At Home-Tech, we don’t just fix and sell new appliances, we also give you advice on how to make them last longer. We’ve been compiling our most Frequently Asked Questions about laundry appliances. Our Appliance technicians out in the field and our Appliance specialists in our showrooms provided you with the following laundry-related questions and answers.
Whirlpool Duet
Is it OK to use bleach in a High Efficiency (HE) front loading washing machine?
Yes, not only is it OK to use bleach in your HE clothes washer, it is really important to do so! Any water left behind inside the works of a HE appliance can be a breeding ground for bacteria that may transfer to subsequent loads. We hear a lot of complaints from front-loading HE clothes washer owners trying to figure out why their machines have a bad odor, and bacteria growth is usually the culprit. Regular bleach usage prevents bacteria growth and keeps a HE appliance smelling fresh.
How can I be more energy efficient when doing laundry?
Our friends from Whirlpool provided us with the following gems of wisdom:
Washing Machine Efficiency Tips
- Wash full loads, but don’t overload the machine. Washing full loads can save 3,400 gallons of water annually.
- Use cold water for rinsing. Warm and hot water require more energy for heating.
- Set water heaters to 120°F to achieve the most energy efficient temperature. For each 1° reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%-5% in energy costs±.
Dryer Efficiency Tips
- Dry full loads, but don’t overload the dryer. Air circulation is important to ensure proper drying.
- Dry a few loads in succession to take advantage of leftover heat in the dryer.
- Wash and dry similar fabric types together. This ensures even drying and reduces the amount of time needed in the dryer.
- Use moisture-sensing settings to avoid over drying, which wastes energy and can cause clothing to shrink.
- Clean the dryer lint filter after each load to maintain proper air circulation and heating.
- Keep the dryer’s outside exhaust clean. A clogged exhaust lengthens drying time and increases energy use.
Is it true that more suds means cleaner laundry?
HE Detergent for this Appliance
Excess suds actually hold onto soils and redeposit them on your laundry. Try using a high-efficiency detergent with a front-loading washing machine like the Whirlpool Duet system. This energy efficient appliance:
- Uses up to 70 percent less energy and 70 percent less water as compared to a conventional top-load washing machine manufactured before 2004.
- Is 62 percent more efficient than federal standards require.
- Has a capacity load exceeding 3 cubic feet and uses only 5,286 gallons of water per year.
- Spins at 1,200 revolutions per minute, ringing out more water than conventional washing machines, reducing drying time and energy use.
Do I really need to clean out the lint filter in my dryer?
Always clean the lint screen. This increases energy efficiency, speeds up drying and reduces the risk of overheating associated with clogging. If you clean it out, you may not have to call Home-Tech for an appliance repair.
Appliance Advice When You Need It Most
Home-Tech’s appliance specialists are readily available to answer any of your appliance questions, even if it is about doing your laundry. We’ve got you covered from information about getting wine stains out of your favorite shirt to how many pairs of jeans you can do in one load of wash. Come into our showrooms or shop our online Appliance Store to learn more about the brands we carry and the many laundry options we can provide. Should you have any additional questions about purchasing an appliance or to schedule service, call us at 800-800-8356.
Do you remember the old days when you went to the service station and actually got more than gas? That’s our goal for our customers as well. We want to give you more than just a professional repair on your appliance or ac. We start the process by making it easy to find us when you need help. We are still in the phone book for those of you who like to let your fingers do the walking. As well, we are all over the internet. If you Google the type of repair that you need, Home-Tech’s Service hotline number will come up for you. With one quick call, our professional technicians are dispatched and coming to your aid. Your technician will even call you on the way so you will know exactly when he will be there. And, once he gets there he will make your necessary repair and answer any questions that you may have or give you advice on other appliances or ac problems that might be around the corner.
