These 12 Laundry Mistakes Are Actually Ruining Your Washer and Dryer

Our washer and dryer are some of the most used appliances in the home. Although many of us try to put off doing laundry for as long as possible, we eventually need clean clothes.

Did you know there are some common everyday mistakes you might be making that will shorten the life span of our washing machine and dryer? Using too much detergent and not cleaning the machines on a regular basis could be a recipe for disaster.

These 12 laundry mistakes can damage your machines resulting in big bucks to fix them or even have to replace them.

Too Much Detergent

There’s a reason that detergent bottles offer a guide to the amount you should use, usually on the lid. Using too much detergent can create a foamy substance which can block the drainage system and lead to buildup inside the machine.

This buildup can cause your machine not to run properly; you might also begin to notice unpleasant odors. It’s best to stick to the recommended amount of detergent to prevent damage to your washing machine.

Overloading the Washer

Have you ever been startled by a loud banging sound from your washer? Chances are it’s due to overloading it with too many clothes. When you stuff too many items in the wash it can’t spin properly and will come off balance.

It can also cause strain on parts like the belt and bearings, which can be costly to replace. To avoid this, make sure you leave space and not force clothes into the machine.

Overloading the Dryer

Just like overloading the washer can damage it, putting too many clothes or bulky items in your dryer can damage it as well.  When the dryer is too full, air can’t circulate properly, and as a result, clothes can’t dry evenly.

This forces the dryer to work overtime, putting extra strain on its motor and drum. If you continually overload it, it may break down over time, so to keep it in good shape avoid adding too many times at once.

Using Dryer Sheets

I’ve always used dryer sheets and just recently found out that they can cause damage to your dryer. The same residue that softens your clothes can build up in your dryer’s lint filter, clogging it and reducing air circulation.

When your dryer has poor air circulation it causes it to work harder and can potentially overheat. This can also be dangerous and lead to fires. Consider using a dryer ball for a safer choice. I just bought one and it works great!

Not Emptying Pockets

These types of items can cause damage to the drum and leave scratches. Loose items can get stuck in the pipes causing costly repairs. Kleenex or change left in pockets can clog up the drain. Be sure to empty all pockets before starting your wash cycle.

Adding Liquid Fabric Softener

Although adding liquid fabric softener to our washing cycle might make our clothes feel nice and soft, it’s not doing our machine any favors. It can cause a buildup of thick residue which can end up clogging our drains and pipes.

If it’s not cleaned properly it can grow mold inside your machine. To avoid these issues, skip the fabric softener and use distilled white vinegar instead. Just add ¼ cup of vinegar to the final rinse cycle for soft laundry without the risk of damaging your machine.

Not Cleaning Them Regularly

It’s important to stay on top of cleaning your washing machine regularly. Mold and mildew can grow inside the machine, posing health risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory problems.

Laundry detergent residue and hard water buildup can affect how well your machine operates. Cleaning it regularly can prolong its lifespan and make sure your clothes come out fresh and clean with each wash.

Not Cleaning the Lint Filter

If you don’t clean out the dryer’s lint trap, it could lead to serious damage. When lint builds up, it blocks airflow, making the dryer work harder and longer to dry your clothes. This extra strain on the motor and heating elements can cause damage, resulting in expensive repairs.

Even worse, a clogged lint trap increases the risk of overheating, which could cause a fire. To keep not only your dryer safe but your home as well make sure to clean the lint trap after every use.

Leaving Button Shirts Undone

Making sure all your buttons are done up on your shirts or even pants is not only important to protect the clothing item but also the washer.

Buttons can become loose if unbuttoned, causing them to fall off. They could get stuck in the machine’s drum which can ultimately lead to damage and costly repairs. A simple fix is to take a few minutes to button all clothing items.

Leaving Zippers Unzipped

Similar to buttons becoming loose if left undone, zippers can also damage the washer if left unzipped.

The zipper might fall off and scratch the inside of your machine or get stuck in the drum. It can even clog the pipes. Take a few seconds to make sure all zippers are done up before starting your load.

Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer

Ever do a load of laundry and then go to bed forgetting it’s in there? Unfortunately, this can lead to mold and mildew growth inside the machine.

Not only will you be left with unpleasant odors, but excess moisture could potentially lead to rust and corrosion of the metal parts, shortening the lifespan of your washer. To keep your machine in good condition, always remove wet clothes promptly after the cycle ends.

Balancing Your Washer Correctly

An unbalanced machine can vibrate excessively during the spin cycle, putting strain on the motor, drum, and other internal components.

You might find yourself shelling out a lot of money to fix your machine, not to mention it could cause damage to your floors as well. It’s important to make sure the floor in your laundry room is level so the machine can operate smoothly.