A washing machine is one of the most useful and necessary household appliances in a modern home.
It saves time and effort, ensuring the cleanliness and freshness of your clothes. But in order for the washing machine to serve you long and reliably, you need to follow some rules for its operation and maintenance.
Otherwise, you risk damaging your expensive equipment and being left without the ability to wash.
In this article, we will tell you about the four most common mistakes that should not be made when using a washing machine.
Mistake #1: Overloading the drum
One of the most common reasons for washing machine breakdown is overloading the drum.
When you put too much laundry into one wash cycle, you create excess pressure on the motor, bearings, belt and other parts of the machine.
This leads to wear, overheating and deformation of these elements, as well as to deterioration in the quality of washing.
Additionally, an overloaded drum can cause the machine to become unbalanced, resulting in loud noise and vibration during the spin cycle. To avoid this, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the maximum load weight for your machine model and remember to weigh your laundry before washing.
Mistake #2: Using the wrong or too much powder
Another common mistake is using the wrong amount of detergent or too much detergent.
If you choose a detergent that is not suitable for the type of fabric, temperature or water hardness, you can ruin the color and texture of your laundry, as well as cause allergic reactions on your skin.
If you put too much powder in the detergent compartment, you risk clogging the filters and drain pipes of the machine, as well as forming a deposit on the drum and seals.
This can lead to an unpleasant smell in the machine and on the laundry, as well as a decrease in the effectiveness of the wash. To avoid this, follow the manufacturer's instructions for choosing and dosing the washing powder for your machine model and type of laundry.
Mistake #3: Not cleaning filters and compartments
Another mistake that can lead to a breakdown of the washing machine is infrequent or incorrect cleaning of filters and compartments.
Filters are designed to protect the machine from foreign objects such as coins, pins, buttons, etc. that may get into the drum along with the laundry. If you do not clean the filters regularly, they may become clogged and block the water drain from the machine.
This can cause water to overflow, flood the floor, and damage the machine's electronics. To avoid this, clean the filters after each wash or at least once a month.
The detergent and rinse aid compartments also need to be cleaned regularly. They can accumulate powder and conditioner residues that form dirt and mold.
This can cause an unpleasant smell in the machine and on the laundry, as well as worsening the dissolution of detergents in water. To avoid this, wipe the compartments with a dry cloth after each wash and rinse them with hot water with vinegar or citric acid once a week.
