4. Clothes Not Getting Clean

If you use a front-load washer and your clothes aren’t getting as clean as you’d like, don’t blame the machine. It could just be a simple user error of overloading the washer.

Next time you do laundry, resist the urge to pack the washer to the brim. For the best results, the experts at WASH recommend loading the drum loosely — about 75 percent of the way full — and with an even distribution of both small and large items.

Clothes need some room inside the washing machine to get clean. This extra room is essential for the water and detergent to mix properly and permeate throughout your laundry. This also allows the items inside the machine to rub against each other with just the right amount of friction to aid in proper cleaning. Correctly loading your machine helps ensure your clothes come clean without damage, and it also helps prevent wrinkles and pilling on fabrics prone to such, saving you priceless time.

Also, try to keep loads balanced with a mix of small and large items. An unbalanced load can cause a washer error during the spin cycle, requiring you to remove your items and restart the machine, which can potentially damage the unit.

Following these simple rules not only get clothes cleaner, it helps save you time, and will keep machines functioning properly for both you and your neighbors.