July 16, 2025, 1:02 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Thanks to the invention of the washing machine, doing laundry is fortunately not difficult. However, mistakes can be made when loading and operating the machine. myHOMEBOOK reveals which mistakes to avoid when using a washing machine.
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Common Mistakes When Operating a Washing Machine
1. Overloading the Washing Machine Drum
It seems logical to fill the drum as much as possible to make a wash cycle worthwhile. However, this is a mistake because an overloaded drum can throw the washing machine off balance. Additionally, clothes will be soaking wet after washing, as the spin cycle is also disrupted by an overloaded drum.
This also applies if the drum is underloaded. It’s best to check the machine’s manual for the maximum load capacity. Generally, it’s recommended to fill the drum about three-quarters full.
Dr. Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) explains to myHOMEBOOK that it’s not about the volume of the clothes, but their weight. For a machine with a total capacity of eight kilograms, the maximum load for cotton and ECO 40–60 programs is four kilograms (half the total weight). Programs like delicate and wool should be filled to a maximum of one-quarter, according to the expert.
2. Using Too Much Detergent
If too much foam forms during the wash cycle, it’s a clear sign that too much detergent has been used. This mistake is also noticeable when removing textiles from the washing machine, as soap residues can be found, which may start to smell unpleasant.
It’s important to pay attention to the correct dosage. The required amount of detergent can usually be found on the packaging. Additionally, water hardness should be considered. In areas with soft water, less detergent is needed than in regions with hard water.
3. Washing Too Infrequently at a Minimum of 60 Degrees Celsius
A great tip to save energy when washing is to wash clothes at 30 degrees Celsius instead of 40. However, it’s important to wash at 60 degrees Celsius at least once a month. “Such a wash cycle serves the hygiene of the washing machine and prevents the formation of thick slime layers in parts of the machine where water is always present,” explains Bernd Glassl.
4. Not Removing Laundry from the Drum
The washing machine program is finished, but there’s no time to unload it? No problem, just do it later. However, this would be a mistake. “The damp environment promotes the growth of bacteria,” says Bernd Glassl. To keep laundry fresh and prevent unpleasant odors, the drum should be emptied as soon as the washing machine program ends.
5. Closing the Washing Machine
Once the laundry is unloaded and hanging on the line to dry, you can finally close the door or lid. After all, an open washing machine is not a pleasant sight. However, this is also a mistake.
It’s better to leave the door or lid open so the inside of the machine can dry. The expert states: “With the door closed, the machine dries much more slowly. This promotes the growth of bacteria.”
6. Leaving the Detergent Drawer Closed After the Program Ends
After filling it, the detergent drawer seems irrelevant. Therefore, it often remains in the position it was during the wash cycle. This is incorrect and also a mistake. “If the detergent drawer remains fully ‘closed’ after the program ends, the machine dries much more slowly inside.” Consequently, bacteria can multiply and cause an unpleasant odor.
7. Forgetting to Clean the Detergent Drawer
Another mistake is not regularly cleaning the washing machine’s detergent drawer. To do this, remove the detergent compartment completely. This way, you can remove residues of detergent and fabric softener. “These serve as food for bacteria and mold,” the expert notes. To prevent the formation of brown or black deposits, the compartment should be thoroughly cleaned every two to three months, according to the expert.