The Washing Machine Setting That Can Maximize Your Laundry Efficiency

Laundry is one of those chores that may seem simple enough, but requires significant time and effort. There's more to laundry than just one step: you need to sort clothes, add pre-wash or utilize the prewash setting on your washing machine, and then load them. Once the washing machine is done, you must then load the laundry into the dryer. If you forget and leave the laundry in the washer, especially overnight, it becomes a bigger problem. It can mildew, becoming smelly, and you must wash it all over again. Loading your washing machine the night before and having it start in the morning could help you streamline your laundry routine. The washing machine's delay timer or delay start/end feature can maximize your laundry efficiency when used in this way.

You'll want to learn how best to use the delay function on your washing machine. You may also want to read your manufacturer's instructions regarding use and times on your particular machine. Then, you can schedule when a wash cycle begins or ends. Instead of pressing "start" and leaving your clothes to wash right then, you set the delay button. This can mean your washer will start anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours later, depending on your washing machine's brand and model. Using this setting, you can schedule a load to start while you sleep and have it finish when you wake up. Then, you just toss your clothes in the dryer, grab your coffee, and get on with your day.

You can maximize your laundry's efficiency with the delay since it helps you align your routine with your schedule. Instead of waiting around, you let the delay timer do all the thinking. It's especially useful for busy households that want to wake up or arrive home to fresh laundry. If you set it the night before, you can enjoy freshly washed clothes as part of your morning routine (and eliminate damp clothes sitting overnight). You could even use the timer again to have a load finished when you come home. This would allow you to tackle two loads in one day. When set correctly, your machine starts and ends at the perfect time you need it to, whether it is early in the morning, before you leave for work, or later. 

The delay timer makes it easier to handle other daily tasks and chores around the house. This small button makes a big impact, allowing you to thoughtfully schedule your laundry around your life so you can take back time and still feel accomplished. You might also consider scheduling it to run during off-peak energy times, which can save you money on your utility bills. 

When using the delay function, though, it's important to avoid overloading your laundry in the washing machine so it runs properly. Add in loads according to your machine's handling abilities. There's not much worse laundry-wise than believing your clothes are ready for the dryer only to find them sopping wet because of overloading or an unbalanced machine.