Clear your lint trap!! Do it twice: before you start (because chances are the person before you didn't) and afterwards (because you're a nice person).

2torial #0454: Learn2 Wash, Dry and Fold Your Laundry (Continued) Wash the remaining clothes Most washing machines have dials that turn clockwise only. Generally, push in the dial, turn to proper setting, and pull out to activate. Put the soap in first. Each detergent is different, although you should generally use no more than a half a coffee cup of powdered detergent per full load, or a third of a coffee cup of liquid detergent. Too much detergent can cause overflow problems, or clump up in the folds of your clothes and not wash out properly. Read the directions on the box to determine how much detergent to use. Most manufacturers include a scoop for powdered detergents and a measured cap for liquid detergent.   Evenly distribute the clothes. The weight of the laundry should be evenly balanced around the inside cylinder. This will prevent the inside cylinder from spinning off its track during the wash, and ensure even and fair washing among the clothes.   Set the water temperature: Keep in mind that machines vary and read any special notices that may be listed. There are two temperatures indicated, one for the wash cycle and one for the rinse cycle. Whites - Hot/Cold Light Colors - Warm/Cold Dark Colors - Warm/Cold or Cold/Cold Delicates - Cold/Cold   Set the machine-wash cycle: Whites - Regular Light Colors - Regular or Permanent Press Dark Colors - Regular or Permanent Press Delicates - Delicate Some say follow the soap with water, some say with laundry. May the great debate continue. If there are instructions printed on the inside lid of your washing machine, you may want to follow them. Step 5