A clean washing machine has a “laundry list” of benefits.
You might wonder why you need to wash your washing machine, as it is always cleaning?
However, grime can build up inside your washing machine because of dirt collected from your clothes, sheets, and towels.
Without regular cleaning, mold, hard water deposits, and leftover detergent may also collect inside your washing machine.
It’s really important to not overlook the home appliances that you use everyday, and complete regular maintenance to ensure that you are getting the best out of them.
This is why today, we are breaking down how to clean a washing machine.
So Why Clean Your Washing Machine?
You should clean your washing machine at least once a month if you are a heavy user.
Maintaining your washing machine will ensure that it lasts longer, and you get a quality wash cycle every time.
A clean washing machine will never have the moldy smell that is usually caused by stale soap buildup.
Cleaning Methods to Use
Your washing machine is one of the most sensitive appliances in your home.
Therefore, you should be wary about the type of materials you use to clean it. Never use substances that you have not researched.
The following are cleaning methods that can be used safely and effectively.
1) Quick Job’s True All Purpose Cleaner
One of the best all purpose cleaners for cleaning your washing machine is Quick Job’s True All Purpose Cleaner.
It is an efficient cleaning agent that thoroughly cleans your washing machine (as well as several other items). It has been used by 100’s of 1,000’s of households in the United States for over 37 years, and counting.
Quick Job’s True All Purpose Cleaner is an environment-friendly agent that you buy with a spray bottle that indicates how you should dilute the concentrate for the best results.
Spray the solution on the surface after you have mixed it according to the instructions, and you will find it breaking down any gunk and stains in your washing machine.
Afterwards, run one rinse cycle and your washing machine is good to go!
2) Baking Soda
Open an empty washing machine and add two cups of baking soda inside.
The baking soda will scrub the inside and eliminate the moldy and stale odors that have been left behind by fabric softener deposits.
Next, run a hot water cycle or use the self-clean feature.
3) White Vinegar
Add 2 cups of the substance and ten drops of lavender or tea tree.
These essential oils will act as a mild disinfectant and deal with mineral deposits and mildew.
Next, run another cycle by setting it to the hottest setting your washing machine has. The white vinegar gets rid of the moldy smells.
Additionally, it sanitizes and disinfects while its acidity eats away the built-up mold. It also contains deodorizing properties that get rid of odors in the septic system.
After the two cycles are complete, do a quick wipe down to the agitator and the drum using white vinegar and microfiber cloth.
If you spot any stains, rub them with a paste of water and baking soda.
And for really tough stains in which white vinegar is not doing the trick, try Quick Job’s True All Purpose Cleaner to remove the stain.
How to Clean Parts of a Washing Machine
1) Front Loading
When you want to clean a front-loading washing machine, you have to check the gasket.
The rubber gasket tends to accumulate mildew, hair, water, and scum.
Additionally, leftover detergent and moisture will create a breeding ground for mildew and mold. It is important to use an all purpose cleaner or distilled white vinegar in this area to remove grime.
After one minute, use a microfiber cloth to wipe the door.
Ensure that you leave the door open for a few hours after you wash the machine.
When you do this, the moisture will dry out. Moreover, it will prevent mold and mildew.
2) Rubber seals
Use a damp cloth that has been saturated with soapy water to wipe the rubber seals.
You can use a toothbrush to get rid of stubborn grime. Run a hot maintenance wash once you are through wiping down.
3) Dispensing Trays, Door, and Machine Exterior
Clean the inside and the outside of the door with a microfiber cloth by using water and vinegar.
Use an all purpose cleaner like Quick Job’s to clean dirty areas all-round the washing machine. A toothbrush and baking soda also clean grimy areas.
After that, wipe everything using a cotton cloth.
If you know how to wash the machine, you will soak your dispensing trays to get great results when cleaning them.
Tips to Keep a Clean Washing Machine
- Learn to leave the washing machine open every time you finish washing. Doing this will allow the remaining moisture to evaporate and prevent mildew growth.
- Always remove your clothes from the washer once you are through with the cleaning.
- Avoid fabric softeners bought from stores as they leave residue on your clothes and the washing machine. Consider going for homemade options.
- Always use the right amount of detergent as too much of it will cling to the washing machine and contribute to foul odors.
- Avoid leaving your clothes on the washer once you have cleaned them. It can breed bacteria since they are in a humid environment.
- Desist from overfilling your machine with large loads of clothes as they can overwork it and clog the pipes.
Precaution
Avoid running your washing machine with a hot cycle with plenty of detergents.
The downside to this is that the detergent will foam up inside the drum causing the soapy water to spill with the potential of flooding your kitchen.
It pays to know how to clean a washing machine.
So, take time at least once a month to do a deep cleaning of your washing machine. It may seem like a lot of work, but it is worth the struggle as you will always end up with clean clothes that smell great.
