Most of us learned how to use a washing machine or dishwasher in our parents’ house many years ago and haven’t really changed our methods, even though most appliances have evolved radically since then. We rarely, if ever, read the manuals when we buy a new one or glance through the instructions on the box of detergent or bottle of dishwashing liquid.
But because we’re probably using these appliances incorrectly, our dishes and clothes may not be coming out as clean as they could be. And we may also be damaging the machines.
Some money quotes:
“Most people use 10 to 15 times the amount of soap they need, and they’re pouring money down the drain.”
“If people see suds, they think their clothes are getting clean, but that’s wrong — it means you’re using a lot of extra detergent.”
“[P]rerinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher was not only unnecessary, it wasted thousands of gallons of water and could actually result in dirtier dishes.”
There’s more hints, including some for dryers and self-cleaning ovens.
And don’t forget to clean the vents at the base of your refrigerator!