Just put clothes in it until it’s full, right? Well, it’s not that simple. Overloading a washing machine is a fairly common mistake since many people assume that it’s full when it’s full to the brim. What they’re essentially doing with this is leaving no space for the clothes to tumble, or water to properly fill-up the drum so the detergent can circulate. By overloading the machine you not only risk mechanical failure in the future, but you’re hindering the washing process itself.
So here’s the palm trick you could try every time to check if you’re machine is overloaded: Just place your hand into the drum—it’s easy as that. If your hand fits between your clothes and the wall of the drum, then you have the perfect load size. If not, it’s best to take something out. If you find you’ve got even more space in there, you can add more clothes to save more water.
If you have no more clothes to wash, and you really just need to do one load, then check to see if your machine has a half-load setting on it. This will use less water than a full load. If you’re curious what other settings your washer may have, check out our guide on how to use a regular washing machine or a high-efficiency one.
Using the correct water setting in your washer can make a world of difference in your laundry. Hot water, for instance, sanitizes and kills germs better, but in some cases, it can shrink your clothes, fade your fabrics, set certain stains, and requires a lot more energy. So, reserve hot water washes for bath and kitchen towels, bedding, sturdy fabrics and any extremely dirtied items. For moderately dirty loads, dark colors, and the permanent press cycle, use warm water. Last but not least, use cold water in the delicate cycle for delicate items, fabrics that have dyes that might bleed, or clothes that aren’t especially dirty. Coldwater is the gentlest way of washing your garments, and it also requires less energy, so you can save energy and protect the environment.
Designed to deliver outstanding stain removal in all water conditions, Tide laundry detergents offer an effective cold water clean even for dirty items.