The laundry is a common chore for many families. In fact, 88% of households in the United Kingdom own a washing machine. But do you really know how to care for it properly?
Washing machines are bulky, require effort to install, and can be costly. Therefore, it makes sense to maintain them to avoid potentially costly bills and unnecessary hassle and ensure your clothes look, smell, and feel great for longer. Below, Salah Sun, Head of Product Marketing at Beko Plc UK & Ireland, explains the best way to do this.
Salah says, “When it comes to getting the freshest laundry, you need to take care of your washing machine with some TLC—tumble-loving care. Whether cleaning the right way or ensuring you know the right cycle for your laundry, understanding your appliance better can make laundry easier.”
Should I fill my washing machine drum or leave some space?
When you’ve got a large laundry pile that needs sorting now, it can be easy to overfill your washing machine drum, but this might not be the best for your clothing. We all want to get the most out of a quick wash, but depending on your laundry load, sometimes having only a few items in the drum is best.
Salah says: “Consistently overfilling your drum doesn’t allow your clothes the movement and agitation they need to get cleaned properly. Heavily soiled clothes trapped in a heavy load won’t get the attention they need, and running drums that are too full can even damage your machine.
“An easy rule of thumb when it comes to filling your drum is that you should be able to put your hand in above your clothes and turn it 90 degrees. If you regularly have large amounts of laundry that need sorting, you might need a larger washing machine. A 12kg washing machine can fit up to 60 shirts, as opposed to the standard 8kg washing machines, which fit around 40 shirts in one cycle.”
How often do I need to clean the filter on my washing machine?
Salah continues: “Cleaning your filter is a standard part of your maintenance, but many people might not think to clean it—or even know where it is. You can find this behind a little door at the bottom of your washing machine; simply open the square panel, and you should find your filter. You should check your filter every three or four months.”
Before opening your filter, you’ll want to put something down to catch the water. This can be a sheet pan or towels. Depending on your model, you might have a drainage pipe that you can use to get rid of most of the water before opening, but not all of it.
You can then twist the filter and pull it out. The more often you check your filter, the less water buildup and smell it should have. You might even find some money, lost bobby pins, and other foreign objects hiding inside. Clearing this out and even giving your filter a scrub in the sink can be a great idea to keep it clean and mould-free.
How can I stop my washing machine from smelling?
Regular maintenance is key to a clean-smelling washing machine. You don’t want your laundry to come out smelling like anything other than your detergent, so make sure you’re cleaning your laundry and removing your load as soon as possible to keep stale smells at bay.
You don’t just want to wipe down the outside of your washing machine; the inside deserves the same love and care. Detergent, dirt, and hair can build up under the door seal, so using a damp cloth with vinegar or your cleaner of choice can help remove this and deodorise it.
Salah says, “Most washing machines have pre-programmed clean cycles that you can use to refresh them. These are hot cycles that you do with an empty drum to help clean it. Add a cap of vinegar to the drawer and even some baking soda to the drum for a deep clean that removes limescale and built-up grime.
“Ideally, you’ll want to run the clean cycle once a month, wipe down your door seal and the door, and clean out your detergent drawer to avoid build-up. Your filter can be cleaned every couple of months.”
What does washing machine spin mean?
Your spin speed is an important setting on your washing machine. At the end of the laundry cycle, your machine will spin the clothes to reduce the water soaked into your clothing. This is an important part of any cycle and can be customised to your needs.
Washing machine spin settings are calculated in RPM (revolutions per minute). This is how many times your drum will spin within a minute, usually ranging from as low as 600rpm to as high as 1600rpm. A 1600rpm cycle will mean that your drum spins 1600 within a minute – for optimal clothing dryness.
Salah says: “Your spin speed is crucial for your laundry. If you’re tired of waiting hours for your clothes to dry, a higher spin speed can reduce the amount of water your clothing retains and make them easier, and quicker, to dry. This not only saves you time but also money if you’re using your radiators to dry your clothes.”
Can I put my bra in a washer-dryer?
Your bra is an important part of your clothing, and making sure it is clean is important. As with any item of clothing, checking the care label symbols is a must – this will let you know how it is best to clean your individual bra.
While bras can be washed in the washing machine, avoid putting them in the dryer or a dry cycle. Heat, even low settings, can warp your underwire. Instead, opt for gently pressing the excess water out of them and letting them air dry on a clean towel for the best results.
Salah says: “Yes, you can wash your bra in a washing machine, but you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. The clasps can damage your drum, so make sure they’re attached to avoid them flying and catching anywhere they shouldn’t. Putting your bra and other delicates into a mesh bag can also help keep your underwear together.”
Why is my washing machine taking longer than it should?
Have you ever checked on your washing machine for it to say the cycle has two minutes left, but it runs for longer? There is a reason for this.
Salah says: “The values for how long it should take are approximated, but they’re not always exact. Your machine will self-adjust and add extra time if the laundry needs it.
Depending on many factors including the temperature, water pressure, and type of laundry itself, the time can change.
“One important thing to remember is that your washing machine will have detection software, and if excess foam is noticed at the end of the cycle, it might re-rinse your clothing. Overfilling your drum can also lead to this. So, if your washing machine is taking longer than it says it will, it is just making sure everything is clean, rinsed, and spun for your convenience.”
A pile of laundry is common in most households, but by finding out how to work your washing machine better, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your load. So, next time your washing machine is taking another spin, or you’re starting to notice a smell, you’ll know why.