9 washing mistakes that, in addition to deteriorating clothes, can also damage the washing machine itself

Using a washing machine may seem simple: just put your clothes in, add washing powder, choose a washing program and that’s it. However, this is a serious mistake. The device is quite delicate, and, for example, an inappropriate product or the wrong amount of it can cause a lot of unexpected problems, from damaged clothes to needing repairs.

We, from awesome.clubwe decided to reveal some of the most common mistakes that almost all of us make when washing clothes, without realizing their negative consequences.

At first glance, these capsules are very convenient as they are easy to use and store and consist of a perfectly measured dose of soap. However, exactly the last aspect hides some significant disadvantages. Each capsule is intended for at least an average machine load, which means that adding it to a small amount of laundry causes excessive chemical impact on both the laundry and the machine itself. The excess of these products inside the device can form an undesirable residue capable of damaging the pumps and the motor.

By closing the washing machine door immediately after removing the clothes, we leave the machine in a state of high humidity, which creates the ideal environment for mold and bacteria to grow inside. So, it’s best to remember to leave it ajar for 15 to 20 minutes or, even better, help it dry faster after use by wiping its inner surfaces with a cloth.

We must admit that washing powder is good at removing the most intense dirt, so it makes sense to use it in some cases. However, in others, liquid soap is much more appropriate, as, firstly, it is more suitable for pre-treating stains, and, secondly, it leaves less traces on clothes. In addition, liquid soap, thanks to its better dissolution, is safer for the washing machine itself than powdered soap, which can clog the system.

Adding soap directly into the drum (especially in the case of washing powder) is not a good idea, as any machine is designed to release the product at the right time, and if this sequence is not respected, the powder may simply not dissolve. As a result, the laundry will not be rinsed completely, showing stains and white traces of the product.

The benefits of using fabric softeners are just the smell and softness they impart to clothes. However, fabric softener does not help wash the parts better. On the contrary, technically “dirty” your clothes again, only with chemicals. In addition, the product can “dirty” the machine itself, because due to its specific composition, it favors the growth of mold and can clog the machine and the pipes.

Above we already mentioned the effects of excessive amount of soap on clothes. However, this does not mean that by using little product we do our clothes a “favour”. On the contrary, a small amount will simply not wash the parts properly. Thus, we will need to wash them more often, which in turn will end up shortening their useful life.

If you have pets at home, it’s normal for their clothes to end up covered in fur. But putting parts in the machine in this state is not a good idea, as this can cause serious damage to the machine. The fact is that during washing, hairs form tufts, which at the end of the cycle can clog the drain holes and even the pump, and spoil the washing machine. Therefore, it is better to spend a few minutes to clean the clothes with an adhesive roller before washing to avoid such hassle and repair expense.

It bears repeating that moisture creates a perfect environment for mold to grow. Therefore, it is better to resist the temptation to throw damp towels or sweaty gym clothes directly into the hamper or into the machine, waiting for the next wash. If you’re not going to wash them soon, find time to hang the pieces out to dry. In this way, you will avoid the emergence of unpleasant odors and will not deteriorate your clothes.

Undoubtedly, fabric softeners are very popular, which is why they are used by almost everyone. However, few people know that there are woolen dryer balls. And this is extremely unfair, as they lack all the disadvantages of a fabric softener: they do not cause clogging of the appliance or allergies, and they do not reduce the absorbency of fabrics. By the way, a quality set of these balls serves 1,000 machine loads, drying and softening clothes, as well as removing static electricity from items.

What other popular laundry-related mistakes would you include on this list? Tell us in the comments!