Simple Steps to Clean Your Washing Machine Properly
It’s best to clean your washing machine regularly, as neglecting to do so can have all sorts of nasty implications. Bacteria and/or mold can build up, leaving your clothes stained or causing washing machine odor. Additionally, the lifespan of your washing machine may suffer.
as neglecting to do soTo prevent this, you need to properly maintain your washer by cleaning both the inside and the outside. Below, we’ll discuss the best way to clean your washing machine as efficiently as possible.
Step 1. Externally Clean Your Washing Machine
First, remove all dust and debris with a damp cloth. Next, be sure to clean the door and its rubbers thoroughly. If you notice dirt, grime, or fluff around the edge, it’s best to wipe it away before putting the next wash in your machine. You encounter mold around the door of your washing machine. In that case, more thorough cleaning is required.
Obliterate washing machine mold completely with our step-by-step guide
Step 2. Clean Your Washing Machine Filter
The location of the filter may vary by washing machine, therefore search the machine where it can be accessed. Otherwise, read the instruction manual.
Check the filter of your washing machine for any build-up of filth. If it is filthy, clean the filter under a stream of hot water and wipe away any lasting debris with a warm cloth.
Nerdy Tip:
Don’t forget to clean the detergent drawer too!
Step 3. Run a Self-Cleaning Program
Most washing machines have a self-cleaning wash program designed to clean the insides and prevent blocked pipes. If your washing machine doesn’t have this, you can run a cycle with the highest possible temperature available on your washer.
Subsequently, you can use different products to ensure your washing machine gets as clean as possible.
- White vinegar. With a pH of around 2.5, white vinegar is highly acidic. Thus, making it a great disinfectant that will kill bacteria and viruses. It is also great for preventing washing machine odor. Add around one or two cups before running the cycle.
- Baking soda. Baking soda is very effective for cleaning your washing machine. With a pH of around 9, it is very alkaline. This means it’s perfect for removing grease, fat, or dirt. Add around 0.5 cups while running the cycle.
- Dishwasher tablets. An easy, relatively cheap and easy product to use is dishwasher tablets. Add two tablets to the inner drum before running a cycle to prevent washing machine odor. Check our detailed article if you want to learn more about this method.
- Washing machine cleaner. There are very useful products designed specifically for cleaning your washing machine. An amazing example of such a cleaner is Affresh washing machine cleaner. Use these washing machine tablets to remove or prevent odors and grime.
Finally, it is important to note that these cleaning methods work best on their own. Don’t combine these products, as this would decrease their effect.
Step 4. Repeat
Depending on how often you use your washing machine, you need to repeat this process every few months. In general, it’s a rule of thumb to clean your washer every two months.
Step 5. Professional Maintenance
Despite your best efforts, your washing machine will still experience wear and tear from regular use. If a part breaks it isn’t necessarily in your best interest to buy a new washing machine straight away.
If your washing machine shows signs of malfunction, such as unusual noises or leaking: don’t replace it just yest. Instead, it might be best to have it checked by a professional. Sometimes a quick fix or part replacement is all it takes to extend the life of your washer.
Want expert help? Fill out the form below to request a free quote for maintenance or repairs. We’ll connect you with a trusted technician who can get your washing machine back in top condition.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your washing machine is essential to keeping your laundry fresh and your machine running smoothly. By following the simple steps above, you’ll prevent unpleasant odors, eliminate mold and grime, and save money in the long run by avoiding unnecessary replacements.
