Your Washing Machine Isn't Really Cleaning Your Clothes If You Notice These Things
It's that time of the week to do your laundry. You sort the dirty items, pour the detergent in, load the machine, and start the wash cycle per usual. Ding, the washing machine signals the clothes are clean — or so you thought. If you've ever been left scratching your head, wondering why your laundry smells sour right out of the wash, odds are your appliance isn't really doing its job. And that's just one of the potential signs. Soapy residue is another clear hint that your washing machine is on strike and not cleaning your clothes as it should.
According to Garrett Bergstrom, virtual appliance expert at Frontdoor, the first thing you should do in this scenario is to determine if there is a mechanical failure. How wet is the clothing? Dripping wet could mean there is a blockage in the drainage hose, or it could just be that you overstuffed your machine and it struggled to spin properly. Bergstrom also noted in his exclusive interview with House Digest to pay attention to any unusual smells other than detergent. These lingering odors could be signs that your washer is reaching the end of its life or you're in need of a deep clean.
In most cases, it's simply user error
Nine times out of 10, clothes come out dirtier than before they went into the washer simple because of rookie laundry mistakes. Using too much laundry detergent is a classic example. Contrary to popular belief, Bergstrom says that over usage of detergent contributes to the musty smell we all despise. It starts as a buildup of soap in the washer, but can quickly result in overly-sudsy laundry that prevents the machine from properly spinning excess liquid out of the clothes. "In a region with water that is not too hard or soft, two tablespoons of HE (High Efficiency) detergent is all you need for a large load," Bergstrom shared in an exclusive interview with House Digest.
Okay, but what if the dirty clothes are due to a problem with the appliance? After all, there might be an error code displayed on your washer, clearly indicating something's amiss inside. "Most of the time washers can and should be repaired over being replaced," the appliance repair technician explained. "However, major mechanical failures, like a bad main bearing, could cost more to repair and exceed the cost of a new washer." In these situations, you're better off purchasing a new one.
How to ensure your washer is actually cleaning your clothes
"When trying to determine if the washer is actually cleaning the clothes, I like to start with a clean washer," Bergstrom shared in his exclusive interview with House Digest. He suggests either running a clean cycle or a vinegar bath to clean your washing machine. "I also like to clean out accessible coin traps," he added. Do this any time you start to notice musty or mildew-like smells, or, better yet, deep clean your appliance monthly to prevent it from churning out dirty clothes in the first place.
"Also, sometimes less is more when it comes to your laundry detergent," Bergstrom said. "Ensure that the proper level of detergent — per manufacturer's directions — is being used to clean better and keep undesirable smells out of the washer longer." While you're at it, make sure you're following the recommended washer settings for your garment and separating the laundry out accordingly.
Perhaps the most important tip is to ensure you're not overloading the washer. "Washing similar clothing items together (pants with pants, towels with towels, socks with socks) can help balance the washing machine during the cycle and prevent unnecessary wear and tear," the appliance expert noted. Follow these tips, and your clothes will be visibly clean and smell fresh in no time.