Dirty, smelly washing machines; who’d want to live through that?
Clothes aren’t getting clean in all areas of the drum. Soap residue, hard water, and detergent buildup all cause clothing to appear dingy, gray, and faded over time. Cleaning it yourself is not hard if you know how to do it properly.
If you want to replace yours, you can order a front-load washing machine online.
Read to learn how to clean your top or front-load washing machine.
How to Clean Your Top-Load Washing Machine
Cleaning a top-load washing machine is simple, but it can be time-consuming if you don’t know the right way. A clean washer means better performance and less chance of problems.
Follow these steps:
- Fill the machine with hot water. Hot water helps to loosen the dirt and grime built up in your washer.
- Add cleaning solution while filling the hot water. Then start the cycle.
- Fill with hot water again, then add more cleaning solution. Rerun the cycle.
- Put a rag in hot water to soften any dried-on stains or spots on clothes so they come out easier during the wash cycle.
- Clean the surface by washing the outside of your washer’s door opening and around any buttons or knobs.
- Rinse out any remaining soap residue by running two cold rinses with only water until there are no suds left in your washing machine’s tub.
- Dry the surfaces with a clean cloth.
How to Clean Your Front Load Washing Machine
Front-load washing machines are efficient and convenient and allow you to wash more clothes simultaneously. But over time, a front-load washing machine can get dirty and smell bad. If you want to keep your washing machine clean, follow these steps:
Remove Items from the Washer: After removing all items from the washer, you should check for any items that may have fallen into the drain hose. You can use a pipe brush to clean up clogs or debris.
Clean Gasket: To clean the gasket, locate the gasket on your washing machine. The gasket is a rubber ring that prevents water from leaking from your washing machine.
If foreign objects are on the gasket, remove them with a tweezer or other tool. Use an old toothbrush to clean dust or hair off of the gasket and scrub away any grime that may be present around its edges.
Dust and lint from the dryer or the laundry room can accumulate on the gasket if carried by air and land there. Removing dust from the air is as simple as changing the lint trap.
Scrub the rubber gasket and the area around it to remove any bleach residue or debris using a tiny scrub brush or old toothbrush dipped in the soap mixture. Clean the rubber gasket by wetting a soft cloth or rag with warm water from a sink, wringing away the excess water, and wiping it down.
Clean the Drum: Cleaning the drum will help prevent mold and mildew from growing inside the drum, which can cause your clothes to smell bad and eventually damage them.
To clean your washing machine’s drum, sprinkle 1/3 cup baking soda over the bottom and add 2 cups vinegar. Let this sit for about 15 minutes before starting the cycle. It helps remove any soap scum or buildup on your washing machine’s interior.
After you’ve let it sit for 15 minutes, turn on your washing machine and allow it to run through a normal cycle with hot water and detergent (no bleach). When you’re done with that cycle, run another hot water-only cycle to rinse off all traces of baking soda and vinegar before drying.
Clean Filter: Clogged filters reduce the washing machine’s effectiveness, increase lint accumulation on garments, and prevent the water from draining correctly. Remove the filter and soak it in hot water, or use a brush to clean it if it cannot be removed.
Replace the filter if yours is worn or damaged beyond cleaning capabilities. Ensure you get one made for your model of the washer so that it fits securely in place when installed.
Clean Detergent Drawer: Remove the drawer. Pull it out from within the machine and set it aside. Clean loose dirt or debris with a cloth or paper towel, then soak the drawer in warm water and mild detergent.
Dry the inside of the drawer with another clean cloth, then place it back into your washing machine.
Wash and Wipe the Inside: Use a mild detergent and water. Use a soft cloth or sponge with a gentle scrubbing motion. Don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners such as steel wool or scouring pads.
Clean the Outside: Clean the outside of your washing machine with a cloth soaked in vinegar. It will remove any dirt, grime, and mildew from the exterior of your machine.
Cleaning your washing machine provides the opportunity to remove mineral and detergent buildups that can happen over time.
This process is fairly straightforward if you follow the steps closely. It will help you save money on repairs or replacements, should they be needed, while also extending the life of your appliance.