Top Tips - Better Washing & Drying
Washing Tips
1. Add an extra spin cycle after washing and use the fastest spin cycle so more water is removed to speed up drying time. Some Washing Machines feature an extended/extra spin cycle function.
2. Use short cycles to save time and money – e.g. to freshen up musty items, pre-wash new items or for items not heavily soiled.
3. Our team recommend liquid detergents over powder – to avoid white streaks on clothes and also as liquid is better for clothes and skin. Try fragrance free liquid detergent if family members have sensitive skin and experience a reaction to freshly washed clothing.
4. Some new Washers have a convenient Auto Dose mode that dispenses the exact amount of liquid detergent required based on load size – resulting in less waste, less residue and meaning you don’t have fill the dispenser each time.
5. Washing in cold water can save money and reduce carbon emissions. About 90% of the energy the washing machine uses goes towards heating the water (source: coldwatersaves.org). Cold water makes shrinkage and fading less likely, although warm water may be needed to remove oils - so choosing the warm/cold or 30 degree setting can be a good compromise.
Dryer Tips
1. Switch loads while the dryer is warm. This is more efficient as the dryer uses the remaining heat inside for the next cycle.
2. Use wool dryer balls to help separate your clothes and get more air to them, cutting drying time and reducing static so you don't need dryer sheets. The wool balls absorb some moisture, further cutting drying time.
3. Clear the lint filter on the dryer. The dryer will run more efficiently and most importantly run more safely. The lint filter needs to be cleared before every load for fire safety.
4. Dry towels and heavier cottons separately from lighter-weight items. You'll spend less time drying the lighter-weight clothes.
5. Consider a heat pump dryer. The initial cost may be a bit higher, but heat pump dryers can save 20%-60% over conventional dryers by taking in ambient air, heating it, and recirculating it (source: www.energy.gov).
There are lots of good dryer options on the market to choose from - Vented, Condenser or Heat Pump dryers. Our team can help guide you through the options to find the best Dryer to suit you and your home.
Rack Drying
1. If you are drying clothes on a rack inside, a dehumidifier can speed up the process (and prevent your home from becoming damp).
2. The top rungs of the rack have the most air circulating, so hang your larger/thicker clothing items there. Leave the bottom rungs for thin/small items as they dry easier.
3. Once the rack is full, hang clothes on hangers on the outside rails of your rack. This saves space, time, and wrinkles! Some clothes can go straight in your wardrobe once dry without ironing.
4. Try putting the drying rack:
a. In a room with an electric heater or woodburner to dry clothes faster and keep moisture airborne. Open windows in the room to ensure your home doesn’t become unhealthy with all the warm, moist air, and always make sure the clothing is placed a safe distance from the heater/woodburner.
b. In your bathroom with the extractor fan on. It’ll add a few cents to your electricity bill, but the fan will suck some of the moisture outside, and the rest will be in a room designed to cope with damp (source: Consumer.org.nz/the best-way-to-dry-laundry-in-winter).
For more helpful advice talk to our experienced Appliance team instore today.
Our current promo has some great prices on Laundry and other appliances - see our Specials page Here
