Cleaning your washing machine might not be the first thing on your to-do list, but it's an important task that should not be overlooked. Over time, dirt, soap scum, and bacteria can build up in your machine, which can affect its performance and even lead to unpleasant odors. But don't worry, cleaning your washing machine is a simple process that you can easily do at home. In this article, we'll go over the steps for cleaning both top-loading and front-loading washing machines, as well as recommend some of the best products for the job.
How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine
Cleaning a top-loading washing machine is a straightforward process that doesn’t require many materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- A cleaning cloth
- A scrub brush
Steps:
- Fill the washing machine with hot water.
- Add 1 quart of distilled white vinegar to the water.
- Let the machine agitate for a minute to mix the vinegar and water together.
- Pause the cycle and let the solution sit in the machine for an hour.
- While the machine is soaking, remove any removable parts, such as the lint filter and dispenser trays, and clean them with a cleaning cloth and warm, soapy water.
- After an hour has passed, let the cycle complete.
- Once the cycle is finished, add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum.
- Run another cycle with hot water, but this time let it run on the longest cycle available.
- Once the cycle is complete, use a scrub brush to clean the inside of the drum and agitator.
- Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a cleaning cloth and warm, soapy water.
How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine
Cleaning a front-loading washing machine is similar to cleaning a top-loading machine, but there are a few differences. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- A cleaning cloth
- A scrub brush
Steps:
- Start by removing any visible debris from the rubber gasket around the door.
- Mix together 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of water to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the gasket and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- While the paste is sitting, remove any removable parts, such as the lint filter and dispenser trays, and clean them with a cleaning cloth and warm, soapy water.
- After 15-20 minutes, use a cleaning cloth to wipe away the paste from the gasket.
- Fill the washing machine with hot water.
- Add 1 quart of distilled white vinegar to the water.
- Let the machine agitate for a minute to mix the vinegar and water together.
- Pause the cycle and let the solution sit in the machine for an hour.
- Once the hour has passed, let the cycle complete.
- Add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum.
- Run another cycle with hot water, but this time let it run on the longest cycle available.
- Once the cycle is complete, use a scrub brush to clean the inside of the drum.
- Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a cleaning cloth and warm, soapy water.
How Often to Clean a Washing Machine
Cleaning your washing machine is an important task, but how often should you do it? It depends on how frequently you use your machine and how heavily soiled your laundry is. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to clean your washing machine every 6 months to a year. However, if you have a large family or use your machine frequently, you might want to clean it more often. Additionally, if you notice any unpleasant odors or buildup in your machine, it’s best to clean it right away.
How to Remove Bad Odors From Washing Machine
If you’ve noticed a bad smell coming from your washing machine, it’s likely due to a buildup of bacteria and mold. Here are some steps you can take to remove the odor:
Materials:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- A cleaning cloth
- A scrub brush
Steps:
- Mix together 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of water to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to any visible areas of mold or mildew inside the drum or on the rubber gasket.
- Let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes.
- While the paste is sitting, remove any removable parts, such as the lint filter and dispenser trays, and clean them with a cleaning cloth and warm, soapy water.
- After 15-20 minutes, use a cleaning cloth to wipe away the paste.
- Fill the washing machine with hot water.
- Add 1 quart of distilled white vinegar to the water.
- Let the machine agitate for a minute to mix the vinegar and water together.
- Pause the cycle and let the solution sit in the machine for an hour.
- Once the hour has passed, let the cycle complete.
- Add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum.
- Run another cycle with hot water, but this time let it run on the longest cycle available.
- Once the cycle is complete, use a scrub brush to clean any remaining mold or mildew.
- Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a cleaning cloth and warm, soapy water.
- By following these steps and cleaning your washing machine regularly, you can help prolong its lifespan and ensure that your clothes come out clean and fresh every time.
Here are three of the most popular questions related to cleaning a washing machine and their answers:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How often should I clean my washing machine?
It’s recommended to clean your washing machine every 6 months to a year, depending on usage. However, if you notice any buildup or odors, it’s best to clean it right away.
What's the best way to clean a front-loading washing machine?
We outlined the steps for cleaning a front-loading washing machine. The key is to use a combination of vinegar and baking soda, along with a good scrubbing, to remove any buildup and odors.
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
While bleach can be effective in cleaning a washing machine, it’s not recommended for use in all machines. Check your machine’s manual or manufacturer’s website to see if they recommend using bleach for cleaning. Additionally, be sure to follow all safety precautions when using bleach, such as wearing gloves and ensuring proper ventilation.
Leave a Reply