Do you know what the number one cause of washer and dryer repairs is? Bad habits! If you’re not careful, you could be doing some serious damage to your machines without even realizing it. In this blog post, Atlantic Coast Appliance will discuss some of the most common bad habits that people engage in that can damage their washer and dryer. We’ll also provide tips on how to avoid these mistakes and keep your appliances running smoothly for years to come!
Overloading the Machines
One of the most common bad habits is overloading the machines. While it may seem like you’re saving time by cramming more clothes into the washer or dryer, this can actually put a lot of strain on the machines and lead to problems down the road. Additionally, throwing as many clothes as possible into the washer will result in clothes that aren’t fully cleaned after a cycle since the detergent and water won’t be able to fully circulate. The same goes for the dryer. If your dryer is packed tight, your clothes won’t be fully dried because there isn’t enough room for the hot air to circulate.
Using Excessive Dryer Sheets
Another mistake people make is using excessive dryer sheets. Dryer sheets are great for reducing static and adding a fresh scent to your clothes, but using too many can leave a film on your clothes that is difficult to remove. If you use dryer sheets regularly, make sure you are cleaning the lint trap thoroughly to prevent any issues.
Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer
You should always try to remove your clothes from the washer as soon as the wash cycle ends to prevent mold or mildew in your machine. Additionally, everyone knows about the yucky smell wet clothes can have if they aren’t dried right away, so it’s best to put your clothes in the washer immediately or hang dry your delicates. Either way, make sure your clothes are removed from the washing machine once the cycle is over.
Using too Much Detergent
The more detergent, the cleaner the clothes, right? Wrong! Using too much detergent can actually have the opposite effect because it can leave behind residue that can lead to fabric damage and color fading. It can also cause irritation for people with sensitive skin.
You Forget to Empty Your Pockets
We’ve all accidentally left some loose change or gum wrappers in our pockets, but make sure you empty your pockets before washing your clothes. Items like coins, gum wrappers, and tissues can damage the inside of your machines.
Mixing Different Materials
If you’re the type of person who throws everything in the washer at the same time, now is the time to stop. For example, things like towels and sheets should be washed separately from t-shirts due to the difference in materials. Washing machines are more effective when they are cleaning items of similar weight. Since towels are heavier than lighter cotton clothing, the washing machine’s balance can be thrown off if they are washed together.
Not Cleaning the Lint Trap
Finally, one of the most important things you can do to keep your washer and dryer running smoothly is to clean the lint trap after each use. Lint build-up is one of the leading causes of appliance fires, so it’s important to remove it from the machine after each use.
If you’re in the habit of doing any of the above, it could be slowly damaging your washer or dryer. At Atlantic Coast Appliance, we’re here to help repair any and all issues with your washers and dryers. If you’ve noticed that there’s been some issues every time you do your laundry, let us know! All you have to do is give us a call at (904) 906-3595 or fill out our online contact form to speak with one of our team members.