Spring is the perfect excuse to get on top of the laundry jobs you’ve been putting off all winter. Heavier bedding, curtains that haven’t moved since October, coats that’ve done their time — it all needs a proper wash before the warmer months arrive.
At the Ruislip Appliances Group — which includes Ruislip Appliances, Buyers & Sellers, Hot & Cold, and Tully’s — we help households across London and Hertfordshire find the right appliances for their homes. And spring is one of the busiest times of year for customers realising their washing machine or tumble dryer isn’t quite up to scratch.
Here’s how to get ahead of it.
Tackle the Big Stuff First
Winter bedding, duvets, heavy curtains and throws — these are the items that often get skipped during the year because they don’t fit easily into a regular wash routine. Spring is the time to deal with them.
- Check your washing machine’s drum capacity. A standard 7kg machine can handle a single duvet, but anything larger — particularly a king-size tog — may need either a 9–10kg machine or a trip to a laundrette. If you’re constantly struggling with capacity, it might be worth looking at an upgrade.
- Use the right programme. Most modern machines have a dedicated duvet or bedding cycle. If yours does, use it — it’s designed to handle the weight and ensure an even wash.
- Don’t skip the spin. Heavy items hold a lot of water. A high spin speed helps get as much moisture out as possible before drying, which means faster drying times and less risk of that damp smell.
Give Your Washing Machine a Spring Clean
Your washing machine works hard — and if you’ve never given it a proper clean, now’s the time.
- Run a drum clean or maintenance wash at 60°C or higher with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar. This removes limescale, detergent residue and any bacteria that’s built up over winter.
- Clean the filter. It’s usually at the front, behind a small panel. You’ll be amazed — and possibly horrified — by what you find in there.
- Wipe down the rubber door seal. Mould loves to hide in the folds. A damp cloth with a little bicarbonate of soda does the job nicely.
- Leave the door open between washes. It sounds simple, but letting the drum air out properly prevents that musty smell from developing in the first place.
Check Your Tumble Dryer Is Summer-Ready
If you use a tumble dryer regularly in winter, spring is a good time to check it’s still running efficiently — especially before you start putting it to work on bulkier items.
- Clean the lint filter after every use — if you’re not already doing this, it affects performance and can be a fire risk.
- Check the condenser unit (if you have a condenser dryer). This needs cleaning every few months to keep drying times consistent.
- Check the exhaust hose on vented models for blockages or kinks — these reduce efficiency and extend drying times.
If your tumble dryer is taking noticeably longer than it used to, or clothes are coming out damp, it’s usually a sign something needs attention — or that it may be coming to the end of its life.
Thinking About an Upgrade?
If spring laundry has highlighted that your washing machine or tumble dryer isn’t keeping up, it’s worth looking at what’s available now rather than waiting for a breakdown.
Modern washing machines are significantly more energy-efficient than models from even five or six years ago, and many come with features like auto-dosing, steam refreshing and quieter motors — particularly useful if your machine is in a kitchen extension or utility room.
At the Ruislip Appliances Group, we stock a wide range of washing machines and tumble dryers from leading brands including Miele, Siemens, Bosch and Hotpoint, with options to suit every household size and budget. Our team can help you find the right match — not just for your laundry needs, but for your space and energy tariff too.
👉 Visit us in store or browse online at www.ruislipappliances.com
One Last Thing: Check Your Laundry Symbols
If you’re tackling items you don’t wash regularly — curtains, dry-clean-only throws, delicate bedding — it’s worth checking the care labels before you throw anything in. We’ve put together a handy guide to laundry symbols if you need a reminder: Understanding Laundry Symbols
Ready to Refresh?
A little attention now means a smoother, more efficient laundry routine all summer long. And if your appliances aren’t pulling their weight, the Ruislip Appliances Group is here to help — with expert advice, great brands, and honest pricing across our four stores.
📞 Ruislip Appliances: 01895 633837 🌐 www.ruislipappliances.com