If you’re in charge of the laundry at home, you sure love the warm days since your clothes can easily dry up. But if you need more tips, we’re here to help! We’re Teko.ph, the largest aircon, appliance, and computer services provider in the Philippines, with 5 hacks for washing clothes during summer.
5 Life Hacks for Washing Clothes During Summer
The dry months may mean more sweaty clothes, so you may face a mountain of laundry right now. To help you, here are tips:
1. Washing Clothes Early Morning or Late Evening
If you’ve ever tried doing your laundry at 5-7 AM, you’ll surely know how it’s cooler and less exhausting (in a sense.) Since the sun is not yet up, the temperature is cooler, so it’s a bit more comfortable than doing it during midday. If you plan to hang your clothes outside, you’ll also have the entire day to dry them under the sun.
Late evening washing (after 7 PM) works well, too, especially if you have a busy morning schedule. It’s also not too hot during this time, so washing clothes is more comfortable. If you intend to hang your clothes indoors, just be sure to have good air circulation to keep your laundry fresh and make sure they dry up.
2. Use Cold Water
If you’ve been washing clothes for years now, you know how warm water fades colored clothes easily. You wouldn’t want that, so it’s better to use cold water to save on your electricity bill. Sometimes, drying clothes out in the sun can fade colors too. Washing in cold water and turning clothes inside out when sun drying protects those colors.
3. Use Less Detergent
During the dry months, high humidity can sometimes affect how detergents dissolve and work. Too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, making them stiff and uncomfortable.
For manual washing or single tub machines, dissolve powder detergent first in a small amount of water before adding clothes. This prevents detergent spots and ensures even cleaning.
For twin tubs or automatic machines, consider using liquid detergents during summer, as they dissolve more easily in cold water and rinse well.
4. Dry Clothes Strategically
If using a spin dryer, run 1-2 cycles to remove excess water before hanging clothes. Dark-colored clothes can fade quickly in direct sunlight, so hang them in slightly shaded areas.
For automatic machines with dryer functions, consider using the shortest cycle possible. You can hang them outside so the hot summer air does most of the work, saving electricity. But when it unexpectedly rains, leave your windows open and use a fan to circulate air as you hang your clothes indoors.
Pro tip: Turn your clothes inside out to prevent colors from fading too much under the intense sun.
5. Maintain Your Washing Machine
Whether you have a manual washing machine, single tub, twin tub, or fully automatic front/top loader, summer is the perfect time to ensure it’s running efficiently. Clean your machine’s filter weekly. The more you use it, the more dirt can clog filters faster.
For automatic washing machines, run an empty cycle with vinegar once a month to prevent mold and mildew growth. This is highly possible in a humid country like the Philippines. You may also keep the washing machine lid or door slightly open for proper air circulation.
If your machine isn’t functioning properly or making unusual noises, don’t wait until it breaks down completely. That will be a hassle to experience during a hot summer day. Consider booking a Teko technician for professional assistance to identify and resolve issues before they become major problems. It potentially saves you money on repairs later.
With these simple adjustments to your washing routine, you can keep your clothes fresh and clean while managing the challenges of hot weather.
If you need more help or energy-saving tips for your other home appliances, Ask Tech Alex. Get 24/7 online support for your aircons, major home appliances, and electronics through our virtual technician.
