If you had to pick one appliance to live without, what would it be? According to a recent survey done by How Stuff Works, it would not be your washing machine.
For about as long as people have been around, we have had to find ways to wash our clothes. But thanks to the invention of the washing machine, that particular chore is much simpler to manage than it was a couple of hundred years ago.
However, despite the outstanding versatility of the modern washing machine and all those neat buttons and cool functions, your washer is not invulnerable. Without even thinking about it, we regularly do things to our washing machines that may end up with needing an emergency call for washer repair in Vancouver.
So, while your friendly Vancouver neighbourhood washer repair technicians are always happy to help, avoiding these five things could save you from needing an appliance repair visit.
Forgetting to Empty Your Pockets
It’s so easy, but so many of us forget to check the pockets of clothing before starting a wash cycle. And we are not only pointing fingers at the kids. Car keys, loose change, and yes, even rocks, all these items are easy to forget about. However, they could be causing significant damage to your drum, not to mention scratching up the inside of your machine.
Washing Things that Really Shouldn’t Go into a Washing Machine
Just because the label says that something is machine washable doesn’t necessarily mean that you should put it in your washing machine, unless, of course, you really enjoy washer repair calls. Things like rubber-backed mats and lingerie should really be washed by hand. The backing of rubber mats tends to break down in the wash cycle, and all those little bits can clog your filter, or worse, end up in your pump.
And while it may be tempting to toss your bras into the wash, not only is it bad for the garment, but all those hooks could wreak havoc on the inside or your machine if they happened to get caught in your cylinder. If you have to wash your lingerie in the washing machine, use the delicates cycle and a mesh bag.
Using too Mach Laundry Detergent
More is not better when it comes to the amount of laundry detergent you use. Using too much detergent results in residue build-up and an unpleasant odour coming from your machine, both of which will transfer to your laundry. If your clothes are not coming out clean, you could try running a clean, empty washer cycle and washing again using less detergent; most brands have recommended usage, but generally, you don’t want to go over 1/3 cup.
If your clothes still aren’t coming out clean, there could be other issues at hand that warrant a washer repair service appointment.
Washing Items Excessively Covered in Pet Hair
This one can be a little tricky for pet owners because, let’s be honest, pet hair gets all over everything. Jackets, sweaters, pants, and blankets, there is no escaping it. However, as much as possible, avoidtossing items that are excessively covered in pet hair into the washer. Brush them off first. Wet pet fur can clump together, sticking to the inside of your cylinder and clogging your drain pipe.
Washing Very Small Items
Have you ever wondered where all those baby socks are going? No, you’re not crazy; tiny socks and other very small items, including face cloths and underwear, can get sucked into your washing machine’s vents and hoses, which could lead to flooding. Don’t wait for a soapy disaster to strike. Instead, use a mesh laundry bag for small clothing items.
Some of the most common washer repair Vancouver calls can easily be avoided by taking a few extra minutes to empty pockets or sort items into laundry bags. Take care of your washing machine, and it will keep taking care of your laundry.
