For those with a washer and dryer in their homes, there's one small, simple act that could potentially save you hundreds if you ever need a repair.

If your lid and lid switch seem fine, the next step is to check the hot and cold water supply valves, usually located directly behind your washing machine near the lower part of the back panel.

If you separate your laundry by color, you may also want to consider water temperature. There are some things you should ...

Can turning the washing machine valves prevent freeze-up? When the temperature dro ps to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a chance the water inside the machine can freeze and expand.

“Cold water washing is good for your clothes, good for your wallet and good for Mother Earth," Brian Sansoni at the American Cleaning Institute said.

Consumer Reports tests the Whirlpool WTW4715EW top-loader, which washes with only cold water unless you choose the heavy-duty cycle.

“Cold water washing is good for your clothes, good for your wallet and good for Mother Earth," Brian Sansoni at the American Cleaning Institute said.