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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 Keeping Your Appliances in Tip Top Shape

With everyone looking for ways to save money and make the most of their appliances, having an appliance breakdown is something you don’t want.

Fortunately, you can do several things to ensure your appliance is always in tip-top shape. To help you out, here are ways to ensure that your washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, and other appliances are in great working order.

Washing machine

When you don’t clean your laundry efficiently, it results in stains and stinky garments.

This is likely due to overloading the appliance, which makes it harder for the water and detergent to work effectively. Using too much detergent can also cause the machine to clog, reducing lifespan.

To ensure that your appliance is in tip-top shape, fill it to around 80% capacity; your hand should be able to fit in the drum on top of your garments.

To avoid the washing machine from becoming unbalanced during the spin cycle, washer repair experts recommend that you distribute the clothes evenly in the drum. Remember that an imbalanced load might cause the machine to shake excessively, causing damage to the machine.

You also should reduce the quantity of detergent you use and clean your washing machine deep every few months to remove any residue from detergent or garments.

You should follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions. Too much detergent might result in excessive suds and residue buildup, while using too little may leave your clothes unclean.

A “cleaning” or “maintenance” cycle is available on many washing machines. Run this cycle according to your machine’s directions, using hot water, a washing machine cleanser, or a vinegar and baking soda mixture. This aids in the removal of deposits and odors from the machine’s drum and other components.

Dishwasher

If your dishwasher isn’t washing pots and pans properly, it may be tempting to hand-wash them first – but this might waste a lot of water, which can be expensive.

Instead, keep your dishwasher in good working order to guarantee that your dishes come out shining. You also should be on the lookout for foul odors and gurgling noises that could signal a clogged filter.

To clean the filter, take it from the appliance, empty it, rinse it out, and scrape it with an old toothbrush. This will help it capture food residue and clean your plates all the time.

Oven

Most of us use our ovens daily, so seeing smoke billowing from them is frightening. Most of the time, this is due to food and grease residue, which has to be cleaned.

If you recently cleaned the oven, the smoke could be from excess cleaner left in the oven. In this scenario, the best thing to do is to remove the extra cleaner using a vinegar and water solution.

After fully cleaning your oven and stopping smoking, leave at least 3 inches of distance between food and heating elements.

Also, don’t put food directly on the oven racks because it shortens the time between deep cleans.

Microwave

Despite their small size, microwaves require more frequent cleaning than other appliances due to the possibility of tenacious stains and foul odors.

After using your microwave, wipe it clean with a microfibre towel to avoid any splashes or spillages from drying and becoming more difficult to remove

You can also use small amounts of vinegar to assist in removing food spills.

Using baking soda to remove odors from your microwave is also an excellent way to go about it. Combine water and baking soda in a big microwave-safe basin and heat on high for 5 minutes, being careful not to boil the solution.

Tumble dryer

Tumble dryers sometimes struggle to get hot enough or fail to heat up over time. This may not always imply that it needs to be repaired but rather that it needs to be cleaned out.

Poor circulation can lead tumble dryers not to heat up effectively. This is commonly caused by a buildup of soggy lint from fluff and fibers that fall off your clothing when flung around inside the appliance’s drum.

To keep your appliance in top working shape, make sure that you clean your filter after each cycle to allow the air to circulate properly within the dryer and effectively dry your clothes.

You also must clean the condenser box if you have a condenser dryer. You remove the box and empty the water into your sink.

Fridge freezer

Fridge freezers have a lengthy lifespan, but if yours is suddenly warmer than it should be, there could be an issue.

This could be due to something preventing the door from closing correctly, such as food lodged in the seal or a fridge freezer that is too full.

To keep your appliance in top working shape, avoid overfilling the device, as this can limit circulation in the fridge freezer, resulting in temperature changes.

You also should 0rganize your food products properly. Keep the necessary products together in labeled containers. This lowers the time the door is open, which helps keep the temperature stable.

Also, defrost the appliance twice yearly to maintain routine maintenance and eliminate the need for repairs.

If possible, have an appliance repair Springfield professional perform an annual maintenance check. They may find problems you overlooked and do more in-depth maintenance activities.

When hiring repair professionals, don’t hire just any professional. Hire an experienced one that knows what they are doing.

As a rule of thumb, you should interview the various technicians and ensure they have the necessary experience to diagnose and fix the appliance.

Many homeowners try to save money by hiring the cheapest contractors. This is wrong because most cheap contractors are inexperienced and often end up causing more problems than were there.

The best way to do it is to take your time and find a moderately priced contractor who will give your appliance the service it deserves.

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.

Parts that Commonly Break in Different Appliances

Are you wondering which are the common parts that break down in your appliance? Here they are as given by appliance repair professionals:

Refrigerator

The ice maker draws water into uniform ice molds. Once the cubes have formed, the molds are heated or twisted to release the ice, and a sweep arm ejects them into a container to be distributed as needed.

In the refrigerator, this is the most common part that breaks down. 

Problems with the water supply are the most common reasons ice makers stop working. Ice makers require a constant supply of water to function effectively. 

The ice maker may stop working if there is a problem with the water supply, such as a plugged or frozen water line. Examine the water line to ensure it is correctly connected and not kinked or blocked.

The water inlet valve controls the water flow into the ice maker. Water may not reach the ice maker if the valve is faulty or obstructed. This can result in no or insufficient ice production.

Ice can collect and jam the ice maker mechanism over time, preventing it from working correctly. This can happen in the ice mold, the ice chute, or the water line, causing the ice-making process to slow.

Regardless of why your ice maker isn’t working, you should try out troubleshooting methods specific to your model, listed in the user handbook.

If the problem persists, it is recommended that you contact a professional technician or the manufacturer’s customer care for assistance.

Dishwashers

In most cases, you won’t notice most dishwasher problems immediately. Your dishwasher will gradually stop washing well until you’re fed up and wondering what’s happening.

The most common problem with dishwashers are clogged filters and spray arms. Over time, dishwasher filters and spray arms get clogged with food particles, debris, or hard water deposits. 

When these components get clogged, water flow is impeded, resulting in poor cleaning performance or a dishwasher that won’t finish a cycle.

In other cases, the problem is brought about by overloading the unit. Overloading or poorly loading the dishwasher can obstruct the spray arms, prevent adequate water circulation, or interfere with the operation of other components.

To avoid damaging your dishwasher, follow the manufacturer’s instructions when loading your dishwasher.

In rare cases, your impeller will break. The impeller is the pump that creates the water pressure required to spin the spray arms. 

If a seed, pit, or piece of glass gets inside the pump, it might cause harm. You should address this problem as soon as possible.

This can cause water to flow into the motor and onto your floor. How will you know if your impeller needs to be replaced? There will be a loud rumbling noise.

As mentioned, you should move with haste and fix it before things turn for the worse.

Washers

The most common parts that break in a washing machine are: 

The door or lid switch: Prevents the drum from spinning until the door or lid is shut.

The drain pump: It is responsible for removing water from the drum.

Tub bearings Keep the tub in place and allow it to spin smoothly.

When your washing machine has problems, it will make squealing and knocking sounds. 

A worn or loose belt often causes a squealing noise. The belt that drives the drum might have become worn or slack over time, causing it to slip or squeak. This problem means it’s time to get a replacement for the belt.

You will hear the sound if the motor is malfunctioning. You should contact a professional technician to inspect and repair the motor in such instances.

Knocking sounds often come about due to loose or damaged parts. Check for any things that might have fallen into the drum or trapped between the drum and the tub, such as buttons or coins. 

Unsecured drum paddles or tub mounts might cause knocking sounds during the wash cycle. Find out where the noises are coming from.

Dryer

The common parts that break in the dryer are: 

Thermal fuse: Prevents overheating of the appliance.

A wire coil in an electric dryer or a burner in a gas dryer serves as the heating element.

A continuous piece of felt wrapped around the rim of the drum allows it to spin while controlling airflow.

The beauty of most dryers is that they are often well made, and as a result, there are relatively few dryer problems that cannot be fixed—it is uncommon to have to replace the entire unit due to this problem.

How to ensure your appliances last for a long time

You must do several things to prevent your appliances from breaking down often and ensure they last for a long time. These things include: 

Ensure that your appliance is properly installed. This calls for you to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Remember that improper installation can cause problems with performance or even damage the unit. After buying the unit, take time to find an experienced professional to help with the installation. Don’t hire just anyone. 

Because appliances are susceptible to power fluctuations, it is critical to ensure that you have a stable power source. Use surge protectors or voltage stabilizers to safeguard your appliances from voltage spikes and electrical surges.

Keep your outside and inside appliances clean by regularly wiping off surfaces and following the cleaning recommendations. Remove any accumulated dust, grime, or debris to ensure proper functioning.

It’s wise to have a maintenance routine for each of your appliances. Regularly inspect and clean filters, vents, coils, and other components during maintenance, as directed in the user handbook.

Also, arrange for professional servicing or tune-ups to keep the appliances in good working order.

As a rule of thumb, ensure that the servicing is done by an expert commercial appliance repair Springfield who knows what they are doing. 

Regardless of how versatile an appliance can be, use every appliance for its intended purpose and only utilize it for tasks it was not built for. For example, don’t use a dryer as a heater.

Tricks to Make Your Appliances Last For a Long Time

Home appliances help wash clothes, cook meals, heat and cool homes, and make coffee.

As much as you depend on your appliances to help with daily tasks around the house, you need to give them a little TLC every now and then to ensure they keep functioning optimally.

How do you do this?

Here are tricks given by appliance repair professionals:

Don’t overload your washing machine

With just a few simple maintenance tips, your washing machine will keep your clothes clean for years. First, don’t load it up too much because that will make the motor work harder.

At the same time, please don’t use the washer with only a few items in it. This is because this can throw the machine off balance and put stress on its drive, increasing the chances of it getting damaged.

You should load your appliance with just the right amount of clothes.

While at it, ensure you use the right type and amount of detergent. Don’t use too much detergent because too many suds can make the washer work too hard, which increases its chances of getting damaged.

Keep the refrigerator coils clean.

Even though keeping a refrigerator neat is important to make sure it cools its contents evenly, if you want to make it last longer, all you have to do is clean its condenser coils.

The refrigerant is cooled and condensed by coils found under the fridge behind a plastic grate or on the back of the refrigerator.

When these coils are full of dust, hair, and other junk, they also can’t release heat. This makes the condenser work harder to cool the inside of the fridge.

To avoid this, clean the coils in your fridge at least once a year. The best way to do this is by using a soft brush attachment on your vacuum.

Clean the dishwasher filter.

Did you know your dishwasher has a filter at the bottom that should be cleaned about once every six months?

Yes, it has, and you need to clean it. If you don’t want your dishwasher to smell bad. Failing to clean the filter also means that your glasses will be cloudy, and you don’t want this, do you?

To access the filter, you need to slide the bottom rack out and then turn it counterclockwise to take it out. Wash it in the sink and put it back together.

To reduce the gunk that gets to the filter, make it a habit to rinse the dishes before putting them in and only run the dishwasher when it’s full.

Delint your dryer

Even if cleaning a dryer vent of a year’s worth of lint isn’t your idea of a fun afternoon, you shouldn’t skip this once-a-year job.

If your dryer’s exhaust vent is clogged, the dryer has to work harder to dry your clothes. This puts stress on the motor and shortens the dryer’s life. Also, a buildup of dryer lint makes a fire more likely to start.

To keep the dryer in top shape, move the dryer away from the wall and remove the vent. Remove any lint that might have built up in the dryer vent and hose, and then put it back together.

Remove spills from your oven.

The range/oven is the workhorse of your kitchen. It gets a lot of use and gets beat up by spills, heavy cookware, and high heat. The best thing you can do for your kitchen’s heart is to keep it clean.

Whenever spills happen, clean them right away because they may be hard to get off the cooktop once they have burned. If your oven can clean itself, use it every few months to keep burned food from sticking to the walls.

Dedust the dehumidifier

Like other appliances that heat or cool air, ensuring good airflow around your dehumidifier means not blocking its intake or outlet.

If you use the filter often, you should change or clean it every few months.

Since dust, hair, and other things can get stuck in the coils, you should clean them once a year to ensure the dehumidifier works right.

You can do the cleaning yourself or let an experienced commercial appliance repair Alexandria professional do it.

Items That Should Never See The Insides Of Your Washing Machine

As much as a washing machine is a vital appliance in your home as it makes cleaning easy, you shouldn’t wash everything using it. This is because some items can cause damage to them, and you are forced to hire an appliance repair professional.

Which are these items? Here they are:

Memory foam pillows

You can wash most synthetic, cotton, and even down pillows in the washer, but you can’t do this to memory foam pillows usually can’t. This is because foam is too fragile, and the process can easily tear it. Even if you choose not to spin, the clothes will still be heavy and wet, so don’t do it.

Most of the time, you can wash the covers in the washing machine. But use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to clean the foam pillow. If you need to clean specific spots, use a microfiber cloth, a mild dish detergent solution, and a damp cloth to clean.

Loose bras

Washing a bra can ruin its shape and hurt its underwire. On top of that, the metal clasps can easily catch on other things in the load and tear them while the cycle is running.

Use a laundry bag when you wash your bras in the washing machine. If you want to be safe and don’t want any damage, wash by hand.

Swimwear

Even if the tag on your swimsuit says it can be washed in a washing machine, you should wash it by hand if you want it to last.

You should note that when you put the swimwear material through a wash cycle, the material will stretch and sag, which means it will lose shape over time. You don’t want this, do you?

Whether your swimwear is made of nylon or spandex, the material can easily get caught on other things in the load, like zippers or clasps, and get damaged. To avoid damage and disappowashingr, wash it gently is better by hand.

Embellished items

If your clothing has sequins all over it, it’s likely to get ruined in the washing machine.

Even if you turn the item inside out, many threads can still be pulled or caught during the cycle.

If the decorations are stuck on, that won’t help either because the heat can melt the glue.

Don’t put your embellished clothing items in the washing machine to avoid all the problems that can come about.

For the same reason, you shouldn’t put anything with lace or embroidery. Lace is too fragile and can be torn easily by other things. To protect your clothing, follow the care label and take them to a dry cleaner if you need to.

Delicate sweaters

This is probably the mistake that people make the most. If the item is made of wool, cashmere, or velvet, check the care label to learn how to wash it.

The high temperatures in a washing machine can make the fabric shrink, and rubbing against other things can make it look old.

You can wash your sweater by hand with a mild detergent or take it to the dry cleaners if necessary.

Even if the care label says you can wash the sweater in a machine, use a laundry bag to protect it during the cycle and make it last longer.

Suits

It makes sense to follow ties with suits, which should also not be washed in a machine. Most are made of delicate fabrics that can easily get ruined in the wash.

Even if the suit is made of cotton or polyester, it will still have interfacing, giving it its shape. Water can break down interfacing and make it bend out of the body, so don’t wash your suits in the washing machine. Instead, take them to a dry cleaner.

Parting shot

These are some of the clothing items you shouldn’t wash in the washing machine. You protect your clothing and engine by passing the right things in your washing machine, so you don’t need a washer repair Springfield professional.

Tricks to Get the Most from Your Dishwasher

Since dishwashers have been around for a long time, you might think you know everything about them, but this isn’t the case. According to appliance repair professionals, there are plenty of things you can do to your appliance to get the most from them. These things include:

Use the dishwasher to clean more dishes

You need to change how you think about your dishwasher to get more out of it. If you only use it to load dishes, you only use a small part of what it can do.

Your dishwasher can clean many things around the house, like makeup, plastic hair, nail clippers, razors, toothbrush holders, and soap dishes.

You can also use it to clean fake plants, flowers, and plastic toys for kids. With a quick cycle, it’s easy to clean dog leashes, plastic pet toys, and tools from the garage that are dirty or greasy.

The dishwasher can also clean many things in your closet, like baseball caps, flip-flops, and rubber rain boots.

Many things in your kitchen, like sponges and silicone oven mitts, could use a good cleaning. Even the plate from your microwave and the knobs from your stove can go in the dishwasher.

As you clean the various items, remember that whatever you put in the dishwasher will get wet and that whatever you put on the bottom rack will be closer to the heating element.

If you’re worried about fragile items, you can choose to run your dishwasher without soap or heated drying.

If you have small or light things like Legos or pacifiers that could fly away when hit by the water jets, put them in a mesh bag from your laundry room.

Understand the chemical reactions going on inside the dishwasher

Chemical reactions are happening in your dishwasher; if you understand how they work, you can get more out of them.

One reason is that modern detergent is made to react with food. Because of this, you shouldn’t rinse the plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Instead, you should leave the food on the plates.

When you put stainless steel and silver-plated flatware in the same bag, a chemical reaction can happen. Silver ions can leave pits and marks on your silver when they react with detergent and moisture. Even when washing silver by itself, use a detergent, rinse aid that doesn’t contain acid or phosphates, and a low heat setting.

Do you want your dishes to be clean and shiny? You can go with rinse aids, which speed up evaporation by changing the surface tension of water droplets. There are fewer spots and lines on the glass when there is less water.

Plastic takes longer to dry than glass, even with rinse aid, because it repels water. If you want a natural alternative to rinse aid, you might want to know what vinegar can do.

It can help dry dishes better and get rid of hard water spots. You need to pour a little in before you turn on the machine, fill the rinse aid compartment with it, or put a bowl of vinegar on the top rack.

You can also roll some aluminum foil into a ball and put it on the top rack of your dishwasher. It will cause an oxidizing reaction, letting your glasses and silverware dry to a sparkling shine.

Unload the dishes on autopilot.

Dishwashers make it easier to wash dishes, but every time you need to empty them, you have to jump through hoops.

Did you know you can set up your dishwasher to empty itself? The beauty of doing this is that you don’t have to think about it.

Start by emptying the section for flatware, then the bottom shelf, and finally, the top shelf. If you empty the top rack first, drips might fall on the dishes below, which is not good.

Dishwasher repair Alexandria advises that you make room above the dishwasher on the counter. You should spread out a dish towel and then spread the dishes there in piles that go together

With this method, you don’t have to move around your kitchen as much, and any dishes that are still wet can dry.

Which Clothes Should you Not Wash In Washing Machine?

As much as you would want to make your work easy and throw all your clothes in the washing machine, it’s often impossible as some clothes might get damaged. In other cases, these clothes might damage the washing machine, forcing you to hire a washer repair professional to fix the machine.

Are you wondering which clothes you shouldn’t wash in the washing machine? Here they are:

Delicate fabrics

Delicate fabrics such as silk, lace, and wool are prone to damage when you wash them in the machine.

When you wash the fabric in the washing machine, the mechanical action of the machine can stretch, snag, or even tear the fabric, and you don’t want this, do you?

Delicate fabrics are also prone to shrinkage and color bleeding when you wash them in a washing machine using hot water, which can ruin the garment’s appearance.

The harsh detergents and chemicals used in the washing machine can also strip the fabric of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. Consequently, you have ugly clothes that you aren’t proud to wear.

To avoid damaging your delicate fabrics, instead of washing them using the washing machine, hand wash them. When you hand wash the outfits, you have control of the agitation and the temperature of the water, which protects the fabric from damage.

If you don’t want to hand wash the clothes, you can always dry clean them. Here you use a chemical solvent to clean the garment, rather than water and detergent that have been shown to damage the outfits.

Clothes with embellishments

You shouldn’t machine wash clothing pieces with embellishments such as beads, sequins, or buttons, as the mechanical action of the machine can cause the decorative elements to get loose or fall off.

The heat and water of the wash cycle can also cause the embellishment to become discolored or tarnished, which ruins the garment’s appearance.

Like the delicate fabrics, don’t use a washing machine to clean the clothes with embellishment. Instead, hand wash or dry-clean them to preserve the integrity of the decorations and maintain the overall appearance of the garment.

Leather and suede

As much as leather and suede appear tough, they aren’t. Both materials are delicate and can easily get damaged by machine washing. The harsh detergents and high water temperatures used in the machine-washing process can strip away the natural oils and finish of the leather or suede, causing it to become dry and brittle.

The agitator in the washing machine can also cause abrasions and scuffing on the surface of the leather or suede, giving the materials an ugly look.

The best way to clean leather and suede is by wiping them down with a damp cloth and a gentle cleaner designed to clean them. If the leather or suede is too dirty or needs a deeper cleaning, take it to a professional cleaner experienced in cleaning these materials.

Clothes with metal hardware

There are plenty of reasons you shouldn’t clean clothes with metal hardware using a washing machine. For one, the zippers, buttons, and snaps can damage the clothing during the washing process. This happens when the metal in the clothes rubs against the fabric, creating holes and tears.

The metal pieces can also get caught in the agitator or the pump, causing damage to the machine. In some cases, the metal can cause the machine to break down.

When exposed to water and detergents, some metal hardware can corrode or rust, discoloring the clothing and even leaving unsightly stains.

Finally, the noise comes about as the metal hardware bounces around inside the washing machine. The noise is not only disruptive but also annoying.

Hand wash the outfits to avoid the issues with machine washing the clothes with metal hardware. If you have to machine wash them, always place them in a mesh laundry bag before placing them in the washing machine.

According to appliance repair Fairfax professionals, when you do this, you protect the clothing and machine and prevent the metal hardware from corroding or rusting.

6 Things You Shouldn’t Put In Your Washing Machine

Just because something is a piece of clothing doesn’t mean that you should put it in the washing machine. This is because it might get damaged or, even worse, damage your precious and expensive appliance. Which pieces of clothing should you not put in the machine? Here they are as given by washer repair professionals:

Suits

If you have a premium suit, you shouldn’t put it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. This is because it will develop plenty of wrinkles that will be unsightly to look at. There is also the risk of damaging the premium material used in making the suit.

Instead of washing the outfit at home, take it to a dry cleaner, where it will be professionally cleaned.

Clothes covered in pet hair.

If you have cats or dogs in your house, you most likely have their hair on your clothes. A few hairpieces on the clothes aren’t a big deal, but if you have plenty of it, it’s unwise to put the outfits in the washing machine.

While the hair might come off after washing, it often sticks in the washing machine, where it might get transferred to other pieces of clothing you put there.

The best way to wash clothes covered in pet hair is using hand. First, remove all the fur if you have to wash them using a washing machine. One excellent tool you can use for the work is a lint roller.

Clothes with open zippers

If you run your finger along an open zipper, you will notice that each of the teeth catches your skin. This is the same thing that will happen to your washing machine.

When you run a cycle with unzipped zippers, they risk catching and damaging other clothing items, especially delicate ones. There is also the risk of the zippers scratching the insides of the drum.

To protect your washing machine and delicates, zip up all of your zippers to the top before you run a cycle.

For the buttoned clothes, leave the buttons unbuttoned to avoid putting too much pressure on the button thread during the cycle.

Swimsuits

Swimsuits are delicate; even if the label might say that the outfit is machine washable, it would be wise to avoid it and wash it by hand.

The reason for this is that the swimsuit material is at risk of stretching and sagging when subjected to a washing cycle, meaning that it will eventually lose its shape.

There is also the risk of the swimsuit getting caught on other pieces of clothing and getting damaged.

As mentioned above, to avoid this, gently hand wash the outfits.

Loose bras

Similar to swimsuits, bras are also delicate, so you can easily damage them when you put them in the washing machine.

In most cases, the wash ruins the bra’s shape, not to mention damaging the underwire.

There is also the risk of the metal clasps snagging and tearing other items in the load during the cleaning cycle.

To protect your precious bra, always use a laundry bag. You should put all your bras in this bag and throw them in the washing machine.

If you don’t have a bag, go the old route and wash the bras by hand.

Delicate sweaters

It’s not just the inner wears that are delicate. Sweaters can also be delicate. If you have a sweater made from wool, velvet, or cashmere, be cautious when placing it in the washing machine, as high temperatures can shrink the material.

There is also the risk of friction between the sweater and the washing machines leaving the outfit looking worn and ugly, and you don’t want this, do you?

Wash your delicate sweater by hand using a gentle laundry detergent to stay on the safe side. If you don’t have the time for it, take your sweater to the dry cleaners.

Even if the labels on the sweater say that you can machine-wash the outfit, don’t do it. If you have to do it, appliance repair Springfield recommend that you place the sweater in a laundry bag that will protect the sweater from any form of damage.

3 Washing Machine Best Practices

For your washing machine to function optimally and last for a long time, you need to observe a set of best practices. Wondering which are these practices? Here they are as given by washer repair professionals:

Separate the garments

As much as clothes appear similar, they aren’t—they are made from different materials with different cleaning instructions. To avoid damaging your outfits, check the clothes tags for washing instructions.

While most clothes are machine washable, check the tags for further instructions as some clothes might get damaged. For example, some might shrink if you clean them using hot water, while others might not be able to handle bleach.

You should put aside clothes labeled as dry clean or hand wash only.

Besides separating the clothes by the material they are made from and their cleaning methods, also separate by color. Separate the lights from the darks and wash them separately.

If you are wondering what should go where, here is a guide:

Darks: These include dark blues, blacks, greys, dark purples, and dark reds

Lights: These are whites, yellows, pinks, light greens, light blues, and lavender.

Whites include anything that is 100% white. You should avoid washing the whites with other light colors.

Jeans or dark denims: They tend to bleed their color, and you should wash them in their separate load.

Use the right washing cycle.

The wash cycles determine the speed at which the washing machine spins. Most washing machines have two primary speeds: a speed that agitates or tumbles the clothes with water and another that spins the water out of the clothes.

The cycle you choose should match the fabric of the cloth. There are four main cycles you can use:

Delicate cycle: The delicate cycle uses the slow approach, where it’s meant to reduce agitation and prevent wear and tear. While it’s highly effective at preventing the clothes from getting damaged, it doesn’t properly clean them.

Normal cycle: This cycle goes with a fast approach where it tumbles and spins fast. It’s highly effective at cleaning extremely dirty and sweaty clothes, and it’s the cycle that most people use regularly. Using this cycle, some of the best fabrics to clean are denim, cotton, towels, and beddings.

Special cycle: You will find these cycles in modern washing machines. The cycles vary in functionality and among washing machines. For example, you will find some machines that will sanitize, others steam, and so on.

Permanent or perm press: The perm pres cycle goes in a fast/slow approach, and it’s best for fabrics that need fast agitation to clean but a slow spin to prevent wrinkles. You should use this cycle when cleaning synthetic fibers such as knits, rayons, acetates, and polyesters.

You should use this cycle because synthetic fibers are known to pill or even create small balls of fiber, and spinning the fabric slowly prevents the piling from coming about.

Use the right temperature.

The same way you should use the right cleaning cycle is the same way you should take caution and use the right cleaning temperature. If you do your research, you will find that most experts recommend that you clean your clothes with hot water, which is for a reason.

When you use hot water, you not only have cleaner clothes, but the hot water also sanitizes clothes and kills germs. It also dissolves detergents more effectively and removes any built-up grime, so your clothes look cleaner and brighter.

While hot water is great, it can shrink the clothes, fade the fabrics, or even set certain stains. Some people have even pointed to the hot water being an expensive addition to their energy bill.

If you don’t want to use hot water, appliance repair Alexandria recommends using water at different temperatures, especially if the materials in question allow it.

The common options include:

Cool water: You can use cool water if cleaning delicate items or items with dyes that might bleed. Cool water is also ideal for clothes that aren’t necessarily dirty.

Warm water is best suited for cleaning dark colors and moderately dirty loads.

If you are unsure about the right water temperature to go with, get the input of a professional.