Did you know over time detergent builds up on your washing machine’s inner workings? This slows it down and forces it to work harder! There’s a simple fix for this: run 3 empty hot water cycles every 3 months. In the first, add 1/4 cup bleach; in the second, add 1/4 cup white vinegar; and in the third, add nothing. The first 2 cycles will clean out any gunk while the third rinses and disinfects.