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Household Hacks & Home Maintenance · May 03, 2022 edition

Keep Your Dryer and Washer Running Efficiently

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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A little routine maintenance keeps your laundry machines running efficiently — and keeps your clothes coming out cleaner too.

Vacuum Dryer Lint Twice a Year

Even if you clean out the lint trap every time, some lint still builds up inside the dryer. That buildup can drain your dryer's efficiency by 30 percent over time, and it's also a fire hazard. Twice a year, vacuum out the lint filter using a hose attachment, and clean out the external vent while you're at it.

Don't Overfill the Washer

Overfilling your washing machine means your clothes won't get as clean as they could. Fill laundry to around the three-quarters mark — running an extra load is better than stuffing the washer full.

Add Detergent Before the Clothes

Add laundry soap to the water before adding your clothing. That lets the soap dissolve fully, making it more effective, and it prevents powder detergent from getting stuck to your clothes.

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