If you are looking for how to clean a washing machine quickly, here is a complete guide. Cleaning a washing machine is something that everyone should be able to do. Yes, even the best washing machines need to be cleaned now and then. The filth washed away from your clothes, towels, and sheets can accumulate inside your washing machine over time. The appliance may also contain residual detergent, hard-water deposits, and mould or mildew around the lid if it isn’t cleaned regularly. This can leave a residue on clothing or cause clothes to smell weird when they come out of the washer.
The following are easy steps to clean a washing machine once a month to guarantee that your freshly washed clothes and linens are as clean as possible. These directions apply to both front-loading and top-loading washing machines; however, there are a few differences between the two.
If your washing machine has a self-clean cycle, select it and clean the inside of the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, follow this simple three-step process to remove buildup from washing machine pipes and make sure your clothes are fresh and clean.
Add Vinegar And Run a Hot Cycle
Replace the detergent with two cups of white vinegar and run an empty, regular cycle on hot. Next, fill the detergent dispenser with vinegar. The combination of hot water and vinegar kills and prevents the growth of bacteria. Vinegar can also be used to deodorize and eliminate mildew odours.
Scrub The Washing Machine From The Inside Out
Combine ¼ cup vinegar and warm water in a bucket or nearby sink. Clean the inside of the machine with this combination of a sponge and a toothbrush. Pay close attention to the inside of the door and the area around the door opening. If you have a removable soap dispenser, soak it in vinegar and water before scrubbing. Also, wipe down the exterior of the machine.
Run Another Hot Cycle
Run an empty, regular, hot cycle without detergent or vinegar. Add ½ cup of baking soda to the drum to help clear away buildup from the first cycle. Wipe out the inside of the drum with a microfiber cloth when the cycle is finished to eliminate any leftover residue.
How To Avoid a Smelly Washing Machine?
Make it a habit to keep the machine door ajar or lift the lid after each usage and clean it once a month. This allows air to flow and dry off any moisture causing musty odours. Also, as a safety precaution, keep children and pets away from the open machine.
Empty the machine as soon as a cycle is completed to avoid a musty stench developing in the washtub.
If you have a pet in the house that sheds, you’ll notice pet hair in your washer after a few cycles. Allow the door to remain open until the pet hair and drum have completely dried. Then vacuum out the fur with your vacuum’s soft brush attachment.
Check the gasket regularly to make sure no small items, such as baby socks, are caught inside and dry it with a towel to keep mould at bay if you have a front loading machine.
Wipe the controls, door handle, and any drips of detergent or fabric softener on the front, sides, and top of the machine with a damp cloth. It’s easier to get rid of them while still wet, so wipe as soon as you spot them.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
First of all, check your washing machine’s manual to determine whether it has any maintenance cycles. It should tell you how to run these and how often. Of course, it’s always advisable to stick to your manufacturer’s recommendations.
If your washing machine does not have a manual, deep cleaning your machine once a month, depending on how often you use it, is an excellent idea. Clean out the gasket between washes, and leave the door and dispenser drawer open to avoid mould.
Learn more about washing machine cleaning tips.
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