How To Get More From Your Washer And Dryer
Written on: June 14, 2021
Your washer and dryer work hard to keep your clothes clean – but there are things that you can do to make them work a little less hard with the same great results.
Here are six things you can do to keep your washer and dryer running in top form:
Washing Machine Tips
- Take steps to prevent mold and mildew – Mildew is the enemy of a clean wash! Take steps to prevent it: remove finished loads immediately after washing and leaving the washer door ajar when the machine is empty to avoid mildew and mold formation. Clean out the washer door’s rubber seal periodically with water and vinegar – trapped hair and fabric can also encourage mold and mildew build up.
- Clean your machine – If your washer doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle, pour distilled white vinegar instead of laundry detergent into the dispenser and add a cup of baking soda to the drum about once every month, running the machine on its hottest cycle. This will neutralize pH in the machine and scrub the interior.
- Check your hoses – Regularly check your washing machine’s water hoses for signs of wear or weakness. If you find cracks or blistering, replace the hose; damaged hoses can leak or burst, causing flood damage. Replace hoses every five years or so.
Dryer Tips
- Keep the vent hose as short as possible – Shortening your dryer’s vent hose can reduce drying times by 20 percent or more, cutting down energy use and saving you time and money.
- Pre-dry loads – Drying clothes on an indoor drying rack can cut drying time by 25 percent or more. If you don’t like air-dry stiffness, just put your clothes in the dryer for with a dryer sheet for 2-3 minutes to soften them.
- Use a dry towel – If you need to dry wet clothes fast, toss in a clean, dry cotton towel with your load. The towel will soak up moisture, speeding your dry time.
Time to upgrade your washer, dryer, or any other home appliance? We can help. Ace-Robbins features dozens of options from top brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid and more. To learn more, check out our appliances page, or visit us at our Tunkhannock. PA showroom!
