of wear and a higher energy bill. To make matters worse, an overstuffed lint filter can even pose a fire hazard that could put your entire home at risk. Most lint filters are easy to remove and clean, so be sure to empty yours after every load you retrieve from the dryer. In addition to cleaning the lint filter between each load, you should also clean the dryer exhaust pipe a few times per year.

Overstuffing the Machines

If you’ve procrastinated on doing your laundry and the hamper is now overflowing, you may decide to cram as much as you can in your machines to reduce the number of loads you have to do. Unfortunately, overstuffing your washer or dryer means that your clothes won’t wash or dry properly. You’ll also wear out your machines faster due to the extra force exerted in their attempt to handle such large loads. While it may be a hassle, performing the necessary number of loads can save you the frustration of having to redo your laundry or get your machines repaired.

Choosing the Wrong Cycle

There’s a reason your washer and dryer have multiple settings. By choosing the correct cycle for whatever items you are washing, you can save water, energy, and time. Incorrect settings are seen most frequently with dryers, as people tend to be more familiar with the various washing machine cycles. You may be using too much heat for certain loads, forcing your dryer to expend more energy than it needs to. Choosing the proper temperature, spin speed, and cycle length for your dryer can reduce wear on the machine and keep your clothes in better condition.

Eschewing a Home Warranty

You may already have homeowner’s insurance, but what about a home warranty? These policies cover the appliances that are in your home and can save you money if you ever need to repair or replace your washer and dryer. In addition, many people with home warranties are more likely to complete regular maintenance, meaning that their machines can last for years to come. Depending on your policy, you can even choose to cover the cost of replacing your appliances completely. 

If you’re experiencing issues with your washer or dryer, you can rely on ProServ in Las Vegas, NV to restore your machines with finesse. For more information on our appliance repair and installation services or to receive a free quote, call our office at (702) 656-4500. You can also send us a message at info@proservhome.com for any additional plumbing services or repairs.