Washing Machine Cleaning: Avoid These Common Mistakes and Save Hundreds of Euros

Washing Machine Cleaning: Avoid These Common Mistakes and Save Hundreds of Euros Maintaining a washing machine ensures fresh and clean laundry, but almost no one spends time on it. If you don’t do this regularly, it can cause unpleasant odors and malfunctions. We will share some practical tips to avoid this and keep your washing machine functioning optimally. 4 Most Common Mistakes That Damage Your Washing Machine These are the common mistakes that can cause damage to your washing machine and how to avoid them. 1. Using Too Much Detergent Can you use too much detergent? Many think that more detergent means cleaner laundry, but this is not true. It can lead to excess foam, which may block the washing machine’s water drainage. This damages the washing machine pump and also results in wash cycles where soap residues remain on your clothes. Excess detergent can cause unpleasant odors in your washing machine. Modern washing machines are designed to work well with little detergent, so always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging. 2. Fabric Softener Fabric softener is used to make your clothes softer and smell nice, but it can be bad for your washing machine. It leaves a greasy layer on your clothes and inside the washing machine. This leads to bacterial buildup that causes a smelly washing machine and musty clothes. Besides shortening the lifespan of your washing machine, it can sometimes also cause skin irritations. If you use fabric softener, it is wise to use it sparingly or even switch to an alternative, such as scent pearls. 3. Washing Small Clothes Without a Laundry Bag Small clothes can get stuck in the drum, door seal, or drainage system if you throw them loose into the washing machine. This can be harmful not only to your clothes but also to the machine. By washing small items like underwear and socks in a laundry bag, you avoid costly repairs. 4. Overloading the Washing Machine You might think you save time by fully loading your washing machine, but this can overload the motor and shorten its lifespan. Moreover, your clothes will not get properly clean because water and detergent cannot circulate well through the fabrics. To keep your washing machine working well, fill the drum up to three-quarters for cotton, half full for synthetic fabrics, and one-third for wool. Leave enough space so water and detergent can circulate properly; a fist should still fit on top of the laundry. 5 Tips for Maintaining a Washing Machine 1. Clean the Drum Regularly Run your washing machine at least once a month at a high temperature (at least 60°C) without laundry. Add a cup of natural vinegar to the drum or detergent drawer. Vinegar dissolves soap residues and kills bacteria and mold, keeping your washing machine fresh, clean, and lasting longer. 2. Maintain the Rubber Door Seal The rubber door seal is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria if not properly maintained. After each wash, dry the rubber edge with a clean cloth. Regularly check for dirt, mold, or soap residues and clean the edge thoroughly with a mixture of water and vinegar. Doing this regularly prevents mold buildup and keeps the washing machine clean. 3. Clean the Filter A clogged filter in your washing machine can lead to poor performance, reduced water drainage, and eventually damage to the machine. Clean the filter at least four times a year, or more often if you notice your washing machine is not working well or if there is an unpleasant odor. Cleaning the filter is simple: open the flap, remove the filter, and rinse it thoroughly under warm water. Remove all remaining dirt and put the filter back. This ensures your washing machine continues to work optimally and prevents costly repairs. In this video from the Consumers’ Association you can see how to remove the filter from the washing machine: https://youtu.be/FUrQPkwZy5U?si=dqRXOok4CoRXWrhu&t=122 4. Use White Vinegar for Cleaning White vinegar is an inexpensive and eco-friendly cleaning agent that effectively removes limescale and soap residues while keeping your washing machine fresh and neutralizing odors. Every few weeks, add a cup of white vinegar to the detergent drawer or directly into the drum and run the machine on a hot cycle without laundry. This will not only clean the drum but also descale the pipes and pump of the washing machine. For a deeper clean, you can combine vinegar with baking soda, which creates a powerful reaction that loosens stubborn dirt. 5. Leave the Door Open After Washing A simple way to keep your washing machine dry and mold-free is to leave the door open after each wash. This allows moist air to escape and prevents the formation of mold and bacteria. Still Have Musty Laundry? Avoid These Common Mistakes in Washing Machine Maintenance Too Using the Wrong Detergents A common mistake is using unsuitable detergents, such as hand wash detergents, in the washing machine. These can clog the drum and pump due to excessive foam, causing damage to the machine. Some products also contain chemicals that damage rubber parts. Always use detergents suitable for washing machines and follow the recommended dosage. Leaving Laundry in the Machine Too Long If you leave wet laundry in the washing machine for too long, mold and bacteria can quickly grow, causing unpleasant odors and black mold spots that are difficult to remove. To prevent this, remove the laundry promptly after the cycle ends.