How to get the most out of your washing machine

When you think of water damage, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I bet you’re thinking “flood” like I was. However, one of the main causes of water damage is not from flood water, but in reality, it is your washing machine. Crazy right?

Well just like the flood water, your washing machine can do the same amount of damage to the area that it is in. However, the great thing about a washing machine is that most of the prevention steps and fixes are VERY simple.

Use of detergent  

Make sure you’re using the correct amount of detergent. I know what you’re thinking. “Is this lady really telling me that all I have to do is read a label on a bottle?” The answer is yes… I know it sounds wild, but a lot of people do not use their laundry detergent correctly.

Each container of detergent will have a label that tells you how much should be put into your washing machine. From experience, it doesn’t make your clothes cleaner like I originally thought back in the day. It only makes them feel sticky and does not clean them properly.  You will also find it beneficial to follow the directions on your washing machine.  Follow those steps and you’re moving in the right direction.

Hose Connection

Make sure that your hot and cold hoses are connected properly. Personally, I have seen this one firsthand. When connecting the hot and cold hoses make sure that they are not tightened too much. So, don’t be going all “Hulk” on those bad boys. When they are tightened too tight the connector or hose can break. This will cause a lot of water to flood out into the room that the washing machine calls home.

Now, that doesn’t mean you twist the hoses on just enough to where you think they are connected well. This can also lead to the pressure of the water disconnecting the hose itself causing water to also spill out onto your floors. If you have any concerns, I will consider hiring a professional to install the hoses for you. It’s always better to be safe than sorry in the long run.

Drain Hose Installation 

Simple, yet done incorrectly plenty of times… make sure the drain hose is installed properly. If the hose is installed incorrectly then it is possible for the hose to come loose and drain your water from the washing machine all over the floor. It is best to make sure that the hose is secured with a zip tie or a piece of wire. However, you need to make sure that you do not puncture the hose. This could cause a small leak which would result in a larger mess down the road.

Overloading The Washing Machine

This is the prevention step that I am the guiltiest of… OVERLOADING. I know with my busy schedule I feel that stuffing as much clothing as possible into the washing machine will do me a favor as to doing less loads, and in return taking less time doing laundry. However, that has proven to be a falsehood when it comes to the dreaded, yet never ending laundry game. Not only will you have to waste more water on cleaning those clothes for a second round, but you can also damage the drum of your washing machine. I can count one both hands how many times I have had to do a second wash due to overloading. You should be able to fit your hand down into the machine and have space between the top and the clothes that you have put in there.

Washing Machine Seals

Is it sealed correctly? I know most machines will not start until the lid is closed. That doesn’t mean it won’t leak once the door is shut.  So, it is important to know if the seal around the lid is on correctly. If that seal is coming undone or not lined up correctly that water will find itself on your floor. We all know we don’t want to see that happening.

Remember if you are experiencing water damage, the techs at Rodriguez are educated to get the job done safely and correctly. If you have any questions, feel free to give Rodriguez Cleaning & Restoration Services a call. We are here for all of your water extraction and restoration needs. Our number is 502-365-6779.