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Reasons Your Washing Machine Won’t Spin and What to Do About It

Washing machines could not be simpler to use. Simply load your soiled clothing, add detergent, and start the machine. After a few hours, you’ll have clean and fresh laundry ready for clothes dryers.

While this is the case, things become more complicated if something prevents your washing machine from spinning. You end up with a sopping wet ball of clothes that you must either run through another separate spin cycle (after adjusting the load) or, if that fails, wring out and dry yourself, which is time-consuming.

A failed spin cycle can be inconvenient, and even the best washing machines can be affected. If this is a recurring issue for you, appliance repair professionals report that it can be brought about by several reasons causing your washing machine not to spin. Here are some of these reasons and tips on how to solve the problem once and for all.

Overloading the machine

It’s easy to get into the habit of cramming everything into your washing machine. After all, the fewer cycles you run, the more energy and water you save.

While this is correct, overloading your washing machine may cause the load to wash less efficiently because the garments will not agitate as quickly, and the detergent will not penetrate or apply itself evenly.

The solution is simple: don’t overload your washing machine. You can tell whether you’re doing it by how much you shove and stuff things in. Only fill it to make the best use of the available area and to ensure a complete and regulated spin cycle.

When loading the machine, remember that some cycles, such as the rapid wash setting, also have a limited capacity, so keep this in mind at all times.  

Unevenly loading the machine.

Depending on what you’re washing, you might not fill the machine but still create an uneven load. This is frequent when washing heavy objects such as pillows or tiny duvets.

Since these are saturated and weighed down during the wash cycle, any gaps in the drum become more noticeable.

The weight is thrown across the drum while the machine tries to gain speed to spin. In such cases, the sensors will normally kick in and prevent it from spinning for the abovementioned reasons.

To remedy the issue, you need to balance out the weight distribution. This can be accomplished by piling two pillows at once or padding the weight with towels. This will allow the machine to safely reach the appropriate spin speed without tossing itself around.

While this is an effective solution, ensure the bedding you’re washing is machine-safe. Certain pillows, such as memory foam, are not suited, and delicate bedding may require dry washing.

If you wash your pillows in the washing machine, completely dry them afterward, fluffing them frequently in a well-ventilated area.

Running an imbalanced machine

Another reason your washing machine isn’t spinning is because it’s not leveled properly. If the feet are not evenly balanced on the floor, the weight will be rotated in the drum, generating a lot of noise.

Leaning on the top of the appliance and moving your weight around will reveal whether this is the case. In the absence of that, a spirit level can assist in determining where the appliance is uneven. In such cases, the sensors will once again inhibit the spin cycle.

Adjust the feet to the proper height to level an uneven washing machine. To begin, unhook the appliance and carefully remove it from its location.

This allows you to inspect the floor’s condition; if it’s damaged in any manner, you’ll need to repair it. Depending on access, you may need to adjust the feet here, but otherwise, you may push it back into place with a helping hand and adjust it from there. 

The directions for adjusting the feet will be in the handbook, but the standard procedure is to loosen the lock nuts on each foot using a wrench and then rotate the required bolts to increase or decrease the height.

When satisfied, check the balance as you modify and tighten the nuts. This should resolve the issue, but if you need more confidence about adjusting the feet, you can always get a professional to help.

Using too much detergent

Many people have the impression that using too much detergent is harmless. Many believe it increases cleaning performance, but this is not true. Too much detergent makes rinsing garments more difficult, resulting in residual soap. This results in a “scrunchy” texture that is more likely to cause allergy reactions.

Clothes will also not agitate as effectively in the washing machine. You should remember that too many suds prevent a good wash by cushioning the clothes from rubbing against one another.

Too much detergent can cause issues with the spin cycle on front-loading washing machines. This is due to the fact that it produces excessive suds, which confuse the sensors if not thoroughly washed away.

The washing machine will believe it is fuller than it is, affecting the spin cycle speed. It may even pause to remove the suds, resulting in delays or problems. At best, this results in a less efficient spin cycle and clothing that is too moist and soapy.

To stay safe, use a suitable HE (high efficiency) washing detergent to avoid this issue. Such detergents will not produce excessive suds but follow the dosage instructions.

Damaged drive belt

The drive belt in your washing machine is what rotates the drum. So, if it’s stopped spinning, there could also be an issue here. By manually turning the empty drum of your washing machine, you may examine the condition of the drive belt. If it spins smoothly with little effort, the drive belt has likely been misplaced or snapped entirely.

Check the drive belt on some machines by unplugging the machine and removing the front or rear panel – your manual should provide instructions. You should be able to see if it’s come loose or broken and has to be replaced.

In either case, you should get the help of a washer repair Fairfax professional to handle the replacement. Some machines may need to be propped up or even flipped over to gain access to this part, which can be dangerous, and you must use the correct part for the exact model and fit it correctly, which a professional can assist with.

Tips to Saving Energy with Your Washing Machine

With rising energy costs, considering energy-efficient solutions when choosing home appliances, including washing machines, is becoming increasingly vital. If you already own the appliances, there are several tips you can put into place to ensure that your appliance consumes as little energy as possible.

Some of the tips given by appliance repair professionals you can put into place include:

Choose the right washing machine.

Choosing an energy-efficient washing machine is critical because it will result in lower energy bills. Before you head to the stores, take time to understand the energy efficiency rating because it indicates the appliance’s energy and water usage, which will be reflected in your bill.

The amount of energy consumed by a washing machine every cycle is indicated by its energy efficiency rating. The water usage is displayed on the energy label based on an average of 220 cycles per year for the Eco 40-60 cycle, a pre-programmed wash setting on the machine.

The energy efficiency rating system considers the energy used in a cycle, the capacity of the drum, and the amount of electricity used.

The label also shows the average power consumption, and the yellow EnergyGuide badge, which shows the expected annual operating cost. You should consider these aspects when choosing an energy-efficient washing machine because they will assist in saving energy and lower power bills.

When shopping for a washing machine, pay attention to the type you want. Two major types of machines you can buy are top and front-loading.

When choosing a washing machine, it is critical to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both types. Front-loading washing machines use less water and power, produce better cleaning outcomes, and cause less fabric damage. The downside is that they are more expensive and require more maintenance.

On the other hand, top-loading washing machines are faster and more ergonomic, although they may use more detergent and be less energy efficient.

You should analyze both models and choose the one that best meets your requirements.

Optimize your wash settings.

Adjusting the washing settings of your appliance is critical for lowering energy usage and saving money on utility costs.

You should be cautious of the load size that you put in your appliance.

Reducing the loads and the amount of water used can help save energy significantly. You should decide on the best load size for a washing machine by reviewing the manufacturer’s manual. While this is the case, always ensure you fill the washer.

When loading your appliance, you should note that limiting the frequency with which garments are washed can significantly impact energy usage. Thankfully, you can implement measures to reduce this, including wearing clothing more than once before washing and only washing filthy items.

Choosing a proper wash cycle can be beneficial in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings, as well as ensuring garment longevity. A cold cycle is the most energy-efficient washing cycle that you can go for, with savings of up to 80% in energy use and cost.

When choosing a wash cycle, consider the type of clothes and the degree of soiling. It is also a good idea to reference the care label on the garment for particular recommendations.

You can use strategies to increase the efficiency of the wash cycle by washing full loads, using high-efficiency detergents, and avoiding excessive amounts of detergent.

The temperature of the water is critical to the efficacy of detergent and its ability to remove stains and bacteria from clothing. Water heating is expected to consume up to 90% of the energy in a hot water wash cycle. This represents a considerable portion of total energy expenditure.

As a result, it is recommended that you use cold water for the bulk of washing cycles, as this is the most energy-efficient alternative. If you prefer to wash in hot water, update to an energy-efficient, front-loading washing machine.

Other ways to keep the washing machine clean include:

  • Wiping down the drum and door gasket after each use.
  • Leaving the door open to allow air circulation and drying.
  • Running a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner at least once a month.

Keep your appliance in top shape.

Of course, you should take good care of your washing machine so that it functions optimally and lasts for a long time.

You should clean your washing machine regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grime, and bacteria, which can cause unpleasant odors and even damage the machine.

Running an empty cycle on hot with two cups of white vinegar instead of detergent is one of the most effective ways to clean the washing machine.

To remove difficult stains or sludge, use a bleach-based mold cleanser or a nylon brush and vinegar to scrape the interior of the wash drum.

Other precautions include:

  • Wiping down the door and gasket after each use.
  • Leaving the door open between washes.
  • Using high-efficiency detergents.

Another way to ensure that your appliance is always in top working condition is by regularly inspecting and replacing worn-out parts. You should inspect the drive belt, rubber door gasket, and counterbalance springs and change them as the manufacturer directs.

Always unplug the washing machine and remove the back panel to inspect and replace the drive belt. Similarly, unplug the washing machine and open the door to inspect and replace the rubber door gasket.

Unplug the washing machine and remove the front panel to inspect and replace the balancing springs.

You can do the inspection and replacement independently, or you can hire washer repair Northern VA professionals to help.

Many people wait until their appliances develop problems to pay attention to them. This isn’t good. The best way out is to schedule yearly inspections even if your appliance functions optimally.

When your appliance develops problems, regardless of how minor they are, don’t hesitate to fix them, hoping they will go away. Instead, move with haste and fix them before they worsen.

Dos and Don’ts of Washing Machine?

How you handle your washing machine comes in handy in determining its durability and effectiveness. Have you just started using the machine? Here are a few dos and don’ts you should be aware of as given by washer repair professionals:

Do ensure the washing machine is level

One of the important things you need to do is to ensure that the machine is installed correctly. This calls for you to ensure that the machine is on level ground. Remember that if your machine isn’t balanced, it will regularly develop problems with the spin cycle.

You will also have problems if the machine isn’t correctly installed. For example, if your machine is poorly installed and the waste hose is too high or too low, it won’t function as well as it should.

When the machine is improperly installed, you have a problem maintaining pressure in the pipes. When the pressure is too low, there is the risk of flooding, which can turn the machine off. The pump might not get strong enough to push the water out when the pressure is too high.

For your unit to function correctly, you need to install it properly. Thankfully, most machines come with instruction manuals that guide you on how to install the machine properly. Follow the manual and install the machine, but if you have a problem doing it, let a professional help you.

Do consider the capacity of the machine.

When loading the machine, pay close attention to the machine’s capacity. As a rule of thumb, don’t simply stuff the drum, as this puts too much pressure on the bearings, suspension, motor, and other parts of the unit, triggering the unit to wear out.

Overloading the machine also reduces the quality of the wash.

To stay safe, pay attention to your machine’s maximum capacity and do not overstuff it.

If you have a top loader, ensure that you balance your load. This is because having the weight on one side increases the chances of the machine getting damaged as it spins.

If the situation doesn’t allow it and you have to run an unbalanced load, take care and reduce the spin speed to reduce the chances of breakages.

Do empty your pockets and clean the filters.

Emptying the pockets before putting the clothes in the washing machine might sound obvious, but you will be shocked by the number of people that forget to do it.

Besides coins and other metals getting into the drum and damaging it, there is the risk of different types of debris, such as papers and cloth fibers, getting into the pipework and damaging the various components.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, always empty your pockets before you place the clothes in the washing machine.

If you regularly forget to empty your pockets, remember to clean the filters. Thankfully, most washers come with well-detailed manuals. You should read the manual and find a way to access the filters and clean them properly.

Don’t use too much detergent.

You might argue that using more than usual detergent will get your clothes cleaner, but this isn’t the case. It has been shown that using too much detergent than usual leaves residues on your clothing; hence you don’t have clean clothes at the end of the cycle.

To easily keep your clothes clean, use the right amount of detergent. If you aren’t sure about the right one to go for, get a guide from the manual.

Don’t leave wet clothes in the washing machine for a long time

Some people wash their clothes and then forget them in the washing machine. This is wrong as the moisture from the wet clothes leads to a buildup of mold in your washing machine’s drum and even sometimes on your clothes.

When washing your clothes, it’s good that you concentrate on them. This calls for you to focus on cleaning the clothes and only get to other activities once you are done.

When you finish washing the clothes, appliance repair Alexandria professionals recommend you remove the clothes from the washer as soon as possible after you complete the rinse cycle. You should then leave the clothes to dry outside naturally.

Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

Have you noticed a rotten egg smell coming out of your washing machine, and you are wondering why this is the case? The smell is brought about by several factors that include:

Dirty washing machine

When was the last time you cleaned your washing machine? If it has been long, the smell might result from a dirty appliance. According to appliance repair professionals, the best way to get rid of this smell is to simply clean the appliance and, in the process, get rid of mold, mildew, and grime that might have built up there.

To clean the washing machine, begin with opening the machine door and then set the unit to the hottest and largest load capacity.

Once the water begins to fill up, add one quart of bleach (about 4 cups) to the water inside the washing machine.

When the water fills up the washer, close the lid and turn it on to a long spin cycle. When the cycle ends, leave the machine for about one hour before turning it back on, and then put it on a standard wash cycle.

When the wash cycle ends, turn it to the hottest setting and largest capacity again, and then add 3 cups of white vinegar and a ½-cup of baking soda.

Once the washer is full, close the lid and turn it on to a long spin cycle again. Open the lid and wipe the washing machine out with a clean cloth when the cycle ends.

Finally, leave the washing machine lid open and let it dry out for a few hours before using it again.

Something is stuck in the door seal.

Washing machines have a large rubber door seal that goes around the door to stop water from getting out of the washing machine during a cycle.

Sometimes a piece of clothing such as a sock gets stuck inside the gasket, and it’s covered in mildew.

If you leave the piece of clothing here for a long time, it can start smelling like rotten eggs.

To get rid of the smell, you need to find out if there is anything stuck there and remove it.

Pull the door seal back and look inside for any loose clothing items. If you find any, remove them.

You should then thoroughly clean the door gasket with clean, hot soapy water, then leave the door open to let it dry and air out.

Clogged drain pump or plug

Most washing machine models will have a drain plug at the bottom that can clog up, leading to unpleasant odors.

To check the drain plug and filter, locate the drain plug, then turn the cap off. Have a towel in place as some water might leak out of it when doing it.

After removing the plug, reach into the hole and remove the drain filter. Thoroughly clean the drain filter and plug it in hot soapy water.

To remove any grime in the hose, pour a glass of hot water mixed with vinegar into the washing machine drum.

After cleaning all the parts, put them back into the washing machine. If you can still smell the rotten egg smell, you may need to run your washing machine on a cleaning cycle and check the sewer.

The sewer is clogged.

If you have tried all the above and nothing seems to work, the rotten smell might be due to a clogged sewer. Due to the clog, the smell can go through the drain hose and into the washing machine.

To solve this problem, locate where your drain hose is connected and remove the hose from the standpipe. If the pipe is smelly, give the entire area a thorough cleaning with hot, soapy water.

If the smell is due to the P-trap being faulty and allowing sewer gas to come up through the drain hose and into the washing machine, washer repair Springfield professionals recommend you pour a bucket of hot soapy water down the standpipe.

If the smell goes away, this is a sign that the problem was due to the P-trap.

If you do this and the smell doesn’t disappear, get in touch with a plumber to replace the p-trap.

What Should You Not Do With A Washing Machine?

Are you wondering, what should you not do with a washing machine? Well, there are plenty of things. Here are some of these things as given by appliance repair professionals:

Leaving wet clothes inside

With the hectic lives we are all leading, it’s easy to be distracted by other tasks while doing laundry, and we forget a load of clothes in the washing machine. Sometimes we are distracted or even on days that the clothes develop mildew and foul odor.

These are not only bad for your clothes, but the machine as well, which is a double tragedy.

To avoid this, set a timer or reminder on your phone to get a notification when the load is done.

Don’t overload the machine.

When you are in a hurry, it’s easy to want to load the machine with as many clothes as it can carry, so you are done fast. Don’t do this.

You should note that washing machines are designed to wash a certain weight of clothes, and when you exceed, you increase the chances of damaging the machine where the drum spins get damaged, but you also fail to clean the clothes properly.

To avoid damaging your appliance, you shouldn’t overload it. When doing the loading, ensure there is a space between the top of the load in the drum and the top of the drum itself. The space should be around the width of your palm.

Instead of cramming everything into one load to save time, use the quick washing setting for two decent-sized loads. In most modern machines, this will cut the washing time by half so you can wash many clothes without overloading the machine.

Forgetting to sort

Forgetting to sort your clothes not only damages the clothes, but the machine as well. Failing to sort your laundry leads to color bleeding, clothes shrinking and unwanted pocket items floating around during a washing cycle.

To avoid this, sort your laundry before putting it in the washing machine. It’s during sorting when you will find that you have a black permanent marker in your pocket. It’s also when you will prevent the whites from turning grey as you separate the clothes into the colored and whites, and run two loads.

Choose the wrong setting.

Although you can wash most of your clothes using the normal setting and come out perfect, there are a few clothes with special instructions you should be cautious about as they can get damaged when you wash them at the wrong temperature.

Most clothes are made from cotton that shrinks when you wash them for the first time. If the water temperature is wrong, the shrinkage worsens.

To prevent your clothes from shrinking and ensure you are cleaning them at the right temperature, read the label to find out the right temperature you should clean the clothes. You should also use the manual to find the best program to clean the clothes.

If you are worried about your clothes shrinking or losing their shape, wash them in cool water by hand, then dry them on the washing line or airer.

Failing to clean the washing machine

Many homeowners think that the washing machine is self-cleaning, so they don’t need to clean it, but this isn’t the case. Over the months and years of cleaning, the insides of the washing machine get dirty, mold builds up, and this can lead to the machine smelling bad.

To keep your appliance running in top condition and smelling fresh, make it a habit to run a service wash at 90 degrees at least once every month. You can run the wash using a detergent, a specialist washing machine cleaner, or any natural product such as vinegar.

Besides doing this, refer to your manual and see what else is recommended.

You can do the cleaning by yourself, but if you aren’t confident in your skills, you can always hire washer repair Springfield professionals to help out. The cool thing with hiring professionals is that besides running the service wash, they also inspect the appliance and fix any issues that might be present.

Of course, when hiring professionals, hire experienced technicians that know what they are doing. You don’t want someone that will damage your expensive unit, do you?

How Do You Know If Your Washing Machine Is Broken?

How do you know if your washing machine is broken? Well, there are plenty of symptoms you can look out for. Some of these symptoms, as given by washer repair contractors include:

The washing machine is leaking.

Most washing machine leaks are due to overflowing or loose connections, but sometimes the leaking can be due to complex problems. For example, if you have had your appliance for a long time, the water hose at the back of the washer might be worn out, and you need to replace it.

Your appliance might also be having a cracked tub you need to seal to restore the unit to its proper working condition.

Before you hire a service provider to fix the unit, first try to solve the overflowing problem. You do this by finding out the size of the load that can fit the washer and still leaves room for turning, shaking, and spinning.

The washer is making a lot of noise.

The washing machine will make weird noises due to plenty of reasons. For example, if it’s unbalanced, it will make noise when running, and all you need to do to fix this is to place the washer level.

If you balance the machine, but it’s still making the noise, you have a reason to be worried. First, stop the wash cycle, rearrange the clothes, and load the washing machine correctly, so the clothes are evenly distributed. Still experiencing the noise? The motor drum or mount might be loose and need tightening.

Unless you have the experience, let an experienced professional help you with the work.

Water doesn’t drain properly.

Once you have completed the washing cycle, the washer should drain completely, so you are left with little or no water in the washer. If you complete a cycle but some water sticks around the washing machine’s insides, you definitely have a problem you should address as soon as possible.

For example, the pump might be blocked, or the drain hose might be clogged hence preventing the water from draining as well as it should. The improper draining might also be due to problems with the water pump.

You need to get in touch with experienced technicians with the necessary tools and expertise to help you diagnose the issue and fix it.

Water doesn’t fill the drum.

When properly functioning, the washing machine should fill up with enough water to thoroughly clean the clothes. When the appliance is broken, water has a problem getting into the appliance. Water will fail to get into the appliance due to plenty of problems such as: kink in the hose, issue with the machine’s water intake valve or filter, or any other issue.

Contact an experienced professional to help you troubleshoot the source of the problem and fix it.

The drum doesn’t spin.

Water might fill the drum without any issue, but if the drum isn’t spinning, it’s pointless as you won’t be able to clean your clothes. The drum will fail to spin due to plenty of issues such as belts or lid switch.

You can try to replace the belts on your own but replacing the lid switch is more difficult, so you will be better off hiring a professional to help you out.

The washing machine keeps moving.

A moving washer might seem interesting, and most homeowners ignore it, but don’t do this. A properly functioning washer should remain in place when cleaning, spinning, and rinsing. So, when the unit is moving around, you have a problem you should fix as soon as possible.

If the machine is moving around and at the same time making a lot of noise, the movement could be due to imbalance, so you need to balance it, and you are good to go.

If you balance it and it’s still moving, it might be having a more serious problem, so you need to hire an appliance repair Springfield professional to find out the cause of the movements.

Don’t ignore these movements as a walking machine comes with plenty of risks. For example, the machine might start sloshing water outside the unit, which can ruin the floor leading to mildew and mold.

The walking washer can also pull itself free of its connections putting your property at the risk of fire.

Is It Worth Repairing a 15-Year-Old Washing Machine?

Are you wondering, is it worth repairing a 15-year-old washing machine? Well, this depends on the broken part and the cost of repairing it. If the broken part is easy to find, so you can easily source it and not expensive to repair, it’s worth repairing the appliance, but if the part is hard to find and expensive to repair, you are better off getting a new appliance.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid repairing an appliance if the cost of repair is half the new unit’s price.

As you are making your decision, remember that most old appliances have fewer electronic widgets, so appliance repair professionals have an easy time repairing them.

While this is the case, there are situations when you shouldn’t even weigh your options and instead replace the appliance. These situations include:

Excessive leaking

A leaking washing machine comes about due to overflowing or a loose connection. If your appliance is old, it most likely uses the same amount of water for every size load. To minimize leaking, determine the load’s size that can fit in the washing machine and leave enough room for spinning, turning, and shaking.

If you do this and the appliance is still leaking, the water hose located at the back of the washing machine might be worn out or has come loose. Take a look at the hose and tighten it.

If you tighten it and the washer still leaks, you might be having a cracked tub. Tubs are expensive to replace, so you are better off buying a new appliance.

The appliance is making a lot of noise.

One of the most common washing machine noises is the appliance sounding as if it’s about to take a flight. If this is the case with your unit, you have nothing to worry about as the unit is simply unbalanced, and all you need to do is rearrange the clothes, so they are evenly distributed.

If the machine makes the noise even when empty, it means it’s sitting on an uneven surface. To fix the problem, position the washer in such a way all four feet are level.

If neither of these solves the problem, your motor mount or drum may need tightening. Contact your local appliance technician and find out how much it will cost you to do it. Depending on the amount charged, you will assess whether it’s wise to repair the unit or get a new one.

The appliance moves around.

A properly installed appliance should stay in place when cleaning, rinsing, and spinning your clothes. If your washing machine moves around that it looks as if it’s walking, you have a problem.

Begin with checking whether it’s level, and if it’s not, level it.

Even if your walking machine is functioning as well as a stationary one, you should know it’s not normal for a machine to move around. One of the issues that can come about is the appliance sloshing water outside the unit and ruining the floors and other parts of the house.

The walking machine also has high chances of pulling itself free of its connections, and it comes to an abrupt stop.

Ask an experienced professional to look into the problem, and if there is no way you can stop the appliance from walking, get a new one.

Water doesn’t fill the drum.

When your drum’s washer isn’t filling up, it means you have a delayed cycle selection, a problem with your hot and cold water faucets, and a kink in your hose. If you check all of the three and see no problem, your unit might be having a complication with the water intake valve or filter, and this needs to be looked at by a professional.

Sometimes the drum might fill with water, but it doesn’t turn as it should. If this is the case, take a look at the lid switch and belts and ensure they are working as well as they should.

Malfunctioning belts are easy to replace, but if the problem is with the lid switch, the washer repair Springfield professional needs to put in some work. Get a few quotes from different contractors and compare them. Is it worth fixing the lid switch issue or getting a new appliance? It’s up to you to make the decision.

Can You Run A Washing Machine With Just Cold Water? Washer Repair Experts Answer

Ah, the washing machine. Hands down one of the greatest inventions of our time, it not only frees you time but saves you energy too. Homeowners are used to washing their clothes with hot water that they can’t imagine using cold water.

What happens when the hot cycle fails, and you can’t find a washer repair professional? Can you run a washing machine with just cold water?

The answer to this question is a resounding YES. Studies have shown that most of the clothes come out just as clean with cold water.

Washing clothes in cold water? Tips to consider

For you to get ideal results, you should put these tips into consideration:

  • Always sort the whites, lights, and dark colors out and wash them separately.
  • Always use high-quality detergents, preferably those made to be used in cold water. When using the detergents, ensure you use the right amount. Remember, when you use too much of it, most of it will build up in the clothes leaving too little for cleaning.
  • Consider adding additives to the detergents to boost the cleaning power of the detergent.
  • Like when cleaning using hot or warm water, take care not to overload the washer. Loading the washer properly ensures that it optimally which not only saves you time, it also extends the life of the appliance.
  • Before you begin cleaning, search for stained and extra dirty pieces of clothing and pre-treat them.
  • If cleaning many too dirty items, you will find some of the clothes still dirty after running the cleaning cycle. Before you remove the clothes from the washing machine, inspect them and if still dirty, repeat the cleaning.
  • In winter, be ultra-cautious and ensure the water is not below 60f as the clothes won’t clean well at this temperature.
  • For clothes that are heavily soiled and grease-stained, clean them with warm or hot water.

When does it make sense to clean with cold water?

Dark clothes: Washing clothes in cold water is an excellent way of preserving color. Studies also show that dark clothes clean better in cold water. Killing two birds with one stone, you might say.

Delicates: Clothes made from lace or silk can easily get damaged by hot water, which makes it logical to clean them with hot water.

Clothes that wrinkle or shrink easily: Hot water is known to wrinkle and shrink clothes, which gives them a cheap look. If you have clothes where wrinkles could be a problem, you can solve the issue by washing using cold water.

Lack of care label: To avoid damaging your precious clothes, it’s recommended you look out for the care label that guides you on the best way to handle the clothes. If you are getting ready to wash the clothes, then you notice you are missing the care label, don’t fret. Clean them with cold water, and you won’t have to worry about causing damage.

Situations when it doesn’t make sense to clean using cold water

While cold water has its perks, there are several situations when it doesn’t make sense of cleaning with cold water. Some of these situations include:

When you need high levels of sanitation: Some of these situations include when you are washing undergarments, sheets, and sick person’s clothes. Although laundry detergent does a great job of cleaning the clothes, hot water works excellently at killing the germs.

When using powdered detergents: Powdered detergents don’t dissolve easily, and in most cases, you need hot water to dissolve them completely. Using cold water with powdered detergents causes streaks on the clothes, which gives the clothes a cheap, ugly look.

When using a cheap detergent: When you are looking to save on detergents, you are better off using hot water. According to appliance repair Northern VA professionals, cheap detergents don’t have enough cleaning power to properly clean the soil and grime. Hot water comes in handy at helping in getting rid of the dirt.

When you have lower groundwater temperatures: In areas such as Alaska and Maine, where the temperatures are usually too low, the cold water might be too cold for cleaning making, it sensible to use hot water.

Washer Repair: Tips On How To Properly Clean Your Washing Machine

It’s a fact that the washing machine saves you time and effort. For you to keep it functioning optimally for long you need to take good care of it. Washer repair experts recommend that you clean it regularly to not only leave it looking great, but also to keep off awful smell and bacteria. For you to properly clean the unit you need to:

Wash the washing machine filter

It’s in the filter where gunk is collected after every cycle. Small items such as coins and buttons end up in the filter. With time, if you don’t clean it, dirt might buildup worsening the performance of the machine.

To clean the filter you need to begin with locating it. For the front load washing machines, the filter is located at the bottom, usually in the right corner. Remove it taking care that you don’t break it.

After removing it, use a paper towel to remove any lint that might have built up. Remove as much lint as you can using a paper towel. If the paper towel isn’t doing a good job, scrub off what is remaining using a toothbrush or sponge.

Pay attention to the screen that gathers all the gunk. Remove it and soak it in hot water to get out any dirt that might have stuck to it.

Once the filter is clean, take a look inside the unit before you put it back. Using a paper towel, trace the sides of the opening. You can also use an old toothbrush to get rid of all the dirt that might be on the inside.

To have an easy time, clean the air filter once every 3-4 months.

Get rid of the smell from the washing machine

If you have had your washing machine for a long time you must have been in a situation where you open the washing machine door and a pungent smell hits your nose. You don’t need to throw away your washing when it’s making the awful smells.

The first place you should look is the drawer. Take out the drawer then scrub it properly. You can use your hand or sponge. Once you are done with the cleaning, let it dry and put it back. For you to kill all the mold, use a mixture of baking soda and water.

You can also use a mixture of soda and vinegar. The mixture causes a reaction that eats away the mold or lint. Once the cleaning cycle has ended, you are left with a clean and fresh smelling machine. If you run a cycle with the mixture and still the machine doesn’t have a fresh smell, repeat the cycle.

It’s common for dirt and grime to hide in the crevasses of the seal. Mould also tends to grow there as the area holds moisture for a long time. To clean the seal, use a damp piece of cloth then run your fingers along the rubber to clean it. If you can remove the seal, do so and wash it under the water.

Pay attention to the outside of the washing machine

Cleaning the insides of the machine isn’t enough—you also need to clean the outside. It’s common for the washing machine to get dusty and start looking old and yellowish. To maintain the shine, use a dry clean cloth or rug.

Go over the entire exterior rubbing all the necessary areas. Get rid of the fingerprints and dried up marks that might be there.

Once you are done with the exterior, pay close attention to the windows. Start with going over the window with a dry rack to get rid of the excessive dust. You should then use your favorite mirror or glass detergent and spray it onto the glass. Once you are done, wipe the surface with a dry piece of cloth or paper towel. For ideal results, wipe in circular motions.

Cleaning products matter

For your washing machine to continue functioning optimally you need to keep it clean. Appliance repair Springfield professionals report that you should be cautious of the cleaning products you use. For ideal results, use high-quality detergents. If possible, go for eco-friendly detergents. While they will be a little bit expensive, they will give you perfect results.

Washer Repair: 5 Things You Should Know About Washing Machines

While washing machines have been around for a while, many people don’t know much about them. To help you out, here are some of the things you should know about them as given by washer repair professionals:

Front-loading machines are better

If you have been researching washing machines, you must have come across front-loading machines. One of the things you should know about the machines is that they are much better than top-loading machines in many ways.

Front-loading machines tend to wash and dry clothes much better than their top-loading counterparts. The machines also tend to be more efficient when it comes to water and soap usage.

Advances in technology have made the machines one of the most silent units in the market.

For you to get the most from the units, you should buy high quality machines that have a proven record.

It’s easy to be confused about the right machines that you should buy. If you don’t have time to do your research, ask a professional to help you in selecting the right machine.

Be cautious when filling the machine

Washing machines come with different load capacities. The capacities are often measured in volumes and marked in kilograms. You are highly discouraged from stuffing the clothes as you won’t achieve optimum wash, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t fill the machine.

You should note that you can go ahead and completely fill the machine with clothes and still give your clothes an optimum wash. All you need to do is to give your clothes a minimum compression.

While you shouldn’t give much thought to filling up the machine, you shouldn’t overfill the unit to the extent that the clothes don’t turn.

More detergent doesn’t mean better results

If you ask many people, they will tell you that adding more detergent to the clothes makes them get clean faster, but this isn’t the case. Using excessive amounts of detergents tends to make it difficult for the washing machine to get rid of the entire detergent in one single standard round of rinsing, hence the machine keeps on working.

In addition to you having a huge electricity bill at the end of the month as a result of the washing machine overworking, it also tends to damage the washer.

The rule of the thumb is to only use the amount of detergent that is ideal for the load you are looking to clean. The cool thing is that most detergent packaging give directions on the number of cups of detergent that you should use.

In addition to reducing the working of the washing machine, using minimal amounts of detergent tends to minimize the chances of washing spots and marks showing up.

Hot water cleans the clothes better

For you to give your clothes the perfect look, you should aim to clean them using hot water. Different clothes require different temperatures. Before you put the clothes in the water, take a look at the textile tags and check the temperature they can handle.

While hot water tends to give better results, you should note that most of the modern washing machines don’t require heat for them to give the clothes a clean wash.

If you feel that you should clean the clothes using hot water, you should be ready to have high energy bills at the end of the month. This is because the washing machine tends to consume a lot of energy to heat the water.

In addition to the hot water giving your clothes a better look, it also disinfects the clothes hence you have cleaner and safe clothes.

You need to clean the washing machine

It might seem ironical that you have to clean the washing machine that is designed to clean clothes, but for it to look good and last for a long time, you have to clean it.

Commercial appliance repair Alexandria professionals recommend that you clean the washing machine in and around the lid after every few washes. Remember to keep the lid open in order to air the machine.

For a thorough wash, fill the tub with water and a few drops of bleach. You should then run the machine’s longest available cycle.