Washer and Dryer tips

Wiki Article

Maintain your machines

To keep your washing machine in top condition, it’s best to clean it every three-months. Pour two cups of white vinegar into your machine’s detergent drawer, and run your machine on its hottest cycle. After the first run, add half a cup of baking soda directly into the basin and run a hot cycle again.

Alternatively, running a hot cycle with a limescale removing product is just as effective. This can help to get rid of any build-up that could affect the performance of your machine, to keep it working efficiently for as long as possible.

For your dryer, remember to regularly clean its lint filter for maximum efficiency, ideally after each cycle. A lot of lint and hair can accumulate from just one load, which can hinder your machine from properly drying big and dense items.
Use bio capsules for more effective stain removal

If you would like to start washing your clothes at cooler temperatures, it’s best to buy bio capsules or bio laundry detergent, as they contain enzymes that can be activated at lower temperatures than non-bio products. These detergents will be better at breaking down your clothing’s dirt and stains during a colder wash - there are even detergents specifically for cold water washes. However, it’s worth noting that non-bio detergents are better for sensitive skin, as they contain less harsh enzymes.
Invest in some dryer balls Details

Adding wool or rubber dryer balls to your dryer during a cycle, will help to separate your clothes and increase their exposure to airflow, which can overall reduce drying time and the length at which your dryer needs to run for, saving you energy. Wool balls can even soak up some of the moisture in your machine and cut down drying time even more.

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Air dry when possible

Your tumble dryer uses the most energy out of all standard household cleaning appliances, so, if possible, drying your clothes on a drying rack in front of a radiator would be much more energy efficient.

Equally, you could make the most of any crisp and sunny weather this autumn and hang your laundry outside, as outdoor breezes are great for drying clothes.