Appliance care
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Keep the washer door ajar after each cycle.
This lets moisture leave and helps prevent mold, mildew, and bad smells.
- closing the door may be necessary in some regions to keep pests out
- in areas with high ambient mold spores, leaving the door open may not be sufficient
13 people, independently
Use YouTube tutorials to guide basic appliance repairs like belt replacement or motor swaps.
Tutorials make repairs easy and save money on service bills.
- Having a second person help handle the drum can be useful during reassembly.
2 people, independently
Consider buying a top-loading washing machine instead of a front-loader.
Top loaders do not have the rubber seals found in side loaders that users report getting nasty and smelling awful.
4 people, independently
If you have a front-loading washing machine with drainage issues, check and clean the lint trap located before the pump.
This can resolve drainage problems and avoid service calls.
one person who lived it
Clean the dryer vent hose if clothes require multiple cycles to dry.
A clogged hose prevents proper drying.
2 people, independently
dryer, washing, lint, machine34
Check the washing machine interior for pets or wildlife before loading clothes or starting the cycle.
Check and clean the pump trap/filter at the bottom of the washing machine every couple of months.
It catches small objects before they reach the pump.
one person who lived it
Do not use dryer sheets to clean lint filters, as the coating clogs the mesh and creates a fire hazard.
The static-reducing coating blocks airflow through the trap.
one person who lived it
- Scrub the lint filter with a bristle brush and soap and water periodically.1
Check the washing machine interior for pets or wildlife before loading clothes or starting the cycle.
3 people, independently
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and leave the door cracked open to avoid funky smells.
It helps avoid funky smell and won't hurt the dishwasher.
one person who lived it
29 more on this
Avoid using OxiClean on towels and bedding.
it can leave a persistent 'old gym socks' smell that lasts for weeks
one person who lived it
Occasionally vacuum out the dryer vents even if you clean the lint trap after every load.
Blocked airflow from lint buildup can wear the dryer out.
one person who lived it
Don't tailgate to brake less often.
It lets your brakes last longer.
one person who lived it
Line dry clothes or use a drying rack.
Laundry lasts longer when hung out to dry.
one person who lived it
Shut off water valves connected to laundry washers when away for long periods.
Hoses can rupture without warning, even when the machine is not running, causing leaks while you are gone.
2 people, independently
Check inside the dryer for lost items like coins or cash after performing maintenance.
Valuable items such as cash and change can accumulate inside.
one person who lived it
Carry loose change in a coin changer, purse, or wallet rather than pockets to prevent loss.
Coins fall out of pants pockets when undressing.
one person who lived it
Re-solder cracking connections on the dryer control board if they are failing due to vibration.
Decades of vibration can cause solder joints to crack.
one person who lived it
If you have a washing machine on an upper floor, only run it while home to catch leaks immediately.
A malfunctioning machine can leak through the ceiling and destroy property if no one is present to stop it.
one person who lived it
Do not flush an older water heater if it has never been flushed before.
Disturbing sediment can corrode the lining, create pin holes, and cause the liner to start leaking.
one person who lived it
Consider trying a ventless dryer if you get the chance.
One user reported high satisfaction after using their second one.
one person who lived it
Spray vacuum bags with air freshener or essential oil and let dry to prevent spreading carpet smell.
It creates a filter that doesn't spread that 'carpet' smell into the air.
one person who lived it
Refrain from adding vinegar to washing machines if corrosion is a concern.
Acetic acid degrades rubber seals and hoses, causing leaks.
3 people, independently
Stop using fabric softener and dryer sheets to prevent oily residue buildup on linens and in the dryer.
Residue traps bacteria causing bad smells when damp and creates a potentially flammable sheen.
one person who lived it
Wipe under the rubber seal at the bottom of the washer to remove trapped water, hair, and small items.
Trapped debris causes mold to gather around the seals.
one person who lived it
If your dryer suddenly stops drying well, inspect and remove obstructions like bird nests from the exhaust vent.
one person who lived it
Do not use dryer lint as hamster bedding.
One person reported this tip is ineffective and harmful for hamsters.
one person who lived it
Place a container near the dryer to collect change found in pockets, but do not place it on top of the vibrating appliance.
Change ends up there anyway, and storing it nearby helps save for future appliance replacements.
one person who lived it
Use white vinegar for laundry instead of apple cider vinegar to avoid staining.
Apple cider vinegar is not clear and can stain clothes.
one person who lived it
Do not use dryer lint for bird nests.
Lint contains toxic chemicals from detergents and fabric softeners, and airborne particles can cause respiratory distress or suffocation in birds.
one person who lived it
Clean the lint trap before every load.
Clothes won't dry properly otherwise.
one person who lived it
Apply Vaseline to hose threads before connecting them for long-term use.
This prevents corrosion so the hose or nozzle does not seize permanently and become difficult to remove later.
one person who lived it
Rinse bagless vacuum air filters and let them dry completely before reinserting.
This greatly improves cleaning power.
one person who lived it
Rewash towels and washcloths with detergent if they develop a mildew smell, rather than using vinegar.
Vinegar does not work on these items.
one person who lived it
Place balled-up aluminum foil in the dryer for anti-static effects.
It provides anti-static benefits and is reusable.
one person who lived it
Use front-loading washing machines or top-loaders without agitators to keep clothes longer.
Agitators scrape fabric off clothes in addition to removing dirt.
one person who lived it
Reuse used dryer sheets to dust surfaces.
The depleted sheets retain slight anti-static properties that help prevent future dust accumulation.
one person who lived it
Read the owner's manual for specific care instructions.
The manual often explicitly advises leaving the door open or running cleaning cycles.
2 people, independently
Avoid placing too many liquid bottles in the freezer simultaneously.
Doing so can cause the freezer temperature to drop excessively for a prolonged period.
one person who lived it
Pour juice half-and-half with water to reduce sugar intake.
To cut the sugar.
one person who lived it
Consider repairing older dryer models rather than replacing them, as they are often more repairable than newer ones.
Older models are imminently more reparable, though less efficient.
- Newer models are more efficient but less repairable.
one person who lived it
Expect minimal energy savings from modern dryers unless you switch to a heat pump model.
Efficiency gains are negligible for standard models compared to older ones.
one person who lived it