Your washing machine works tirelessly every day. However, it’s easy to forget that your washer needs cleaning too. Over time, detergent buildup, soap scum, mould, and odours can accumulate inside the appliance. Consequently, they affect your washer’s performance and leave your clothes smelling less than fresh. How to clean washing machines? The guide has you covered. After all, regular cleaning makes sure that your machine works perfectly and for longer. Also, your laundry looks and smells great. Be it a top-load or front-load, let’s find out how to clean laundry washers and why.
Why Your Washing Machine Needs a Cleaning?
Before you dive into the detailed cleaning steps, you might wonder what’s so special about cleaning a washer. Let’s check out why you should clean washing machines.
Odour Prevention
Over time, a buildup of detergent residue, soap scum, and grime can cause your washer to develop an unpleasant smell. Not to mention, cleaning your washer regularly will keep those nasty buildups away and so is the odour.
Improved Efficiency
A clean washer means that there’s hardly any buildup in the drum, hoses, and filters. Hence, your washing machine can deliver more efficient laundry results.
Fresh Clothes, Every Time
A clean washing machine can’t transfer soap scum or detergent buildup to your laundry. Therefore, you get cleaner fresher clothes after every laundry cycle.
Promise of Sustainability
Just like any household appliance, your washing machine tends to last longer with regular cleaning and maintenance. There’s no controversy about that.
Now, let’s move on to how to clean washing machines at home.
Steps on How to Clean Washing Machines
A quick thought: How often should you clean washing machines? According to experts, this should be once every 3 months. Depending on how frequently you use the washer, you can make adjustments. However, you can clean the washer if you notice any of the signs below:
- Soap residue on the drum or inside the door seal.
- A sour or musty smell.
- Clothes come out with a musty or funny smell.
- Mould or mildew spots inside the washer.
Now that you know why and when to do it, let’s figure out how to clean washing machines.
1. Supplies for Washing Machine Cleaning
Confirming that you have the necessary supplies on hand is crucial before you leap to the process of how to clean laundry washers. However, most ingredients can be found in your kitchen or bathroom.
Here are the basic supplies you might need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Sponge or microfibre cloth
- Dish soap
- Bleach
- Laundry machine cleaner (optional)
2. Washer Tub Cleaning
No matter how many times you pour detergent while running cycles, it might not be enough to give the tub a deep clean.
For Top-Load Washing Machines
In case you own a top-load washer, here’s how to proceed with the tub or drum cleaning.
- First, fill the washer drum with hot water. You can use the largest load setting.
- Next, pour one quart of white vinegar into the drum. Using the white vinegar solution will help the machine break down the soap residue and mould buildup.
- Then, agitate the machine for a few minutes so that the solution will be mixed properly.
- Allow the water to sit for 30 minutes or so.
- After that, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the tub. Run a short cycle so the remaining dirt will be scrubbed away.
- Once the cycle finishes, drain the washer.
Finish it off with a clean microfibre cloth. For persistent stains or scum, you can use a toothbrush with the vinegar solution to scrub them away.
For Front-Loaders
How to clean washing machines with the front load mechanism? First of all, you need to tackle the gasket. That rubber gasket around the door of front-load washing machines ends up collecting lint, moisture, and mould. So, gently pull the gasket from the door and check it for any trapped debris or grime.
To clean washing machine gaskets, you can use a damp cloth along with some mild dish soap. However, use a solution of equal parts water and vinegar to remove mould. Once the gasket is clean, you can proceed with the rest of the laundry machine cleaner steps.
- Nowadays, front-load machines feature a ‘clean washer’ cycle. Well, the feature is solely designed to give the drum a deep clean. So, you can use the function if your washing machine has any.
- Let’s prep the washer for the tub cleaning. Add 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent cycle. Then, run the cleaning cycle. This should get you rid of the soap scum and odours from the drum.
- Once the cycle is done, let the appliance drain out the water. Ensure you open the door and let the washer air out.
Additionally, you can use a dry and clean microfibre cloth to soak up excess moisture or debris.
3. Exterior Wipe-Out
Do you want to maintain your washing machine’s shiny appearance? Then, nothing can beat a top-to-toe exterior cleaning. Also, how to clean washing machine’s exterior is not tricky as it doesn’t get as dirty as the interior.
Let’s dive into the laundry machine cleaner part for the exterior portion.
- Prepare a mix of water and mild dish soap.
- Dampen a microfibre cloth using the cleaning mix you have prepared. Wipe down the top, sides, and other parts of your washer using the cloth.
- However, pay extra attention while wiping the buttons, knobs, and control panel. Dust and grime can accumulate in these areas.
Do you have a front-load washer? Then, cast meticulous attention to its glass door. On the other hand, clean the lid of the top-load washing machine. Besides that, detergent dispensers or drawers can be full of soap scum and leftover detergent.
So, remove the detergent drawer and soak it in warm soapy water. Also, you can use a toothbrush to scrub all the gunk away. Make sure that you rinse the detergent drawer thoroughly before you insert it back into the appliance.
4. Filter and Drain Cleaning
A clogged filter and drain means that your washer’s functionality can be compromised. Since the maintenance guide to clean laundry washers also pays attention to the well-being of the appliance, it’s important to ensure that water drains appropriately during and after cycles.
On a related note, your washer’s filter can trap lint, hair, and other debris. If not cleaned regularly, they can cause unpleasant odours and drainage complications.
Here’s what you need to do to clean washing machine drains and filters.
- Refer to your washer’s user manual to locate the filter.
- If you are comfortable with accessing the filter, remove it from your appliance.
- Then, clean it under warm water.
- Additionally, you can use a toothbrush to scrub off any stubborn dirt or debris. After cleaning the filter, place the filter into its position.
Does your washer drain slowly? Then, it’s time to check the drain hose for clogs. Verify that the drain hose is not obstructed or kinked anyway. If required, you must remove the drain hose and rinse it with warm water.
5. Deodorisation
Only how to clean washing machines with homemade solutions or commercial cleaners isn’t enough. Even though you clean laundry washers, odours can linger without proper deodorisation. Let’s check out some natural ways to keep your machine as well as your laundry smelling fresh.
- Run a cleaning cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar along with half a cup of baking soda. Do this once a month to neutralise odours.
- After every cycle, try to keep the washer’s door open until the interior dries out. This is a proven preventive measure to keep mould and mildew away.
- Also, ensure you use only the recommended detergent to avoid forming excessive foam or residue.
- If the musty smell persists, consider investing in a commercial laundry machine cleaner. Such substances are specifically formulated to handle stubborn residue and odour.
6. Maintenance of Your Washing Machine
A little care can go a long way. That’s why we prioritise maintenance besides how to clean laundry washers. Here are some tested and proven steps to keep your washing machine in great shape.
- We know it’s tempting to cram as many clothes as possible in one cycle but you need to resist that urge. So, stop overloading your washer as it can lead to reduced efficiency.
- In addition, purchase only highly efficient detergent or anything that the manufacturer recommends for your washing machine.
- After every load, take time to wipe down the door seal. This is applicable for front-loaders. However, this will prevent lint and water from accumulating and causing mould buildup.
- Moreover, you should periodically inspect the hoses and connections for any leaks. If you suspect any leak or loose connection, tighten them as soon as possible.
Hire Best Cleaning Services in Dubai
How to clean washing machines might appear like a hectic chore but it comes with multiple benefits. With just a little care and attention, your washer will continue to work hard for you, cycle after cycle. However, if you need help with laundry or other housekeeping jobs, consider professional help.
