We constantly use our washing machine to wash our clothes. If you’re a big family, you’re most likely using it more than once a week. Unfortunately, with time, soap scum builds up, dirt from clothes, and wool build-up, leaving you with an unclean washing machine. But since you need it every week, you might be looking for a way to clean your washing machine.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Do you use a front-load washing machine or a top load washing machine? There’s a small difference in how they should be cleaned.
What You Need for Cleaning
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
- Toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
Front-Load Washing Machine
If you have a front-load washing machine, make sure to do as follows:
- Spray the Washer Drum with White Vinegar
Put some white vinegar in the spray bottle and spray it inside the washing machine, as it cleans everything. Make sure to wipe around using the microfiber cloth once you’re done.
- Clean the Rubber Gasket
The seal around the door that’s made of rubber has the most mould, hair, and scum, so it’s time to clean it all.
- Put White Vinegar into the Detergent Dispenser and Run the Washing Machine
Put two cups of distilled white vinegar into the washing machine’s detergent dispenser. Afterwards, turn on the longest cycle with the hottest water for a deep clean.
- Put Baking Soda in the Washing Machine and Turn on Another Cycle
Place half a cup of baking soda into the washing machine’s drum and run it on the longest cycle with the hottest water again.
- Use the Microfiber with Vinegar to Clean the Door
Clean the washing machine door using a microfiber cloth and vinegar to make it shine once again.
- Leave the Door Open to Let the Moist Dry Out
To decrease mould from building up, then keeping the door open after each wash can help do the trick. It lets the washing machine dry out after a few hours preventing anything from building up.
Top-Load Washing Machine
On the other hand, if you have a top load washing machine, you should do the following:
- Put Vinegar in the Washing Machine, then Start a Cycle
Just like a front-load washing machine, but this time make sure to add four cups of white vinegar. Then start a cycle on the highest and hottest setting.
Stop the washing machine mid-cycle once it’s filled up and let the water and vinegar there for an hour.
- Use Vinegar to Clean the Washing Machine
After stopping the machine and as you wait, clean the top and bottom lid, the sides, and everything else in the washing machine using the microfiber cloth and the spray bottle filled with vinegar.
- Use a Toothbrush to Clean the Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispenser
The most important part of the washing machine, the detergent and fabric softener dispenser, requires a lot of attention. Using a toothbrush, you can scrub the openings. As a result, it will look as good as new.
- Add Baking Soda and Run a Cycle
Like the front-load washing machine, you can add a cup of baking soda and turn on the machine to the hottest and highest settings for a final touch of cleaning.
- Let it Dry
Don’t forget to leave the lid open to let your top-load washing machine dry. If it’s not worth the wait, you can always use a microfiber to dry it.
How to Keep Your Washing Machine Clean
There are a few things you can do to avoid the hassle of cleaning your washing machine. Here are a few tips:
- If you have a front-loading washing machine, make sure to clean the rubber seal around the door regularly to avoid mould and mildew from building up.
- Clean the area around the door with distilled white vinegar and wait for a minute, then wipe it out with a cloth
- Purchase diluted bleach solution and wipe the area with it for a deep clean.
- Leave the door of the washing machine open to let the moisture dry and prevent mould growth
- Don’t overload the washing machine with clothes
- Never add extra detergent to avoid soapy residue on clothes and in the washing machine
This will help your washing machine last a bit longer and will keep your clothes fresh and clean.
Always make sure the washing machine you’re using is clean! As it’ll last longer and keep your clothes fresh.
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