I’m an appliance pro – You can save $100 on your energy bill by changing how your washing machine is used

A home appliance expert from SAVVY gave people some advice on what they are doing wrong when doing laundry.

The TikTok user revealed the one item you should never put in your washing machine and what you should use instead.

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Renae, who goes by the TikTok handle renduh, posted a sting that has gone viral with more than 5.6 million views.

The video began with a comment from another TikToker, Alex Mac, sharing money-saving tips and laundry hacks.

In the scam, she said she’s not a washing machine specialist and shouldn’t “chase after her.”

The video then cuts to Renae, who said she was an expert, adding that she was an appliance repair technician.

In her nearly three-minute post, she pointed out that most of what Mac posted were appropriate tips.

She then determined what she thought Mac had gotten right and suggested four clear techniques you can use to do your laundry efficiently and more cost-effectively.

1. Use wool dryer balls over dryer sheets

The pro said that “sheets do remove static, but because they leave a waxy buildup on your clothes and on your machine.”

The TikToker said that wool dryer balls are a much better option because they’re chemical-free and reusable, adding that they don’t leave a buildup on your clothes.

2. Use distilled white vinegar instead of fabric softener

The expert said fabric softener works just like dryer sheets because it also leaves a residue on your clothes.

“So when you feel that softness on your clothes after using fabric softener — it’s not your fabric that’s softer — that’s just the feeling of chemicals and buildup in your clothes,” she said with a knowing look.

She revealed that distilled white vinegar is a far better option and “actually softens your clothes because it’s a mild acid.”

She said this is an important fact as most people use too much detergent and the vinegar “eats up whatever’s left in your clothes and allows the fabric to fluff up and get softer”.

An added bonus, she revealed, is that it’s good at eliminating odors due to its antibacterial properties.

3. Use a powerful detergent

The expert said if you have a high-efficiency washing machine, you must use this type of detergent, and she said you shouldn’t use more than two tablespoons of it.

She found that using the right detergent and the right amount can save you money.

4. Do not use detergent in your washing machine

Here, Renae Mac disagreed, saying it’s not a good idea to put dish soap in your washing machine.

Renae said they were both worded differently.

She said dish soap creates more bubbles, which “can cause big problems.”

She added that the bubbles can cause the machine to overflow or “think it will overflow” and cause problems with the machine draining.

She also pointed out that the soap can cause clothes to feel drier and leave suds on them.

She said the only reason Dawn dish soap helps whiten whites is because it contains blue dyes.

Instead, she said, “You need bluing liquid… basically just blue paint… You need less than a quarter teaspoon of it and it’s been around since the 19th century.”

She received more than 700,000 likes and thousands of comments.

One TikToker said: “That was so much great information”

Another was especially grateful to learn the trick with dryer balls over dryer sheets.

Alex Mac also responded to the post, saying, “Oh my god I had no idea this was so smart, THANK YOU.”

Here are the six household appliances that use the most energy and are adding to your electric bills.

Plus more washing and laundry tips that will save you tons of time.

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