How Much Detergent to Use
For each type of detergent, use the specific compartment in the detergent drawer of your washing machine. Check your machine’s manual. For front-loading machines, the compartments are located at the top of the front panel. For top-loading machines, they are integrated into the lid on the inside. Each compartment has its own designation.
Powder Detergent: Use one tablespoon of powder per 2 pounds of dirty laundry, placing it in the main wash compartment. The recommended dosage is also indicated on the detergent package.
Liquid Detergent: Pour it into the same compartment, but use a special container provided with the detergent. Typically, one capful is sufficient for one cycle. Adjust the quantity based on the degree of soiling, load size, and water hardness. Only use the maximum amount of detergent if these factors are high.
Capsules: Simply place a capsule deep in the drum and load laundry on top. If the capsule is placed incorrectly, it might not dissolve properly.
Important Note
Using too much detergent can leave white streaks on clothing, clog detergent compartments, and result in deposits inside the washing machine. Excessive detergent is harder to rinse, putting strain on the motor and pump, extending the wash cycle, and increasing the likelihood of breakdowns.
How Much Laundry to Load
Overloading the machine can cause clothes to clump together, reducing the spin cycle’s efficiency, preventing thorough washing, and leaving detergent residue. It also puts extra strain on the machine’s bearings, drive belt, and door seal, potentially causing leaks.
Underloading the machine (e.g., washing just one shirt) is also not recommended. An empty drum can lead to vibrations, negatively affecting the bearings and motor.
If your machine doesn’t have a load sensor, you can estimate based on the weight of dry laundry, remembering that wet laundry weighs 1–2 pounds more. Check your machine’s manual for specific load capacities. For example, mine specifies a maximum load of 3 pounds for wool and 6.5 pounds for synthetics.
Some modern machines feature “smart” weighing functions that automatically calculate the laundry weight and adjust the washing mode accordingly.
What to Do After Washing
Remove the Laundry Promptly: Leaving wet clothes in the drum for 2–3 hours is fine occasionally but should be avoided. If left for 24 hours, they will likely need rewashing due to a musty odor. Prolonged moisture exposure can also lead to mold on the seal.
Inspect the Drum and Seal: Loose threads, rhinestones, or socks can get caught in the rubber seal. Check carefully to ensure nothing is stuck after each cycle.
Dry the Machine: Wipe the drum and door seal with a clean, dry cloth, and leave the door open to air out the machine.
Clean the Detergent Drawer: Residual detergent can lead to mold growth. Rinse the drawer under hot water, scrub it gently with a brush, dry it thoroughly, and leave it open to prevent moisture buildup.
Wipe the Exterior: Remove dust and moisture from the machine’s surface to prevent rust formation.
When the Washing Machine is Not in Use
Unplug the Machine: This ensures safety, especially with children in the house. Water near electrical contacts can cause short circuits.
Turn Off the Water Supply: The water inlet valve is under constant pressure when left open, which can lead to leaks over time. Modern machines with “AquaStop” systems automatically cut off water in case of leaks, but turning off the valve is still recommended.
Additional Maintenance
Clean the Filters: The inlet filter removes impurities from water entering the machine. Clean it once or twice a year as per your machine’s manual. The drain filter prevents clogs in the pump, hose, and drainage system. It should be cleaned every two months. Items like coins, paper, and lint often get trapped here if the laundry wasn’t sorted properly.
Run a Service Wash: Once a month, run an empty cycle at 140–195 °F with a drum-cleaning agent containing sulfamic acid. This removes limescale, detergent residue, and bacteria.
Dealing with Odors
Identify the cause of the smell first:
Dirty Laundry: Avoid storing dirty clothes in the drum, as the warm, damp environment promotes bacterial growth.
Low-Temperature Washing: Washing at low temperatures does not kill all microorganisms, leading to odor buildup. Periodically run a hot wash cycle.
Detergent Residue: Excess detergent can accumulate and cause unpleasant odors. Always clean the detergent drawer.
Drain Blockage: Check and clean the drain filter and hose regularly.
Electrical Issues: If you smell burning plastic, unplug the machine immediately and contact a technician.
How to Eliminate Odors:
Service Wash: Run an empty cycle at high temperature with a drum-cleaning solution.
Home Remedies: Add 5–7 tablespoons of baking soda to the detergent drawer and run a 90 °F cycle. Follow this with another cycle using one tablespoon of 9% vinegar at 140 °F. Wipe and air out the machine afterward.
Key Tips to Remember
- Know your water hardness to determine the right detergent dosage.
- Prepare clothes for washing: sort them, check pockets, and fasten zippers. Leave buttons undone and remove excess dirt.
- Avoid overloading or underloading the machine.
- Choose appropriate wash cycles and periodically use high-temperature settings.
- Do not delay hanging wet laundry, as this promotes mold growth.
- Clean the machine after every use, including the detergent drawer.
- Regularly clean filters and run service washes to prevent buildup and extend the machine’s lifespan.
