Have you ever cleaned your washing machine? Did you know that regularly doing so can protect you from certain chemical substances? If your answer is no, then this blog is for you! Cleaning your clothes in the machine is essential, but cleaning the machine itself is equally important. Here are some steps you need to know about how to clean the washing machine efficiently. Without further delay, let’s dive into the blog.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
It’s not only washing clothes that you have to worry about; you also need to worry about the state of your washing machine. How many times have you cleaned it since you bought it? Most of us don’t bother to clean our machines but don’t forget that germs can also infest our washing machines. If you want your machine to last longer, you should regularly spruce it up.
Here are a few steps for cleaning your washing machine that you need to know!
1. The Detergent Drawer
This is the dirtiest place in the machine. The detergent drawer is usually filled with encrusted washing powder and mold. If possible, try to remove the tray itself. Then, scrub it clean with an old toothbrush and regular detergent or dishwashing liquid.
2. Clean the Agitator and Filter
Filters should be emptied regularly, as this is the place where all the fluff and dirt get collected. Keeping the agitator and filter of your washing machine clean is very important for maintaining its performance and life cycle. It’s better to lift out the agitator if it is detachable. Most washing machines allow you to do this. Then, use a soft brush to scrub the agitator’s surface. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and soap, or any liquid detergent.
3. Drum
Clean the drum by running a drum wash using baking soda or plain hot water. The hot water helps dislodge the dirt embedded in the cracks or creases of the machine.
a, Smell
Leave your machine open after each wash to encourage free air circulation and also prevent the formation of mold. Follow these steps to avoid any kind of odor from your washing machine,
- Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of water and add any kind of washing machine detergent. Then use four cups of plain white vinegar for a top-load machine.
- Pour the vinegar mixture into the drum.
- Run the machine on a high-temperature cycle.
b, Right detergent
Try to avoid liquid detergents, as they leave behind more suds and residue. Powdered detergents are the best. Also, follow the proper guidelines about the amount of detergent to use and choose the right detergent for the right type of washing machine. For example, do not use a fully automatic machine detergent for a manual washing machine, and vice versa.
c, Peroxide to Clean Washer Tub
Peroxide has strong oxidizing properties that help dissolve dirt and stains on contact. In fact, this is a natural alternative to harsh chemicals. Also, cleaning the washing machine with peroxide won’t damage or discolor the machine, as it is safe to use on plastic, enamel, or even stainless steel.
4. Run a Hot Water Cycle With Vinegar
Hot water and vinegar are a potent combination that effectively removes dirt and prevents the formation of bacterial growth inside the drum and around the lid. It’s better to set your machine to a hot water cycle and add three cups of white vinegar to the dispenser. Vinegar also acts as a deodorizer that helps eliminate odors from the machine.
5. Clean the Gasket
To remove the grime, spray the area around the door with distilled white vinegar and let it sit for at least five minutes before wiping it off.
6. Clean the Exterior of the Machine
Keeping the exterior of the machine clean is as important as maintaining the interior. A clean exterior prevents dust and grime particles from entering the machine. You can use vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice to clean the exterior of the washing machine, as these remove dust particles, fingerprints, and detergent buildup. This process helps keep your appliance looking good and functioning properly and smoothly.
7. Clean Behind the Washer
Concentrating on cleaning the washing machine is okay, but make sure you don’t miss cleaning the backside of the machine. Since we typically place the machine with the backside facing the wall, it is also important to clean the backside as well.
- Pull the machine forward as much as the drain pipe allows.
- If there is any dampness present, absorb it with an old cloth or towel.
- Then, vacuum the back of the washer, as well as the walls and floor.
- After that, use a germ-killing solution to clean that area, as fungal growths like black mold thrive in moist environments. Cleaning these areas regularly helps prevent unwanted biological growth in your machine.
How Often Do You Have to Clean Your Washing Machine?
We suggest you deeply clean your machine once every 2-3 months, though the frequency of cleaning may depend on how often your washing machine is used. High-efficiency top-load and front-load washing machines should be cleaned more often—ideally every month. Regularly cleaning your machine can prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, and odors, ensuring perfectly hygienic and fresh laundry every time you wash your clothes.
I hope this blog helps you understand the steps to clean your washing machine. By following these steps, you can keep your washing machine in optimal condition and free from germs.
