How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Have you ever washed your washing machine? It sounds weird, but it also collects a lot of dust, dirt, and grime, so you need regular cleaning to ensure your clothes are always clean and smelling fresh.
Contrary to popular belief, even washing machines require a clean sometimes. If your clothes are retaining odor or do not come out as clean as they used to, it might be time to clean your washing machine.
Follow these tips below on how to clean your washing machine to improve its efficiency, remove mold, dirt, and odors.
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How to Clean a Washing Machine
Contrary to popular belief, even washing machines require a clean sometimes. If your clothes are retaining odor or do not come out as clean as they used to, it might be time to clean your washing machine. The first step to take is emptying the washing machine and getting rid of the odor by adding a cup of white vinegar as the machine fills up with hot water. Now, run the machine through an entire wash and rinse cycle and add 1 cup of borax into the washer as it fills with water. Wait for the agitator to begin turning before adding soured laundry to the washer.
If your laundry was soured by the washing machine, you can soak the laundry for about 20-30 minutes to remove any previous odor. Add a detergent with fragrance to add that special touch to your laundry.
A Front Load Washing Machine
• Firstly, make sure the washing machine drum is empty. Then select the clean cycle or tub cleaner setting. If not available, set the washer on the hottest water setting and the longest wash setting, and fill the water to the level the machine is capable of holding. Following this, add two cups of vinegar into the detergent tray. The vinegar will help in eliminating any odor-causing substances and residues. Let the entire wash and rinse cycle complete.
• Once the first cycle is done and the washer is drained, repeat the cycle but add two cups of bleach to the detergent tray instead of vinegar. Cleaning with bleach helps remove stains and germs that have been accumulated in the tub, and cleans any leftover residues from the previous wash cycle.
• Next, if all the stains have disappeared, run an additional cycle without adding anything to remove any residues completely.
• Get a bucket full of warm water and liquid soap. Remove the parts of the detergent tray and soak it in the warm water for a few minutes. Once they are soaked, pick each piece and wipe them with a sponge. Let them dry thoroughly before you place them back again on the tray.
• Next, pull back the rubber seal around the door to inspect for any icky stuff or residues. To clean it, pour a gallon of warm water containing one cup of chlorine bleach. Soak the cloth in the solution and wipe down the seal. Following this, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off the seal of any residues and remaining moisture.
• Lastly, use a damp cloth to clean the outsides of the machine just as nicely as the inside.
• It is also important to clean the washing machine filter at regular intervals as clogged filters can damage the machine. Follow the instructions mentioned in the manufacturer’s manual to complete the process.
• Another tip is to leave the door or the lid of the washing machine open between uses. Also, wipe down the seal at least once a month to avoid residue and the formation of odor-causing substances.