Washing Machine Mistakes Experts Say Could Be Cutting Lifespan Short
Your washing machine works hard — don’t make it work harder.
If you are one of the lucky ones to own your own washing machine, you know that making your machine last for as long as you can is a priority. Washing machines can cost you hundreds of dollars, and that’s not including installation fees. If you own a washing machine, your best bet is to make it last longer. In fact, washing machines can last anywhere between 8 and 15 years, with 10 years being the average. But there are definitely certain washing machine mistakes that can put your unit at risk.
We spoke to Good Housekeeping cleaning and home care expert Noah Pinsonnault on sneaky washing machine mistakes that may be reducing your unit’s lifespan. From washing the wrong clothing items to forgetting to clean your machine regularly, here’s what’s hurting your in-unit washer, and how to avoid these mistakes in the future. Why spring for a new, pricey washing machine every few years when you can make the one you love last for a decade?
Overloading the machine
Pinsonnault says overloading the machine is one of the biggest mistakes people can make. “The machine really should not be more than ¾ full,” he says. “It puts extra strain on the motor and drum and can lead to uneven wear over time.”
Pinsonnault also went on to add that overloading the machine has even more consequences; it reduces the machine’s cleaning performance, as the clothes don’t have enough room to move around.
RELATED:How Full a Washer Should Be
Not cleaning the washer regularly
Whether you have a front-load washing machine or a top-load washing machine, you need to make sure to clean your washer regularly. “Front-loaders in particular can develop mold and odor if the gasket and detergent drawer are not maintained,” says Pinsonnault.
Whether or not your washing machine comes with a cleaning cycle feature, there are a few ways to keep your washing machine clean — apart from taking your clothes out immediately — and here’s every GH tip on how to clean your washer. Ideally, make sure to clean your washing machine at least once a month or, if you wash more regularly, every 30 loads.
Leaving wet clothes sitting in the drum for long periods
Leaving wet clothes in the machine can trap moisture and contribute to mildew and internal wear, according to Pinsonnault.
Make sure to remove your wet clothes as soon as you can after the cycle is over. I live in a building with a shared laundry room, and another big issue is how bad these machines start to smell. Your clothes themselves will smell musty, too.
Skipping routine maintenance
Pinsonnault recommends routine maintenance for your machine, which includes checking the hoses and looking for buildup. You can get your washing machine serviced every one to two years, depending on how much you use it. Simple things you can do yourself to extend your washing machine’s lifespan? Clean the detergent drawer and make sure to wipe down the rubber seal as well.
Washing items that are too heavy or unbalanced
Anything too heavy or unbalanced (think soaked rugs) can mess with the suspension system of your washing machine, according to Pinsonnault. Essentially, this happens because items like these cause heavy vibrations.
You should try to handwash items like large rugs if you can, or get them professionally cleaned. I’ve extended my larger rug’s life by spot cleaning and vacuuming over the past few years. Just remember, if you’re struggling to fit something in your washing machine, you probably shouldn’t be washing it in there.
Washing items with chains or oversized zippers
“Excessively large and heavy items like large rugs can damage the machine, as can anything with large buckles, chains or oversize zippers,” says Pinsonnault.
I’ve made the mistake of washing bikinis with chains and seen the scratches it’s left in my machine. Another thing you want to be careful of? Shoes. “While tennis shoes can be washed inside a mesh bag on the delicates cycle, chunkier shoes and boots should be handwashed,” adds Pinsonnault.
RELATED:Washing Machine Cycles Laundry Experts Say You Shouldn’t Ignore
Using too much detergent
“The right amount of detergent is usually 2 tablespoons or less,” says Pinsonnault. “Most detergents have lines on the cap indicating the correct amount of detergent to use based on load size and soil level.”
You’ll rarely need a full cap of detergent, he says. If you do end up using too much detergent per load, you might have a buildup of mold and odor over time, which will hurt your machine in the long run.
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