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Don't Let A Mistake Damage Your Washing Machine

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Laundry isn't exactly atop the average person's list of fun things to do, but it's a necessary chore. However, in your attempt to finish your laundry as quickly as possible, make sure you aren't making a mistake that could damage your machine. Discover some common mistakes that could cost you money. 

Overloading the Washer

Putting more clothes into the machine at one time will not make you get done with laundry any faster. First, when you overload the appliance, your clothes will likely still be dirty at the end of the cycle. Water and detergent need to flow around your clothes during the wash cycle freely. 

Too much stuff inside the machine prevents the water and detergent from moving about the right way, which results in poorly cleaned clothes. Second, the extra clothing also means extra weight. The heavier the load, the more strain put on the motor, which could ultimately reduce its lifespan. 

Third, overloading a washer might also cause the drum to become unbalanced. An unbalanced drum will bang violently during the spin cycle. For motor and drum damage, you won't be able to use the machine correctly without professional washer repairs. All washing machines have capacity guidelines. If you're not sure whether you're overfilling your machine, it's wise to double-check the manual.

Not Checking Your Pockets

Always perform a quick once-over of your pockets before you place clothes in the washing machine. Be especially cautious of paper objects, such as tissue; these objects shred during the wash cycle and leave behind a nightmare to clean up. However, some of the pieces also flow down the drain. 

In excessive amounts, paper can cause the drain to clog, which will prevent water from draining from the machine correctly. Harder objects, such as keys, can cause damage to the inside of the machine. During the spin cycle, the keys will violently move around the inside of the washer, which could scratch the machine and damage the drum. 

For drum repairs, you'd need to call a professional. If you have a front-loading washing machine, the keys could also cause a chip in the glass on the door. The glass might not shatter right away, but even a small chip weakens the integrity of the glass and makes it more vulnerable for cracking in the future. 

Do your laundry the correct way; avoid a costly mistake. However, in the event of damage to your washer, contact an appliance specialist for assistance. 


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