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This Simple Change Can Extend the Life of Your Washing Machine

A dryer sits next to a hamper.
New Africa/Shuterstock.com

No one is looking to drop a couple hundred or even a thousand dollars on a new washing machine. Part of avoiding that dreaded scenario is caring for your appliance. There’s one particularly easy method for extending its use that you can adapt right now.

In order to prolong your washing machine’s life, use less detergent. While that’s not the only rule you should be following, it’s arguably one of the simplest.

Many of us are guilty of using too much detergent. If you’re like me, you believed that more detergent meant more of that incredible, clean fragrance, but that’s not the case. Instead, using too much detergent can damage both your clothes and the washer.

Tide Laundry Detergent

This handy spout will make measuring easier.

When an excess is used, the machine uses more energy attempting to get the suds gone. This can mean more rinse cycles which reduce the appliance’s lifespan. Plus, if all of the detergent isn’t thoroughly rinsed out, it can create a build-up inside the machine. As for your clothes, the detergent can linger leading to stiff fabric and even a moldy smell.

If you want to keep your washer kicking longer, use the amount of detergent recommended by the manual (it’s probably a lot less than you think), and remember, even your washing machine needs to be washed.

Shea Simmons Shea Simmons
Shea Simmons is the Editor In Chief of LifeSavvy. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer with a focus on beauty and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Allure, and Hello Giggles. Read Full Bio »
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