If you're like most Americans, your knowledge of washers and dryers is part of a great oral history tradition, passed down through the generations. Unfortunately, some of those hints you learned while doing chores as a kid might be damaging the expensive clothes you wear now that you've grown up. While Grandma may have had no trouble with the wringer on her White-Westinghouse, chances are that your washer works differently. Here are seven ways to break bad laundry habits that are keeping your clothes dirty, or prematurely wearing them out.

Don't Wash That Stain In Hot Water! Not all stains are created equal. Protein-based stains, such as sweat, blood and most food stains, require a cold rinse in order to ensure they don't set. If you've spilled nacho dip and sour cream on your favorite sweater, setting your washer to its hottest temperature setting will just bake that cheese into a sweater quesadilla.

As a landlord, it is easy to overlook minor issues. Performing regular maintenance on your property can help you catch a small problem before it turns into a large expense. Here are some property maintenance tips that can help save you money in the long run.

1. Exterminate Monthly
Even if you do not currently have a rodent or insect problem, you should exterminate monthly or bi-monthly to prevent such problems from occurring. Do not limit the extermination to one apartment, as critters will simply travel to another part of the property. While it is possible to purchase exterminating supplies yourself, this task is usually best left to a professional.

Monthly exterminations will cost you money, but this preventative property maintenance is a much cheaper option than the cost of losing current and prospective tenants due to a pest problem. Shop around for the best price.