Take good care of your washing machine with these simple do’s and don’ts

Strapline: Ways to use your washing machine safely

Washing machines are electronic appliances that wash clothes, and to keep them working properly, you must know what to do and what not to do. Here are some do’s and don’ts when using a washing machine. Follow these simple steps to extend the lifespan of your clothes and keep them fresh.

Things you should do:

1. Separate the colours

If the clothes for washing have multiple colours, you must separate the dark from the light ones, along with the whites from the delicate. If the clothes are not well separated, then there’s a chance of having colour stains. Another important thing is to wash off any existing stains present on the clothes beforehand.

2. Check the labels

Some clothes have a specific method and instructions to be followed while washing, hence always ensure to check the labels on your clothes.

3. Check your pockets

People tend to forget things in their pockets, hence it’s a good practice to check your clothes.

4. Clean the lint filter

The lint filter should be cleaned after every wash. This will prevent any clogging and improve the washing machine’s performance.

5. Using the right amount of detergent

Always ensure to pour the right amount of detergent while washing. Pouring excess detergent can damage your clothes.

6. Keep the washing machine’s lid open after use

Once you are done with the washing, keep the machine’s lid open to prevent any foul smell and the growth of moulds.

Things you should not do:

1. Usage of strong bleach or chemicals

Use detergent soaps or any washing machine powder which is appropriate. Adding bleach or chemicals can damage your washing machine’s performance.

2. Adding Fabric conditioners directly

This action might cause stains to appear on the clothes. Rather, pour fabric conditioners in the designated compartment present in the washing machine. The top load and main load washing machines have designated containers for pouring the fabric conditioner.

3. Overloading the washing machine

Overloading your washing machine with all your clothes reduces the movement of the clothes in the machine, thus hampering the machine’s performance. Choose your washing machine properly depending on the load of clothes by selecting the appropriate instruction.

4. Putting too much soap

Adding more soap, water, or detergent will not make your clothes any cleaner and may leave behind stains. Always remember to read the labels on the detergent bottles to have an idea of how much to pour.

5. Try to repair or fix anything.

If you have any experience fixing appliances, you can make any simple adjustments to the washing machine by reading the instruction manual. However, if there are any comprehensive and complicated repairs, always call and seek professional help, rather than fixing yourself.

Safety tips

• Always unplug your washing machinebefore you start cleaning the machine.
• Before you open the door, ensure the water has been drained.
• The glass door can become very hot during the wash, so be careful.
• If you notice any damages in the power supply plug, repair it immediately to avoid anything dangerous.
• Make sure you are repairing your machine only at authorised places having genuine spare parts.
• Do not let young children operate the machine.
• Do not use processed water. This can damage the interiors of the machine and cause leaks.

Like all other appliances, you must take good care of washing machines too. Your life becomes much easier once you understand the basic dos and don’ts of using a washing machine. It will improve the performance and lifespan of your machine, helping you save money on repairs. Don’t forget the drain pump. Check at least once a month and clear out all the dirt and to maintain good health of your machine.

Drain pumps are usually a house to budding bacteria and may cause severe infections. Hence to ensure your safety, having a monthly check keeps you safe. Follow all the rules and guidelines mentioned in the manufacturer’s manual to avoid any problems and for any additional assistance, seek help from a professional. By doing all these little things, you can ensure that your appliance is always in good condition.