Anyone with a washing machine urged to avoid 'energy-saving' mistake

Your washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances around, so taking good care of it is so important. They can be pretty expensive to replace, which is not ideal - especially as we're heading into the colder months and money is tighter.

At this time of year, many will be looking for ways to cut down on their bills. But when it comes to your laundry routine, there's one thing that's seen as 'energy-saving' - but doing it too often can cause more harm than good. Kitchen appliance expert Andrew Wright, founder of Cookology, has shared a few of the most common mistakes people make with their washing machines that can end up causing some pricey damage.

He said: "We all rely on our washing machines, but very few people use them properly. Even small changes in how you load, clean and maintain the machine can make a big difference in performance and lifespan."

And one of these errors is choosing a low temperature to wash your clothes, sheets and towels every time.

According to the experts, although it might be tempting to wash everything at 30°C to save energy, over time this allows bacteria and detergent residue to build up - particularly in the drum and pipes.

However, there's a very simple fix if you want to stop this from happening - and it doesn't involve any drastic changes to your laundry routine, or your bills.

All you need to do is run an empty 60 to 90C maintenance wash with detergent or specialist machine cleaner around once a month to keep things fresh and hygienic.

In the long run, this will prevent that harmful buildup and keep your washing machine running smoother for longer.

Another very common mistake people make which can cause damage to your washing machine is overfilling the drum.

Stuffing in too many clothes restricts water and detergent flow, meaning your laundry won't come out clean, and your machine has to work much harder to spin, causing wear on the motor and bearings.

For a standard wash, the drum should be around 75% full. And as a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit a hand on top of the laundry pile.

When the wash is done and you've taken the laundry out, you should always leave the door and detergent drawer slightly open too. Forgetting to do this creates the perfect damp breeding spot for mould and bad smells, which can leave your home and your clothes smelling foul.