A washing machine is a necessary fixture in any home, but after a few years, it can be rife with dirt, detergent deposits, and even mold. Without regular maintenance, this deposit can cause foul smells, reduction of efficiency and even mechanical breakdown. Keeping your washing machine clean will not only make your laundry look better but will also help extend the life of your machine. In this guide, we’ll show you how you can easily keep your washing machine in tiptop shape, and offer advice from appliance experts on whether a professional service call is warranted. Let’s cowl methods to clear a washer.
Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Matters
Even though washing machines are generally meant to wash clothes, they can sometimes get dirty as well. But eventually, soap scum, minerals from hard water, mold and bacteria can cause this task to become a chore depositing nasty smells, diminishing the machine’s cleaning capacity — or worse, causing damage. Periodically cleaning out your washing machine helps to keep your appliance in good shape, reduce soap residue, and ensures your laundry smells fresh.
6 Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning
There are several signs that your washing machine needs a deep clean. A foul or mildew smell is some of the first indications that water buildup sours in that drum or the detergent dispenser. If your clean clothing doesn’t smell fresh or if your washing machine looks less than spick-and-span, unsavory scum might be to blame. Mold or mildew visibly present inside of the drum or rubber gasket is another sign the washer needs to be cleaned right away. If your machine also isn’t draining properly or you’re finding excessive suds after a cycle, it’s likely because of detergent and residue build up.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Washing Machine? Housewife How-Tos not just how to clean a washing machine
How often you will need to clean will vary depending on how many times you use your machine per day and the detergent you use. A deep clean should be done about once a month as a general rule, if you use your machine frequently. If you're a heavy fabric softener (or liquid detergent) user then you should clean it more often, since both products can leave residues. Those who live in hard water areas may also want to descale the machine every three months.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you have a Front-Loader:
Front-loading machines are at more risk for mold and mildew because of the rubber gasket that seals the door. These are the steps to a proper clean:
Clean the Gasket The rubber gasket around the door can accumulate moisture, detergent and dirt. Clean it with white vinegar and water. If mold or mildew is a problem, then use a solution of bleach or a commercially available mold and mildew cleaner.
Clean the Detergent Dispenser: Take the detergent and fabric softener dispensers out, and place them in warm, soapy water. Gently brush off any buildup with an old toothbrush before rinsing and reinserting them.
Do a Clean Cycle: Fill the detergent dispenser with 2 cups of white vinegar and run the hot water cycle. Vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits and cut through buildup on your faucets, so it’s also a great household disinfectant. Follow with another cycle, but this time place 1/2 cup of baking soda directly in the drum to help battle odors.
Wipe Down the Exterior: Don’t ignore the outside of the machine. Wipe off any dust, dirt, and detergent splashes with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
How to Clean a Top Loader Washing Machine
While top-loading washing machines do not have as many issues as front-loading machines, they still need to be maintained.
Fill the Drum with Hot Water: Use the largest load setting and the hottest water, and start the cycle. Pour in four cups of white vinegar, and allow the machine to agitate for a few more minutes. Stop the cycle and allow the solution to rest for an hour.
Scrub the Drum: Following the soaking, scrub the interior of the drum with a brush or a sponge—taking care to focus on any areas of visible residue or stain.
Run the Cycle Through: Restart the cycle and let the machine do its thing to drain out completely. Follow with a second cycle with 1 cup of baking soda to get rid of any leftover smell.
Clean the Dispenser and Outside: Take everything off the machine, soak the dispensers (with warm soapy water), scrub off any residue and then wipe the machine’s exterior.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
The door or lid should be left open after each use so the washing machine's drum can dry out and to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Use the proper amount of detergent for gentler cleaning, and choose a high-efficiency detergent if you have a high-efficiency machine. Clog protection and drainage by checking and regularly cleaning the filter and drain hose. Toward the end, use a vinegar solution to wipe out the inside of the drum (and the rubber gasket) once a week to help the unit maintain its own freshness between deep cleans.
Professional Cleaning Services
Most build-up can be avoided with regular maintenance, but occasionally you have to bust out the big guns and clean it more deeply, particularly if your machine is still smelly or draining improperly or you still have a lot of gunk that your DIY cleaning couldn’t quite fix. Trained professionals can also evaluate the machine for potential problems before you have a breakdown that could be more costly to repair.
