Here’s a guide to effectively cleaning a washing machine at Home.
In the same way that you wash your clothes, you should also clean your machine at your home. While it is true that detergent cleans the clothes, it may not clean the washing machine. Washing machines pick up all kinds of things like dirt, bacteria, mildew, and dirty soap. The machine will eventually smell musty if you leave it uncleaned for a long period of time. Over time, washing machines accumulate soap scum, leaving you with a dirty machine. The best way to keep your washing machine free of mold, smells, and grime is to learn how to clean it. Check out these simple cleaning tips for washing machines at Home And Washing Machine Repair.
“The best ways to clean washing machines and washer-dryers”
- Remove your clothes from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete to avoid musty smells.
- Make sure the machine is clean at least once a month to avoid odors or contaminants.
- If you are washing more than once, keep the door of your washing machine slightly ajar after each wash. By doing this, you will help the machine dry out as the air will be able to circulate.
- Keep the dispenser drawers open and remove all residues of detergent, water, and fabric softener.
- For cleaning the washing machine at home exterior, use a damp cloth.
- You should clean the filters on the inlet hoses so the water will flow freely. Clogged filters may cause your cycle to malfunction.
The best way to take care of your washing machine is to clean it frequently. Yet, each machine needs its own care, so here are our cleaning tips for the front load and top load washing machines.
“The best way to clean front-loading washing machine”
- Running a hot cycle on an empty machine will remove any built-up detergent.
- You can get rid of odors in the washing machine by washing it on 40 degrees with a washer cleaner.
- Remove the detergent drawer from the sink or bowl and soak it for 5 minutes. If it’s very dirty, you can also add bleach to the hot water.
- To clean the machine and door, damp a cloth with hot water and wipe them down.
- Clean the area around the dispenser drawer. Wipe the inside of the hole of the dispenser drawer with a damp cloth.
- Before reinstalling the drawer, use a toothbrush to remove any residues.
“A guide to cleaning top-loading washing machines”
- To remove built up detergent from a front loader, run a hot cycle with an empty washing machine.
- To get rid of odors, run a second hot wash with a washing machine cleaner. You should let it swish around for 30 seconds and leave it for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Finish the cycle by restarting it.
- To clean the inside of the drum and the rim of the tub, turn off the machine and wipe it with a warm, damp cloth.
“How to care for your washing machine Properly at home”
- Ensure your washing machine receives regular care and cleaning so it runs smoothly. You can also save money on repairs if you take care of your machine on a regular basis.
“Once a month, do these things for a clean and pristine machine:”
- Run a cycle: Most new washers come with a dedicated cleaning cycle. You just add bleach, and the machine will handle everything. It helps if your dispenser has this cycle. Otherwise, fill it up to the maximum line with hot water and run a normal cycle with it (or follow the instructions in the manual). The other option is to use a specialized cleaner. The bleach alone will kill mold and bacteria, but it won’t remove other residues. You can also use washing machine cleaners to get rid of greasy buildups and hard water minerals.
- Set an extra rinse and spin: Once the cleaning cycle is complete, run an extra rinse and spin. This will make sure all traces of bleach or particles are completely removed.
- Clean the dispenser drawer:
Remove any removable dispensers, disassemble them, and rinse them in hot water. To remove any stuck-on gunk, use a soft toothbrush. Afterwards, wipe them dry before reassembling and reinstalling them. Allow them to thoroughly air dry if they are still wet. - Wipe and dry the rubber seal and drum: To prevent mold growth, clean and dry the rubber gasket on your front-loading machine. Make sure you wipe down the drum’s door and lid, or let them air dry.
“Here’s how to deodorize a stinky washing machine”
Besides to cleaning your machine monthly, make it a habit to leave the door ajar or lift the lid after each use. This will allow air to circulate and dry out any moisture that contributes to musty scents. As a safety precaution, keep children and pets away from the open machine. Engage the child lock if you have one.
- 1. Remove, clean clothes quickly:
Don’t leave the machine full of clothes after every cycle to avoid the buildup of musty odors. - Remove any pet hair, debris, or other particles from the washer:
When you run several loads of laundry, you’re going to find pet hair in the washer, so remove any debris. Allow the pet hair and drum to dry completely by leaving the door open. Next, vacuum out the fur using the soft brush attachment on your vacuum. - Dry the gasket:
Make sure your front-loading washing machine does not have small items trapped in the gasket, and dry it often to keep mold at bay. - Clean the controls:
Use a damp cloth to wipe the controls, door handle, and anything else you see on the front, sides, and top of the machine. - Right Detergent to be used
Additionally, if your machine is fully automated, you should use the right detergent. The use of hand wash detergent in a fully automatic washing machine can leave more residue behind. This will affect the machine’s ability to clean as well as its longevity.