6 Ways You're Sabotaging Your Washing Machine

Washing pillows and mats, overloading the machine, and forgotten items- we've compiled common mistakes that could be sending you to the repair shop too often:

Mistake #1: Leaving small items in clothes

Leaving sharp objects like bobby pins might rip your clothes during washing, but they can also damage the machine. "Coins, zipper parts, buttons, candies, and even socks and underwear can end up causing issues with the machine's water pump, which can be quite costly to fix," explained the service center at 'The Professionals.' "Occasionally, as preventive maintenance, it's recommended to open the machine's filter and clean any accumulated debris (small objects and fiber lint) to help maintain the water pump's efficiency over time."

Mistake #2: Overloading the washing machine

"Many issues arise from putting too much laundry in the machine," they say at the service center. "The drum has a specific weight it can bear; exceeding it might tear the supporting belts. It’s crucial not to fill the drum completely because the maximum weight includes the water added during the cycle. Therefore, keep about 20% of the drum empty. This is vital, especially when washing materials like towels, blankets, and jeans that absorb a lot of water."

Mistake #3: Washing sandy clothes

"Shake off sand from clothes outside," advises the service team, explaining: "If you put them in the washing machine, the sand grains can cause significant damage to the water pump due to high friction between the impeller unit and the pump motor lever. Emptying sandy clothes in the tub or shower could damage your water pipes as sand accumulation might create blockages, eventually leading to pipe bursts. So, don't be lazy—make sure to do this."

Mistake #4: Using dish soap incorrectly

"It's very important to avoid putting dish soap in place of laundry detergent. Dish soap creates bubbles, which can cause the machine to keep filling with water, leading to flooding," they explained.

Mistake #5: Washing pillows and mats in the machine

"A mat worth $30 can ruin a machine that costs several hundred dollars," they warned. "Similarly, a pillow might shed feathers and damage the water-drain pump. Even if you're eager to clean them, consider the cost of potentially needing a new machine."

Mistake #6: Running consecutive cycles

"If you habitually run 2-3 laundry loads consecutively, be aware that you might damage the machine's motor. It’s recommended to wait about twenty minutes for the motor to cool before starting another cycle," they advised.