New Delhi, Nov. 10 -- Do you know if you're actually running your washing machine as intended? A laundry day blunder can completely throw you off, so we're here to help. There are also numerous overlooked settings due to which most people miss several key steps without realising it. While the washing machine tech has evolved with front-loaders, smart cycles, and detergent sensors, the essentials have never mattered more if you want cleaner clothes and a machine that lasts.

Let's start with the basics. One common mistake is cramming in too much laundry at once. Overloading the drum cuts the machine's effectiveness, leaving clothes half-clean and forcing the motor to work overtime. It's tempting to stretch a wash load on hectic days, but e...