18 WASHING MACHINE HACKS TO MAKE LAUNDRY EASIER

LAUNDRY HACKS FOR WASHING AND DRYING CLOTHES

Even if you already know how to do laundry, you might be looking for ways to make the job easier. From sorting colors to learning your washing machine’s unique settings, there are many ways to simplify laundry day. Read the laundry hacks for washing and drying clothes to learn more about how to make your laundry process easier and get chores done sooner.

1. LEARN YOUR WASHING MACHINE’S SETTINGS

Getting to know your washing machine’s settings can help simplify your laundry process and help make sure you clean clothing the right way. For day-to-day loads, the normal wash cycle may be your go-to choice. When it comes to different stains and fabric types, you may require a cycle that surpasses the ordinary.

Heavy-duty cycles are designed for sturdy, extra dirty items, and delicate cycles help ensure gentle cleaning and reduced wrinkling. While most wash cycles typically last 45 minutes to 2 hours, the duration of wash cycles may vary depending on the model and selected settings.

Consider searching online to learn more about your washing machine. Some manufacturers, including Maytag brand, offer videos to help you learn more about your appliances. You can also find owner’s manuals and other helpful guides on the Maytag^® Manuals & Literature page.

2. USE A MESH LAUNDRY BAG

Using a mesh bag is a practical laundry hack that offers several benefits. It can help prevent lost socks by keeping pairs together throughout the washing and drying process. The mesh bag can also act as a protective barrier, reducing the wear and tear on your garments caused by friction with other laundry. Using a mesh bag can also help prevent laundry items from getting tangled with other items. Whether or not you use a bag, take some time to secure loose straps, untangle items from one another and tie any loose strings before adding clothing to the washer.

3. WASH CLOTHES AT THE CORRECT TEMPERATURE

Always refer to your garment’s care tag before washing. If you are unsure which temperature to use, cold water is often a good choice.

Sturdy colorfast fabrics, white pre-shrunk cotton, sheets, towels and heavily soiled items often benefit from being washed in hot water. To effectively treat stains such as grass, lipstick and sweat, higher temperature water is typically recommended.

Lightly soiled garments such as dresses, blouses and pants, along with synthetic materials like poly-blends and nylon, small comforters and non-iron fabrics, are usually best washed with warm water. For stubborn stains like red wine and chocolate, start with cold water and then transition to warm.

For delicate materials, casual or mixed loads, bright or dark-hued cottons, linens and garments with light soiling, it’s often ideal to use cold water. Stains such as blood and toothpaste generally respond most effectively to cold water treatment.

Always follow the wash instructions on your clothing labels, but when you get the chance, run an occasional hot water cycle. This can help control soil and detergent accumulation in the washer.

4. USE DISH DETERGENT TO REMOVE OIL & GREASE STAINS

Oil and grease may seem like impossible stains to remove, but that is not always the case. Using dish detergent can work well for stain removal. Start tackling an oil or grease stain by spot-treating it with dish detergent first, then thoroughly rinse the garment so it is free of all dish soap before putting it in the washing machine. Remember, the sooner a stain is treated, the more likely it is to be removed.

5. LOAD YOUR WASHING MACHINE CORRECTLY

This washing machine tip can help your items come out cleaner. Loading your washing machine correctly is an important step in getting your laundry done right the first time. Place items gently and uniformly around the washer’s drum, ensuring they have space to circulate. For individual pieces that are more absorbent, such as a small washable rug or a blanket, include a few additional items to evenly distribute the weight in the drum.

6. USE DRYER SHEETS

Dryer sheets infused with liquid softeners, fragrances and lubricants work to neutralize the positive and negative electrons that make fabrics cling to one another. As the dryer heats up, the elements in the dryer sheets are activated and dispersed into your laundry, reducing static and ensuring fabrics remain free-flowing. This can help prevent excessive static buildup in many materials. Keep in mind that some types of fabric shouldn’t be dried using dryer sheets, so be sure to check the care tag on your clothes before tossing one in with the load.

7. LOAD THE DRYER CORRECTLY

For optimal drying results, place clothing loosely in the drum so it has room to move about freely inside the dryer. Before loading, make sure that your items are untangled from one another and you have tied any strings or secured any loose straps.

8. SELECT THE RIGHT DRYER CYCLES

Choosing the right dryer cycle for your items can help them get fully dry. You can reference your use and care guide for specific information about your dryer’s cycles. Some cycles might include Heavy Duty for items like bulky jackets, jeans and towels and Wrinkle Control for items like blouses and business casual items.

9. MAINTAIN YOUR DRYER

Keeping your lint screen and vents clean can increase airflow, helping your clothes dry more quickly and thoroughly. The lint screen may be located inside the door of your dryer or on top of the unit, and can be easily cleaned with your fingers or a soft nylon brush. Many dryer models have interior and exterior vents that you can clean, as well. Refer to your specific owner’s manual for instructions.

WASHING MACHINE CLEANING HACKS

While it’s easy to assume that your washing machine will stay pristine, given its regular role in cleaning clothes, it’s essential to clean it periodically. Regular maintenance of your washing machine not only helps it clean your clothes but can also combat grime and detergent accumulation. Read on to learn more about how to keep your washing machine clean.

1. USE A WASHING MACHINE CLEANER

Using a washing machine cleaner—along with a Clean Washer cycle found on some models—can help keep your appliance fresh. Washing machine cleaners such as affresh^®1 can help reduce dirt and grime in your machine, help clean deep inside the pump, valve, tub, drum, agitator, filter and hoses, and are safe for both top and front load machines.

2. LEAVE THE LID OPEN

To help prevent odors from forming, leave your washing machine lid or door—and dispenser drawers—open after each use so that it fully airs out.

3. CLEAN THE DETERGENT DISPENSERS

Cleaning your detergent dispensers can help keep your washing machine smelling fresh. You can clean the detergent dispensers with a damp cloth, all-purpose cleaner or even a toothbrush if it needs a little extra attention.

4. USE BAKING SODA

Although you should always refer to your owner’s manual before cleaning, baking soda is typically safe to use in a washing machine. Its deodorizing capabilities can help keep your washing machine smelling fresh and your laundry clean.

5. USE BLEACH

If you don’t have a washing machine cleaner or prefer another method, you can also use liquid chlorine bleach. Double-check your owner’s manual to make sure it doesn’t warn against the use of bleach beforehand—as some front load options are not compatible with bleach—and avoid using gel or splashless bleach.

WASHING MACHINE GENERAL USAGE TIPS

Although laundry might not be your favorite chore, there are ways to make it easier and more time-efficient. Use the tips below to help simplify laundry day, so you can check it off your list.

1. USE WASHER AND DRYER PEDESTALS FOR FRONT LOAD MACHINES

Elevating your front load washer and dryer with laundry pedestals offers several advantages. By raising your washer and dryer near chest level, laundry pedestals can reduce the need to bend down, which helps make your laundry routine more comfortable. Additionally, laundry pedestals sometimes come with a handy drawer, so your laundry essentials—such as detergent and fabric softener—can be conveniently stored out of sight. Explore laundry pedestals from Maytag brand.

2. USE SEPARATE BASKETS TO SORT LAUNDRY

Sorting your laundry by color and fabric type can help streamline your process and keep your clothes in good condition. To make this easier, consider using specific baskets for certain colors or fabric types, so the sorting is already done when you start the washing process.

3. CREATE A LAUNDRY SCHEDULE

If you’re managing a lot of laundry or need to simplify the process to fit into your busy schedule, creating a laundry schedule can help. While bras and underwear require more regular cleaning, jeans and bedding can generally go longer between washes. If you have a larger household or often wash bulkier loads, investing in a large capacity washer may be beneficial. It allows you to handle larger and bulkier loads, making it possible to extend your laundry intervals, if needed.

4. PREPARE CLOTHING FIRST

You may be tempted to toss clothes straight from the basket to the washer, but making sure your clothes are washer ready can help protect fabrics and the machine. Start by emptying all pockets and remove small objects that could plug washer pumps. Then, be sure to close all zippers, fasten hooks and tie strings. Mend any items with rips or tears before you wash them to help prevent further damage, and turn knit items inside out to help prevent pilling.