In this comprehensive guide from Tide on washing machine basics, you'll learn everything you need for optimal laundry results.
Gone are the days of throwing your laundry into a machine with incorrectly measured detergent and choosing your cycle at random. Learn how to load a washer effectively, how to dose correctly based on your load size, how to use your machine to save energy, and even machine maintenance.
The Ultimate Washing Machine Capacity and Load Size Guide
Is there a standard washing machine size? What’s your washing machine’s capacity?
Unleash the Power of Tide, Even In the Quick Wash
If your clothes are only slightly soiled and you need to save some time, use the quick wash cycle on your washing machine.
Washer: Sustainable Use
Using your washer to its full potential is not only about getting the cleanest clothes, it’s also about finding the most efficient way to get the most out of your machine.
How to Make a Smelly Washing Machine Fresh Again
No one likes a smelly washing machine.
Too Many Suds in the Washer
Too many suds in your washer can lead to poorly washed clothes and the need to wash them again. What causes this, and what can you do about it? Why are too many suds a bad thing?
Washing machines may look like magic – in goes your dirty laundry, and out comes your fresh-smelling, impeccably clean clothes – but in reality, they’re just very convenient and easy-to-use household appliances. To achieve the desired cleanliness and to care for your clothes properly, it’s essential that you know how to use your laundry machine correctly. Operating it can seem tricky at first, what with all the buttons and cryptic icons, but with Tide’s help, you can master the art of using a washing machine in no time! Here’s the perfect laundry routine in seven simple steps.
Step 1. Separate Your Laundry
Sorting your laundry into different piles based on fabric type and color is step number one. You should also check the care label of each garment for washing instructions, so as to avoid damaging your fabrics. Make sure to pay extra attention to your more delicate items: You should wash them either by hand, or on the delicate cycle and in a mesh bag.
Step 2. Choose the Right Washing Cycle
Wash cycles consist of two important speeds: A speed at which it agitates or tumbles your clothes with water, and a speed that spins the water out of your clothes. Once again, when picking the correct washing cycle, you should refer to your garments’ fabric care label. This way, you can maximize cleanliness while also protecting your clothes. Your options range from normal and permanent press to delicate and quick cycles.
Step 3. Set the Water Temperature
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.
Step 4. Add Detergent and Fabric Softener
Before adding your choice of detergent and fabric softener, make sure you read your washer’s manual to find out which goes where. The amount of detergent needed varies by load size and washing machine type, so check the back of the detergent box and look for any labels on your washing machine to find out how much you should use, as too much laundry detergent might cause problems.
Alternatively, you can just pop a pac of Tide PODS in your empty washing machine drum and move on to the next step!
