Mastering Laundry: Essential Tips to Protect Your Washing Machine and Clothes

Many people overlook key laundry practices, often to their detriment.

The first washing machines appeared in the Soviet Union during the late 1950s, quickly becoming a household essential by saving considerable effort. By the 1970s, public laundromats emerged in major cities, offering convenient washing and drying services for those without machines at home.

Today, washing machines are common in almost every household. Simply load your laundry, press a button, and let the machine do the work—even children can manage it. However, neglecting certain laundry rules can lead to unexpected machine breakdowns or damage to your clothes.

1. Regularly Clean Your Washing Machine

Dirt and bacteria accumulate inside the drum, so monthly cleaning is essential. Use commercial cleaning agents or home remedies like citric acid. Don't forget to clean the rubber door seals, especially the folds where lint, mineral deposits, and mold tend to gather. Additionally, clean the filter every two to three months to improve water drainage and eliminate odors.

2. Avoid Overloading the Machine

Even if your machine's manual states it can handle up to 11 pounds (5 kg) of dry laundry, it's better to load slightly less. Leave about two fist-widths of space to ensure effective washing and better spinning performance.

3. Don't Store Dirty or Wet Clothes Inside the Drum

Placing dirty or damp laundry in the drum before washing encourages bacterial growth and unpleasant odors, potentially damaging the machine. Remove wet clothes promptly after the cycle ends to prevent mildew.

4. Follow Care Labels on Your Clothes

If a garment's label specifies "dry clean only," machine washing risks damaging it—up to 80% chance. In such cases, hand washing with care is preferable.

5. Choose the Right Detergent and Washing Cycle

Using a one-size-fits-all detergent or cycle can harm delicate fabrics and leave bacteria on heavily soiled items. Delicate materials require specialized detergents and gentle cycles, while heavily soiled laundry benefits from higher temperature washes.

6. Turn Clothes Inside Out Before Washing

Delicate fabrics, knitwear, and sweaters should be washed inside out to prevent pilling and extend their lifespan.

7. Use Mesh Bags for Socks and Small Items

To prevent socks from getting caught in the rubber door seal or filter, wash them inside mesh laundry bags or old pillowcases.

8. Adjust Spin Speed According to Fabric Type

Different fabrics tolerate varying spin speeds. For example, cotton should be spun at a maximum of 600 RPM, jeans at 900 RPM, and bed linens or towels at 1400 RPM. Delicate fabrics require slower spins around 400 RPM to avoid damage.

9. Secure Zippers and Fasten Buttons

Before washing, check pockets, turn clothes inside out, zip up all zippers, and fasten buttons to prevent snags during spinning.

10. Always Wash New Clothes Before Wearing

Dermatologists warn that new clothes may carry irritants or dyes that cause skin issues. Washing them first helps prevent allergic reactions and skin conditions.

11. Pre-Wash Has Its Benefits

Pre-washing is especially important for bedding, as pillowcases often retain makeup, night creams, and skin oils that promote bacterial growth and skin problems.

12. Pre-Treat Stains

For stubborn stains, apply a stain remover before washing to ensure better results. If clothes are contaminated with flammable substances like gasoline or alcohol, rinse these areas manually before laundering.

13. Remove Pet Hair Before Washing

Pets shed fur on clothes, cushions, and bedding. Use sticky rollers or brushes to remove hair before washing to prevent clogging the machine's filter.

14. Use Bleach Sparingly

If you choose to use bleach, dilute it properly to avoid stains. Keep in mind that frequent bleach use weakens fabrics over time.

15. Don’t Overuse Detergents

Follow the recommended detergent amounts indicated on packaging. Excess detergent can cause poor rinsing, sticky residue, and foam overflow.

By following these simple yet effective laundry tips, you can extend the life of your washing machine and keep your clothes looking their best.

Image Credit: Shutterstock/Fotodom.ru

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