17 WASHING MACHINE TIPS TO MAKE LAUNDRY DAY A BREEZE

Even a total laundry pro can use a few simple tips to turn laundry day into a hassle-free activity and not a dreaded chore. Read this guide, and also keep it handy, to discover some helpful laundry day hacks designed to simplify the process and make sure you get the cleanest clothes imaginable.

Maybe you already know how to do laundry, or maybe you’re looking for ways to make it easier, but either way, some tips can help get you there.

From sorting colours and using a mesh laundry bag to learning when to use each washing machine setting, there are proven ways to simplify laundry day. Keep reading to learn more about how to make your laundry day easier and quicker.

Familiarizing yourself with your washing machine’s settings will demystify the process and help ensure you clean clothing correctly. For daily loads, the normal wash cycle is probably your go-to setting. That said, when it comes to various stains and fabric types, you may require a cycle specific to what you’re trying to wash.

Heavy-duty cycles are meant for sturdy, extra dirty items, whereas delicate cycles are designed to help ensure a combination of gentle cleaning and reduced wrinkling. The duration of a wash cycle will vary based on your washer and the selected settings, but most last between roughly 45 minutes to 2 hours.

The internet is a great resource to learn more about your laundry appliances. You can find owner’s manuals and other informative guides on the Maytag^® Manuals & Literature page.

A mesh laundry bag is a practical hack with several benefits. It can help prevent the common lost sock problem by keeping pairs together as they are washed and dried. The mesh bag also acts as a protective barrier, reducing the wear and tear on items caused by friction with other laundry. A mesh bag can also help prevent laundry items from getting tangled with each other.

Even if you don’t use a bag, you should take some time to do the following before placing them in the washer for cleaning: 

• Secure loose straps

• Untangle items from one another

• Tie any loose strings

Always consult your garment’s care tag prior to washing. If you don’t know which temperature to use, cold water is usually the safest choice.

These items often benefit from being washed in hot water:

• Sturdy colourfast fabrics
• White pre-shrunk cotton, sheets, and towels 
• Heavily soiled items. 

To effectively treat typically tough stains such as lipstick, grass, and sweat, higher temperature water is usually recommended.

These items are usually best washed with warm water:

• Lightly soiled garments such as dresses, blouses, and pants
• Synthetic materials like poly-blends and nylon, small comforters, and non-iron fabrics,

To treat stubborn stains like red wine and chocolate, begin a wash with cold water and then transition to warm water.

It’s often ideal to use cold water to wash these items:

• Delicate materials
• Casual or mixed loads
• Bright or dark-hued cottons
• Linens and garments with light soiling, 

Stains such as blood and toothpaste are generally best treated with cold water.

The best advice is to always follow the wash instructions on your clothing labels. When you get the chance, run an occasional hot water cycle to help control soil and detergent that often accumulate in your washing machine.

Oil and grease often feel like the toughest stains to remove, but some treatments have proven to be effective. Believe it or not, dish detergent might be a successful way to remove stains. Tackle an oil or grease stain by first spot-treating it with dish detergent. Next, thoroughly rinse the garment to remove the dish soap before putting it in the washer. Keep in mind, a stain is more likely to be removed the quicker you treat it.

Loading your washer correctly is an important yet often overlooked step in getting your laundry as clean as possible the first time around. Place garments gently and uniformly around the washer’s drum, leaving some space for them to circulate. For individual pieces that are more absorbent, like a blanket or small washable rug, add some additional items to evenly distribute the weight in the drum.

To achieve the desired drying results, put clothing loosely in the drum, allowing room for them to move freely inside the dryer. Prior to loading, ensure that your items aren’t tangled with each other and take some time to tie any strings and secure any loose straps, if applicable.

Selecting the correct dryer cycle for your garments and items can help get them completely dry. Reference your use and care guide for specific information about your dryer’s cycles. 

Some cycles may include:

• Heavy Duty for items like jeans, bulky jackets, and towels

• Wrinkle Control for items like blouses and business casual clothing

It’s vital to keep your lint screen and vents clean, as this should increase airflow, which will help your clothes dry quickly and more thoroughly. The lint screen is often located inside the dryer door or on top of the appliance, and most can be easily cleaned with your fingers or a soft nylon brush. Many models are built with interior and exterior vents that are accessible for cleaning, as well. Always consult your specific owner’s manual for instructions.

It’s essential to clean your washing machine periodically. Regular maintenance not only helps it clean your clothes more effectively, but can also prevent grime and detergent accumulation. 

Here is how you can keep your washing machine clean.

A washing machine cleaner, in conjunction with a Clean Washer cycle found on some models, can help keep your appliance fresh. Washing machine cleaners such as affresh^®1 are designed to help reduce dirt and grime that can build up in your appliance in addition to helping provide a deep clean inside the pump, valve, drum, tub, agitator, filter, and hoses. These are often safe for both top and front load machines.

One way to help prevent odours from forming is to leave your washing machine lid or door in addition to the dispenser drawers open after each use. This will help the appliance fully air out.

It’s important to clean your detergent dispensers to help keep your washing machine clean and fresh-smelling. Use a damp cloth, all-purpose cleaner, or even a toothbrush to clean the detergent dispensers if they look like they need some extra attention.

Baking soda is typically safe to use in a washing machine, but you should always confirm with your owner’s manual before proceeding. Baking soda’s deodorizing capabilities can help maintain your washing machine’s fresh smell and keep your laundry clean.

If you don’t have a washing machine cleaner or just prefer another method, you can use liquid chlorine bleach. Always refer to your owner’s manual to confirm that bleach won’t harm the appliance or the contents of a load. Some front-load washers are not compatible with bleach, so avoid using gel or splashless bleach.

Sure, laundry is probably not your favorite chore, but there are ways to simplify it or make it more time-efficient. These tips can help make laundry day less of a chore.

There are several advantages to using laundry pedestals to elevate your front-load washer and dryer. By raising your laundry appliances near chest level, laundry pedestals can reduce the need for you to bend down, helping make doing laundry more comfortable. Sometimes, laundry pedestals come with a handy drawer for conveniently storing your laundry essentials, such as detergent and fabric softener. Browse laundry pedestals from Maytag brand.

Sorting your laundry by colour and fabric type is a great way to streamline your laundry process and help keep your clothes in good condition. Consider using specific baskets for certain colours or fabric types, as this will take care of the sorting before you start the washing process.

Create a laundry schedule if laundry is a daily chore, or you need to simplify the process to accommodate your busy schedule. While bras and underwear need more regular cleaning, jeans and bedding can usually go longer between washes. If you’re part of a larger household or often wash bulkier loads, you may need to invest in a large capacity washer. These washers can help you handle larger and bulkier loads, which can extend your laundry intervals.

Before taking clothes from the basket and tossing them into the washer, make sure your clothes are washer-ready. First, empty all pockets and remove any small objects that may plug the washer pumps. Next, close all zippers, fasten hooks and tie strings. You should also mend rips or tears on garments and items before washing them to help prevent further damage. Don’t forget to turn knit items inside out to help prevent pilling.