Keep Your Washer and Dryer Running Efficiently with These Easy Tricks

We all know laundry isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s week, but imagine life without your washer and dryer. Yep, total chaos. These two machines work harder than most of us ever will, so it’s only fair we show them some love to keep them running efficiently. Trust me, the last thing you want is for one of them to tap out in the middle of a laundry marathon, leaving you with soggy socks and no plan B.

The good news? Keeping them in good shape isn’t rocket science. You don’t need a fancy toolbox or a degree in appliance repair—just a few simple habits and tricks to keep everything humming along nicely. Plus, treating your machines right will save you some serious time, cash, and stress down the road. Who wouldn’t want that?

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about how you can keep your washer and dryer working like champs. Spoiler: it’s easier than you think, and your future self will thank you!

Regular Maintenance

Let’s be real—nobody wakes up excited to do “regular maintenance,” but when it comes to your washer and dryer, a little effort goes a long way.

Start with the lint filter in your dryer—it’s tiny but mighty. Clean it out after every load. Not just because it helps the dryer work better, but because lint buildup is basically an open invitation for your dryer to misbehave or, worse, overheat. Nobody wants to deal with that drama.

Next up, let’s talk dryer vents. Sure, it’s out of sight, but don’t let it be out of mind. A clogged vent slows everything down and can be a safety risk. Take a peek inside every few months and clean out any lint or debris. You’ll thank yourself when your clothes dry faster and your house isn’t in any danger of becoming a cautionary tale.

Oh, and if your washer’s got one of those detergent dispensers, don’t forget to clean that out too. Soap residue can gunk it up over time, making your washer work harder than it needs to. Just pop it out and rinse it—easy peasy.

Also, keep an ear out for any weird noises your machines might make. Squeaks, rattles, or thuds are their way of saying, “Hey, I need attention!” Catching these early could save you from expensive repairs later. So grab a rag, maybe a flashlight, and give your machines a little love. They deserve it!

Proper Loading Techniques

Let’s talk about loading your washer and dryer—because, yes, there is a wrong way to do it, and we’ve all been guilty at some point.

First off, don’t go cramming everything in like you’re trying to win a Tetris championship. I get it, laundry can be boring, and nobody wants to do multiple loads, but overloading your machine isn’t the shortcut you think it is. It makes it harder for your clothes to move around, which means they’re not getting as clean as they could. Plus, it puts extra stress on the machine, and let’s be real, they’ve got enough to deal with.

Also, don’t just toss stuff in there willy-nilly. Balance matters. If you’re throwing in a heavy comforter, add a couple of lighter items to even things out. Your washer doesn’t love doing the Harlem Shake mid-cycle, and uneven loads can cause it to wear out faster.

Another thing—make sure to give your clothes some space in the dryer too. Overstuffing means they won’t dry evenly, and you’ll end up with that awkward situation where half your socks are still damp, and your jeans could fry an egg. Not ideal, right?

So, take a deep breath, divide those piles, and give your washer and dryer the room they need to do their job. It’s not about being fancy—it’s just about not making them work harder than they have to.

Use the Right Detergent

Detergent is like coffee for your washer—it needs the right kind to function properly.

Not all detergents are created equal, so if your washer is one of those fancy high-efficiency (HE) models, make sure you’re using HE detergent. It’s specially designed to work with less water, so you’re not drowning your washer in suds. Trust me, the last thing you want is a soap bubble apocalypse spilling out onto your laundry room floor.

Also, let’s talk about how much detergent you’re using because more is definitely not better. Overdoing it might seem like the way to get those extra-dirty socks clean, but all that extra soap can leave a slimy buildup inside your machine. That buildup can mess with your washer’s performance and even make your clothes feel weird. Nobody wants to pull on a t-shirt that feels like it’s been slimed.

And don’t get fancy with the fabric softeners and additives unless your washer gives you the green light. Some of those extras can gunk up the works and turn your machine into a sudsy diva that refuses to cooperate. Keep it simple, follow the instructions on the detergent bottle, and let your washer do its thing. It’ll thank you by keeping your clothes fresh and your laundry routine drama-free.

Check Water Hoses

Ah, the real MVPs of your laundry setup: water hoses.

They’re not flashy, but they’ve got one job, and it’s a pretty big one—getting water where it needs to go. The thing is, they’re kind of like that friend who insists they’re fine but secretly needs help. Cracks, bulges, or leaks can sneak up on you, and before you know it, your laundry room could double as an indoor pool. Not ideal, right?

Here’s the deal: take a quick look at your hoses every now and then—say, every couple of months. You don’t need to be a plumbing expert. Just check for any signs of wear and tear, like cracks, fraying, or those random little drips that seem harmless but are actually plotting to ruin your day. And while you’re at it, make sure they’re connected nice and snug. A loose connection might not seem like a big deal until water starts spraying out like a rogue sprinkler.

Pro tip: if you’re using those old-school rubber hoses, consider upgrading to stainless steel braided ones. They’re way tougher and less likely to spring a leak. Oh, and don’t wait until disaster strikes—replace them every five years or so, even if they look fine. It’s one of those “better safe than sorry” situations. Because, trust me, nothing kills your vibe faster than stepping into a puddle when all you wanted was clean socks.

Optimal Settings

You know those buttons and knobs on your washer and dryer? They’re not just there to look impressive—they actually mean something!

Picking the right settings can make a huge difference in how well your clothes come out and how hard your machines have to work. For starters, don’t just default to “Normal” for everything (we’ve all done it). Different fabrics and dirt levels need different cycles. Tossing delicate lace undies on a heavy-duty setting is basically asking for a wardrobe malfunction.

Then there’s the water temperature. Hot water is great for towels and sheets but might shrink your favorite hoodie into doll-sized proportions. Cold water, on the other hand, is perfect for keeping colors bright and saving a bit on energy. Your washer’s “delicate” or “hand wash” setting? Absolute lifesavers for anything that looks like it might fall apart if you so much as look at it wrong.

On the dryer side, that high-heat setting can feel like a shortcut, but it’s not always your best bet. Lower heat settings may take a little longer, but they’re way gentler on your clothes (and less likely to turn your sweaters into crop tops). Bottom line: those settings are there to help you out, so take a minute to use them. Your clothes—and your machines—will thank you for it!

Ensure Level Installation

You ever notice your washer or dryer doing a little dance across the floor during a cycle?

Yeah, that’s not normal. If your machines are shaking, rattling, or rolling, chances are they’re not sitting level. And while it might seem harmless, all that extra movement puts unnecessary strain on the internal parts, which could lead to some not-so-fun repair bills.

Here’s the quick fix: grab a level and check if your washer and dryer are sitting evenly. If they’re off, don’t panic—it’s usually just a matter of tweaking the adjustable feet underneath. Most machines have them, and they’re super easy to adjust. Just twist them until everything’s nice and steady. Bonus tip: make sure the surface they’re on is solid. If you’ve got them on a bouncy floor, even the most perfectly adjusted feet won’t save you from the jiggles.

A level machine isn’t just quieter—it also works better and lasts longer. So take a few minutes to give them a good foundation. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference, like putting on socks before shoes or remembering to close the fridge door. Your appliances will thank you by running smoother and sticking around longer!

Selling a property? Give us a call today and learn more about our professional photography services that can boost your property listing!

Also, explore our sister company for exclusive luxury listings you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to tune into our new podcast for even more valuable insights!