Refer to this list before you do your laundry again.
However, some of your regular laundry habits may be damaging the lifespan of your washer and dryer.
So, we put together a list of bad habits and explained how they could be hurting your appliances.
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Here’s exactly what you should avoid the next time you do thelaundry.
Excess detergent or fabric softener leaves a build-up in the washer that deteriorates seals and gaskets.
The excess also traps dirt and body soil which are the perfect food formold and mildewgrowth.
Never Cleaning a Washing Machine
When was the last time youcleaned your washer?
He suggests using wool dryer balls instead.
The dryer lint filter should be emptied after every laundry load.
Even a thin coating of lint puts more stress on the dryer.
The metal or plastic connector and the outside vent can become clogged with damp lint and debris.
Petrino adds that clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires in the United States.
The dryer vent system should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.
The water in the hoses is under pressure at all times unless you turn off the water valve.
Pressure can cause weaknesses that rupture, especially in plastic or rubber lines.
Turn off the water valve, disconnect the lines, and drain them into a bucket.
Inspect for cracks and flush out any debris to protect the water pump system in your washer.
Petrino adds that overloading the dryer can reduce airflow and cause the dryer to overheat.
Not Providing Ventilation
Washers and dryer motors generate heat while they operate.
Proper ventilation around every side of the appliances is essential to prevent the strain of overheating motors.
This is especially important in basements and older homes with unlevel floors.
Balanced washers and dryers are safer, less noisy, and offer better performance.
Petrino recommends keeping the door or lid open after every washer cycle until the excess moisture evaporates.
