Things You Should Never Do When Using Your Washing Machine
Five vital washing machine mistakes to avoid for better laundry and a longer appliance lifespan.
Overloading the Drum
Using Too Much Detergent
Ignoring the Lint Filter and Rubber Seal
Leaving Wet Clothes Inside
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
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Your washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home — yet, many of us treat it like it’s indestructible.
In reality, a few small mistakes can quietly shorten its lifespan, waste electricity and water, and even ruin your clothes.
Here are five things you should never do when using your washing machine — and what to do instead to keep both your laundry and appliance in perfect shape.
1. Overloading the Drum
It’s tempting to stuff everything in one cycle — especially when laundry piles up.
But cramming clothes into the drum leaves no room for water and detergent to circulate properly.
🚫 Why it’s bad:
Clothes don’t get fully cleaned or rinsed.
The extra weight strains the drum bearings and motor.
Over time, this leads to noisy spins and costly repairs.
✅ Do this instead:
Leave enough space at the top of the drum (about a hand’s width). If your clothes can tumble freely, your machine — and your laundry — will thank you.
2. Using Too Much Detergent
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes — it actually means the opposite.
Excess detergent creates sticky residue that traps dirt and bacteria, leaving clothes feeling stiff and smelling musty.
🚫 Why it’s bad:
Soap buildup clogs the drain and damages seals.
It encourages mold and mildew growth inside the drum.
It wastes money and requires extra rinse cycles.
✅ Do this instead:
Use the amount recommended on your detergent packaging — and even less for high-efficiency (HE) machines. For an occasional deep clean, run an empty hot-water cycle with a cup of white vinegar.
3. Ignoring the Lint Filter and Rubber Seal
Every wash leaves behind tiny fibers, lint, and detergent residue. If you never clean the filter or rubber door seal, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
🚫 Why it’s bad:
Lint buildup affects drainage and spinning.
Trapped moisture leads to moldy odors.
Dirt along the rubber gasket can stain light clothing.
✅ Do this instead:
After every few washes, wipe the rubber gasket with a cloth and mild cleaner. Clean the lint filter monthly — it’s a small task that makes a big difference in performance.
4. Leaving Wet Clothes Inside
We’ve all done it — forgotten a load inside the washer for hours (or even overnight). But that dark, damp environment turns your clean clothes into a musty mess fast.
🚫 Why it’s bad:
Bacteria and mildew start forming in as little as 6 hours.
Fabric fibers break down faster.
The unpleasant smell can be nearly impossible to remove.
✅ Do this instead:
Always remove clothes immediately after the cycle ends. If you forget, rerun a short rinse with a splash of white vinegar — it kills odor-causing bacteria and refreshes your clothes.
5. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Your washing machine needs a little TLC to perform its best. Skipping routine care is like never changing the oil in your car — problems will eventually pile up.
🚫 Why it’s bad:
Limescale buildup damages internal parts.
Clogged hoses reduce water flow and efficiency.
The machine uses more energy and takes longer cycles.
✅ Do this instead:
Run a maintenance wash once a month using hot water and washing-machine cleaner (or vinegar + baking soda). Check the hoses and cords for leaks or cracks once or twice a year.
Final Thought
Your washing machine is a modern-day miracle — but it’s not invincible.
A few careless habits can quietly damage its delicate components, shorten its lifespan, and ruin your favorite outfits.
By avoiding these five common mistakes and practicing simple care routines, you’ll enjoy fresher clothes, lower repair bills, and a washing machine that lasts for years.
So next time you start a cycle, remember: a little attention goes a long way.