Consumer Reports laundry expert explains how to fix your peskiest washer woes by simply adjusting your routine
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Water-saving appliances, like high-efficiency washing machines, are an easy way to help conserve resources—and trim your utility bills, too. What’s more, Consumer Reports has collected ample evidence over the past couple of decades that high-efficiency (HE) washers tend to be much better at removing stains than traditional agitator-style washers, while also saving enough water on average to fill a small above-ground pool every summer. (See our washing machine buying guide to see how we test washers.)
Nevertheless, as many can attest, HE washers can have their shortcomings, from emitting a persistent odor to turning out gritty laundry. Owners, particularly those who have used a conventional machine in the past, might assume that it’s the efficiency aspect of their washer that’s to blame—when, in fact, it’s often simply a result of the way they’re using it.
Here, we take a closer look at a few common complaints, along with expert-backed strategies for making things right. With a slight shift in routine, your clothes (and the washer itself) should emerge fresh and clean with every load.
The Extra Rinse setting is a great option when laundering absorbent items like towels, as it can help to rinse away any excess detergent residue. Note: It’s okay to hit the Pre-Soak or Extra Rinse cycle button in your machine washing process when washing most everyday fabrics.
Problem: Your Clothes Don’t Feel Clean
Sure, maybe the stains got removed, but your clothes feel greasy or gritty. This is usually a sign that you’re using too much detergent, and it’s leaving residue behind. Today’s formulas are super-concentrated, and the recommended doses tend to be larger than most loads actually need, so it’s easy to accidentally overdo it—especially since there’s much less water for the soap to dissolve into.
Solution: Scale Back on Your Detergent DoseRich Handel, Consumer Reports’ laundry expert, recommends starting with the first line on the detergent cup (often about 1 tablespoon) if you’re using a liquid or a powder. If smaller doses don’t get your clothes clean, but larger doses still leave residue, add an extra rinse to your cycle. Lots of washers give you this option on their control panel, or you could run a separate rinse-and-spin program. An extra rinse will use a few extra gallons of water, but the total amount is still much less than a traditional water-guzzling washer typically uses.
If that still doesn’t work, you probably just have a lousy washer. Again, not all HE machines are bad, but Handel has heard about some really bad ones. “Consumers have told us some washers didn’t even get the clothes wet or left streaks of detergent,” he says.
Problem: The Washer Reeks
This is only a problem with front-loading washers, but it’s a real one: Seventeen percent of owners reported this problem in a CR survey. The big door gasket, with its deep fold where water can pool, is a perfect place for odor-causing microorganisms to breed because it’s dark, damp, and ripe with organic matter like skin cells and body oils—not to mention detergent residue, which makes it harder to rinse away the germ food.
Solution: Keep the Gasket Clean and Allow Some Airflow We’ve previously explored why mold and odors can happen in front-loaders, and also covered the most important steps for preventing and reducing them. In short, transfer your just-washed clothes into the dryer as soon as possible, and then—if you don’t have young children or pets who are in danger of crawling in—leave the washer door open; if you do have little ones around, lock the laundry room door or create a barrier. The goal is to air out any lingering moisture. To clean the gasket, pull it back gently, wipe away the moisture, and dry it. Don’t forget to wipe clean the inside of the door, too, and make sure you don’t have any socks trapped in there.
Mastering Extra Rinse (Laundry Pro Tips)
FAQ
When should you use extra rinse?
Is pre soak or extra rinse better?
Do you need an extra rinse when using fabric softener?
Is it OK to wash clothes twice?
Do you need an extra rinse?
Extra rinse when it comes to doing the laundry often means cleaner clothes and no suds marks. You would usually need the extra rinse cycle with heavy fabrics such as jeans, towels, tablecloths, and heavy jackets.
How to perform a nasal rinse?
Nasal irrigation is an at-home treatment to rinse your sinuses. You can buy the ingredients for nasal irrigation over the counter at most pharmacies or drug stores. First, wash your hands with soap and water. Wash the container if you’re using a neti pot, a nasal rinse bottle or another container that doesn’t contain a prefilled solution. Irrigate over a sink to make cleanup easier. Prepare the nasal irrigation solution:If you’re using a container that was sold with saline powder, follow the instructions to prepare the solution. To make a homemade solution, mix one or two cups of distilled boiled water with ½ to ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized salt. Avoid iodized salt, including table salt. If you’re using boiled water, boil for five minutes. Get the container ready: Pour the saline solution into the container you’ll use to rinse your nose. If you’re using boiled water, wait until it’s lukewarm (not too hot, not too cold) before using it. Get positioned: Lean over the sink, looking down. Turn your head to one side so that one ear is toward the sink (as if you were listening for a sound coming from the drain) and the other is toward the ceiling. Fine-tune your position by thinking of how you want the water to flow. Imagine water flowing from the top nostril and spilling out of the bottom one. Irrigate: Breathe through your mouth. Place the container’s tip or spout inside your top nostril until it forms a gentle seal. Tilt the container or squeeze the bottle so that water flows through your top nostril into your bottom one. You’ll feel the water trickle as it flows downward and spills into the sink. Keep going until the solution is gone. Blow your nose. Breathe air forcefully through your nose to get rid of any remaining solution or mucus. You can blow your nose over the sink or into a tissue. Irrigate your other nostril by repeating these steps on the other side. You shouldn’t try nasal irrigation if you: Have an ear infection. Have pressure in one or both ears. Have a nostril that’s completely blocked. Have had surgery on your ears or sinuses.
Why should you use an extra rinse?
The extra rinse will help to remove all the dirt and grime from your clothes. People with sensitive skin can benefit from using an extra rinse. The extra rinse will help to remove any detergent that might be left on your clothes. This can help to prevent irritation and skin problems. If you have new clothes, you will want to use an extra rinse.
What is extra rinse?
Extra rinse is an additional rinse cycle that is typically used in the final wash cycle. This extra cycle helps to remove any remaining detergent and or other residues from laundry. It’s like an extension of the rinse cycle. Extra Rinse makes a perfect fit if your clothes are heavily soiled or if someone in your house has allergies.