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Have you ever wondered how your washer, which is one of the only appliances in your home that is constantly using soap and water, is also one of the dirtiest? In fact, many experts say that washing machines can acquire pathogenic bacteria that may find their way into your family’s clothes, causing odours and illness.
The dirty truth Your face and kitchen towels, undergarments, bed sheets, and pillowcases are things that can gather germs that often fester in washers. Undergarments may also carry other germs, including rotavirus and norovirus, which can cause inflammation of the intestines and stomach. Salmonella can also gather in your garments, and that may cause acute respiratory infections. Not to mention hepatitis A that may cause liver infection. There are several ways to control and limit the growth and build-up of these germs in your clothing. Here are some ways to get rid of these nasty pathogens without using chemical-based laundry products. How to Get Rid of Pathogens While it is impossible to eliminate all pathogens and allergens, you can safely reduce their build up on your clothing using green techniques. However, some homeowners rely on strong chemicals or excessively using hot water to kill germs. Other people rely on chloride bleach, but these methods are considered not eco-friendly. In fact, they are more expensive and could even contribute to your energy, water, or grocery bills. So, what’s the best method to use? The answer is simple, and you can dry your clothes in the sun. The ultraviolet radiation is your best bet since it acts as a natural germ killer that is more effective than bleach. Another good method is to use a hot water drum clean cycle every so often on your washer. You could also use your dryer on hot to dry your clothes. For dryer maintenance check out dryer repairs Brisbane. You could otherwise switch to a more natural strain remover and laundry detergent. Therefore, you should always check the ingredients of a laundry detergent and avoid buying those that use synthetic dyes and fragrances since this can lead to the growth of unnatural bacteria. It would be best to skip the softener because you won’t even notice a huge difference. Instead, try using bleach with peroxide since that is a more natural alternative to chloride. When cleaning your washing machine, try using a laundry scrubber. A laundry scrubber coupled with natural oxidizers and cold water is a greener and safer wash that can produce the same result without breaking your bank. Lastly, try using a more natural and environmentally friendly germicide on your next load, but just pour ½ cup. This can already get rid of 1 to 2 per cent of pathogenic bacteria that could make you and your family sick. Doing laundry is considered a mundane and boring chore, especially when drying clothes since it becomes a time-consuming activity. Also, when you are drying your clothes traditionally like hanging them on the clothesline for days, then it becomes to a tedious and less spotless process due to weather conditions, insects, and microorganisms.
That is why drying clothes in an electric dryer is more convenient since you can enjoy 100% germ-free and dry garments in all kinds of weather. Here are tips that can help you dry your clothes better while saving money, time and effort.
Malfunctioning home appliances can be a hassle, especially if you can’t utilise their full functionality. From stinky washing machines to broken vacuum, we don't appreciate our appliances until we can't use them. Should you replace or just repair your broken clothes dryer? There are several factors to consider, like the cost of its repair and if the parts can easily be sourced from the manufacturer.
As a rule of thumb, it is better to replace a dryer that is close to 10 years old with a more modern and efficient one. In fact, dryers can be a household expense that can put a dent in your budget. That is why it is essential to make the right decision to either repair or just replace it with a new one. Below are commonly asked questions about clothes dryers and some recommendations that can help you make the right decision. How long does a dryer last? Most dryers can last up to ten years, and that could only be possible if you keep up with recommended maintenance. Remember, ignoring minor problems and not fixing them will come to haunt you later. So, it is essential to do your part and maintain your dryer as best you can to keep it in good working condition. How much do dryers cost to repair? Dryer repair costs will depend on the repairs done by the technician and the parts he used in the process. So, the more complex the issue is, the more costly it will be. In fact, if it is still within the warranty period, you may be able to get the repairs done for free. But the average cost for most dryer repairs will be between $100 to $500. How much is a new dryer? When you are hunting for a new dryer, you should do your research since things have changed since you last shopped for one. There are new upgrades and features to look for like:
Prices may vary depending on the model, features and brand. For a basic clothes dryer, you can expect to spend around $300, but for models with a wider selection of features, it can jump as high as $2000. Do I need to hire a professional dryer repair technician? If you are qualified and you have the confidence to repair your dryer, you don’t need to hire a repair technician. For many homeowners, we recommend that you get in touch with an expert to reduce the risks of voiding your warranty and further damaging your appliance. Tossing loads of laundry in your dryer can be a mundane task, but if you consider the newer and latest models of dryers with all those high-tech features – it is something to look forward to. In fact, dryers are now more advanced and can offer some pretty impressive tricks that can make your laundry sessions a whole lot easier.
So, if you’re only using the appliance to dry clothes, you are missing out on some of its great features. Here are ways your dryer can make your life even easier.
The way you use your clothes dryer will affect the quality of your clothes and how long they will last. In fact, if you are not careful in drying your clothes, you will encounter accidents like removing your favourite jeans from the dryer and discovering it has shrunk.
To help keep your clothes free of wrinkles, stains, and damage, you can follow our guide for drying clothes the right way. Basically, different textures, colours, clothing materials, and weights will have an impact on the way you dry your clothes, especially on what drying method to use. It is also essential to learn the right setting on your dryer and when to use the clothes-drying rack. Remember, when you pay close attention to your clothes and treat them with care, you may be surprised by the outcome. What clothes can you dry? As a general rule, clothing items that you usually wash using the permanent-press cycle in your washer can be dried in the clothes dryer. Although it is good practice to always check the clothing care label. On the contrary, you do not want to machine dry clothes that are commonly washed by hand. So, if you are not sure, just air-dry clothes and garments on the drying rack. This option usually saves you money and extends the longevity of your clothes. The right way of prepping clothes for the dryer It is important to sort your clothes properly, which means you should separate wash load by texture. So, put clothing items with similar materials together, and remove heavily soiled items from lightly soiled. Also, be mindful of your clothes' colours and separate items that usually bleed. When you are already drying the items, you will need to segregate the clothes by weight. In addition, do not mix heavier items with lighter ones since light items may come out overdried while the other clothes are still damp. You should also shake just-washed clothes before tossing them into the dryer since this will shorten the amount of time needed to dry these items. In addition, make sure that clothes are stain-free before putting them in the dryer. In fact, if you put stained clothes in a dryer, there is a possibility that the stain will become permanent. Also, shaking garments and linens will remove hidden items like socks, which may even reduce wrinkles. Avoid overloading the dryer Some people think that it will save time and energy to pack as many garments and clothes in a dryer as possible. In reality, this method is inefficient because it will take longer for the clothes to dry, and it may affect the appliance's performance in the long run. Therefore, keeping the dryer load small is important since this will allow the items to tumble easily and freely in the dryer drum. It is also a must to learn how to readjust large loads, such as blankets and sheets, especially during their cycle, so they can dry more quickly and evenly. Another tips is to try using dryer balls to enhance the drying process and cut drying times If you are looking for a new clothes dryer, you may want to consider investing in a heat-pump model. The main reason for this is that they are more energy-efficient, but they require some maintenance since they use condenser coils. Some people also think that they are noisy and that drying clothes takes a bit of time on these models. So, is it a good idea to get a heat-pump dryer? We will answer that in this article.
The benefits of heat-pump dryers Heat pump dryers use a different system in drying clothes. Instead of venting warm and humid air, they use air-conditioner technology to extract water from garments as they tumble at room temperature. Therefore, there is no exhaust air, and the water extracted goes straight to the drain automatically via the same pipe where the washer drains. This drying process uses a refrigerant in the condenser coil, making this dryer at least 28 percent more energy-efficient than common dryers on the market. In fact, other dryers have lint screens that needs to be clean for efficient operation. Heat-pump dryers has a self-cleaning condenser, but it is also wise to do some manual maintenance weekly or once every few months, depending on the load of laundry you put into it. Main selling points of heat-pump dryers The ventless nature of heat-pump dryers is its most significant selling point because there is no need to cut into the exterior of its body to clean the vent pipe. The ventless feature of this dryer help saves energy beyond what is required to dry clothes. Most conventional dryers often waste energy when they use the air conditioner to bring the air to a comfortable room temperature, suitable enough to dry clothes. This makes them less efficient since they require more energy for each load. The trade-off and benefits Heat-pump dryers will indeed take longer than traditional dryers per cycle since standard dryers usually use heat to speed evaporation. But if you are going to pair an energy-efficient washer with a heat-pump dryer, you will get more savings on your monthly power bill. However, you should understand that this type of dryer is more expensive than vented electric dryers, which usually cost around $600 to $700. But heat-pump dryers offer a setting that could help prevent wrinkles on your clothes since they can keep the garments tumbling even after they are dry. You can even re-dry clothes just to relax those wrinkles because heat-pump dryers do not add heat, so it is gentler on clothes. Overall, heat pump dryers offer several benefits to homeowners, especially if you are looking for a more energy-efficient dryer. However, be prepared for the initial investment since it will be more expensive than the standard dryer on the market. Do you have a smelly washing machine? Learn more from this post. Tumble dryers are known to be energy hogs, and they are one of the significant contributors to your monthly electricity bill. So, if you are in the market for a new dryer, you should consider getting one that uses heat pump technology. These types of appliances tend to have higher energy efficiency ratings than dryers that use vented or condenser systems.
However, if you just want to make your dryer as energy efficient as possible, we have some tips for you so you can start saving energy during your next load. Tip #1: Remove excess water by using your washer’s spin cycle Always remember, putting wet items in your tumble dryer will often extend drying time, which will significantly increase your energy consumption and put some strain on your appliance. Therefore, we recommend using the spin cycle on your washer to remove those excess water since this will shorten the time needed to dry your clothes. Tip #2: Always clean your evaporator and lint filters Keeping the evaporator and lint filters clean will keep your dryer in top condition, which means better drying performance. In fact, blocked filters will make the motor work harder, and that could increase your energy consumption. If you don’t know how to clean your tumble dryer’s filters, you can always check the manufacturer’s cleaning guide. Tip #3: Keep your dryer in a well-ventilated room For better energy efficiency, we recommend that you put your tumble dryer in a well-ventilated area in your home. You should also check the vent hose for any lint build-up since this can reduce efficiency. Tip #4: Dry similar fabrics Drying different fabrics in your dryer will reduce your energy efficiency, so it is best to dry similar fabrics since all your garments are guaranteed to dry simultaneously. Tip #5: Do not overload or underload the drum To get the best performance out of your dryer, you will need to put the right amount of laundry because overloading it will hinder drying performance and may even cause damage to the machine. Also, it is not ideal to underload your appliance since it will use the full programmes’ worth of energy. Tip #6: Use Dryer Balls Using dryer balls can prevent clumping and help the clothes retain heat, thus enhancing the drying process Tip #6: Don’t add wet clothes mid-cycle You might be tempted to put a few wet clothes halfway through your drying cycle, but this will hinder the efficiency of your dryer. In fact, the water in the wet clothes will be sucked up again, so your load will take longer to dry and will use more energy. Therefore, it’s best to save those wet garments for your next load. A clothes dryer is a powered household appliance used to remove moisture from clothes, usually after being washed in a washing machine. Many dryers have a rotating drum called a tumbler, which is where the air is heated and circulated as evaporated moisture. Sometimes, this type of appliance can cause clothes to shrink and change the texture of their fibre.
Here is some information about different types of dryers: Tumble dryers This type of dryer draws in the dry, cool, and ambient air around before passing it through the tumbler. This will create humid and hot air that is usually vented outside to make room for dry air to continue the drying process. However, there is a bit of an issue in its design because it does not recycle the heat it funnelled into the load which makes it environmentally wasteful. However, it is a popular choice among homeowners since it is simple to use and reliable. Spin dryers This type of dryer is also called a centrifuge machine because its drums are much faster than a typical dryer. In fact, they can remove water in just two minutes compared with a heated tumbler dryer, which often takes twenty minutes or more. Therefore, spin dryers can save significant amounts of time and energy. However, expect that it will be a significant factor in your monthly power bills. Condenser dryers Condenser or condensation dryers pass the heated air through the load, so it uses a heat exchanger to cool the air and condense the water vapour into its drain pipe. This type of dryer will require more power than any other conventional dryer but does not emit humid air. Heat pump dryers A heat pump dryer often uses a pump to dehumidify the air before pushing it to the load. Typically, it uses less than half the energy of a condenser dryer per load, but it will require more time to dry the clothes. Stream compression dryers This is an advanced version of heat pump dryers. Instead of using hot air to dry the clothing, mechanical steam compression dryers will often use water recovered from the clothes and convert that into hot steam. Maintenance tips It is important to understand that dryers expose flammable materials to heat, so it is recommended that you clean the lint filter after every cycle. This will make the machine safe and energy-efficient. You will also need to clean the duct regularly and remove any foreign materials, so it will always have adequate ventilation. Lastly, always remove flammable materials like rubber, fibre, or plastic items from your load since this can lead to fire accidents. If you are planning to buy a brand-new washing machine, it is essential that you know your needs and what kind of washers are available on the market. So, before you purchase a washer, here are ten things you should know about the machine you are buying:
Lastly, once you found the right washer for you, you will need to get the right detergent for that machine. That is why it is important to read the manufacturer’s manual because they will usually recommend the best detergent for their washers. Overall, the best washing machine for you is the one that can provide you with the features you need, and it fits your budget. A dryer is a powerful household appliance that removes water and moisture from a load of bedding, textiles, and clothing, usually, after they’ve been washed in a washing machine. A clothes dryer uses heat to speed up the drying process, and this requires electric current sent through the coil, which is then converted into heat and energy.
The metal coils become very hot from the electron build-up, resulting in the transfer of heat to the surrounding air, which is forced throughout the dryer by a fan or blower. Breakdown of costs involved in purchasing, running, maintaining a dryer Dryer prices range from $400 to $2,000, depending on the features, capacity, and type. But, when everything gets truly added up, you’ll see the actual costs of owning and maintaining this appliance. Clothes dryers, like other electric appliances are measured by “kilowatt-hours,” or kWh. This refers to the energy being used to operate the appliance. This is also the main factor to consider in calculating the total cost they generate while in use. However, dryers come in a variety of wattages, so their cost can vary. The average wattage for a clothes dryer is usually between 3000 and 4000 watts. So, if you multiply the dryer’s wattage by the length of the load in hours and divide it by 1,000 will give you the total number of kilowatt-hours used. Then, multiply by your kilowatt-hour rate, which you can find on your electricity bill. If you want to calculate your cost per month, then multiply the cost per load by the number of loads you usually do in a month. You also need to maintain your dryer, so this will require you to hire a professional dryer service, which will cost around $89 up to $179 every time you need maintenance. Benefits of dryers- do they outweigh costs? Clothes dryers offer several benefits, but the most significant one is their capability to save you time and effort. You no longer need to check the weather forecast since you can easily use your dryer any time you want – it’s easy and effective. But does it outweigh the costs? Well, that will depend on various factors like the available space and ventilation in your home or apartment, the kind of items you’ll be using your dryer for, and how often you’ll be using it. Overall, having a clothes dryer in your home can be handy, but you also need to be a responsible owner, especially if you consider the costs you will incur in your monthly power bill, possible risks to your safety, as well as the environment. |
AuthorWelcome to our Appliance Repair Blog. We have lots of care, maintenance and troubleshooting tips for all of your appliances! Archives
July 2022
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