10 handy household tips to help your appliances run better

Tips for your washing machine, dryer and dishwasher

Whether you live in an apartment or house, one thing’s for sure – you’ll have a few appliances. Washing machine, dryer and dishwasher are the ones that we certainly couldn’t live without. And, there’s nothing more frustrating than when they break down. So, we asked our friend, Michael Mori from Total Appliance Service, for 10 handy household tips that will help your appliances run better for you:

1. Don’t use too much laundry detergent

   It’s a simple assumption to make – more soap means cleaner clothes – but it’s actually wrong. Using too much soap leaves residue on your clothes and can also damage the washing machine. It’s best to stick to the recommended amount listed on the bottle.

2. Zip up but don’t button down

   It’s always best to do up your zippers before putting them in the wash. This prevents them snagging delicate clothes. But, buttoning up your shirts, blouses and trousers actually puts more stress on the clothes. If you want your buttons to stick around a bit longer, make sure they’re undone before putting them in the wash.

3. Don’t overload the washing machine

   We’re so busy in our lives that at some point (maybe it’s every week or once a month), there’ll be a time when your laundry basket is overflowing. When you’re in a rush, picking up an armful and cramming in the machine may feel good. In reality, overloaded washing machines break down sooner and the clothes don’t clean properly. Which could mean re-washing; wasting water and time.

4. Clean the lint every. time.

   Not only does it prevent fire but it also keeps your energy bills down, helps the dryer last longer, and dries your clothes faster.

5. Use the dryer lint for your campfire or garden pit fire

   If you like to camp or have the luxury of a fire pit in your back garden, we’ve just given you the best kindling you can find. We all know it’s highly flammable, so what better way to make use of it? Simply stuff an empty toilet paper roll with the lint, put it under your finished fire and light it up.

6. Every so often, run the dishwasher with vinegar

   Ah white vinegar. The pantry item with seemingly thousands of uses. Simply empty a cup of it in the bottom of an empty dishwasher, put on a normal cycle, and you’ll have a clean dishwasher. All food particles stuck in your filter are removed and the machine will be smelling fresh. Plus, it’s better for the environment and your health than a standard cleaner.

7. Scrape, then load

   We agree, washing twice is pointless. However, scraping first is essential. In order to keep your dishwasher running longer and cleaning better, make sure all crumbs are off the plate. This helps to reduce particles left on the dishes and also helps to prevent a clogged filter. Which brings us nicely to our next point;

8. Clean the filter regularly

   Under the lower sprayer is a piece of equipment where all of the bits that don’t make it down the drain, get stuck. Food particles, pieces of glass, maybe even hair (ewwww). It’s easily removed and cleaned just by running it under the tap and brushing with an old toothbrush.

9. Run hot water before starting the dishwasher

   Now this one surprises a lot of people. But, running your tap until it runs hot and then starting the dishwasher means the first cycle will be hot. This is especially important in winter, when the water takes longer to heat up.

10. Don’t double up on rinse aid

    Some dishwasher soap (tablet, liquid or powder) already contains rinse aid. If this is the case, you don’t need to add it. Always check the label and make sure you’re not doubling up.