You may not realize the importance of routinely cleaning your washing machine, but it’s crucial to keep your washing machine running best. In order to do its job correctly, your washing machine occasionally needs to be cleaned because it sees a lot of dirt and grime pass through it on a regular basis, and some of this gets left behind. By cleaning your machine, not only will it perform its best, but you’ll prevent potential problems like mold, mildew, and bad odors.
General Tips
- Keep items such as detergent and fabric softener bottles off of the top of your washing machine and dryer. These can sometimes have sharp plastic edges, which can scratch the paint off, leading to bare metal spots that will rust.
- If you see a build-up of detergent or soap scum in your washer drum, reduce the amount of detergent you’re using.
- If you’re using an HE machine, make sure that you are using an HE-friendly detergent and fabric softener.
- Don’t leave wet items in your washing machine for too long before transferring them to the dryer, as this can encourage odors and mildew.
Cleaning the Machine’s Interior
You don’t have to use abrasive cleaners or specialty products to get the interior of your washing machine clean in many cases. If you’d prefer to bleach the interior you can, but this process we recommend is easier on the machine and your hands. All you need is a sponge and 1 cup of white vinegar mixed with 1 cup of hot water. Dip the sponge in the mixture and use it to scrub the inside of your washing machine drum vigorously. Scrub every area inside of the machine, including up underneath the lid where grime and detergent can build up.
You can also use this cleaning method if you have a front-loading washing machine. If you have a front-loading machine, there is a rubber seal around the door called a gasket that can be a catch-all for moisture. Make sure to scrub around and underneath the gasket when you’re cleaning, and wipe it dry every time you do a load of laundry.
It’s best to perform this cleaning process about once a month to keep your machine clean and fresh. If you do laundry every day, you may want to clean more often, especially if you’re noticing odors or that your clothes aren’t getting optimally cleaned.
Cleaning the Exterior of the Machine
Cleaning the outside of your washing machine isn’t as involved of a process, but it’s still a good idea. You’ll want to give your washing machine and dryer a good wipe down with a microfiber cloth or slightly damp rag whenever you notice a build-up of dirt or dryer lint. Make sure you dry them off well before you’re done.
Additional Cleaning
If you’ve scrubbed out your washing machine but it still doesn’t seem to be completely clean, especially if you generally use cold water to wash your clothes, you can try using an enzyme detergent in an empty, hot load of water. These detergents use enzymes to break down residue and bacteria and can help give your washer an additional cleaning boost.
While cleaning is important to the performance of your machine, proper maintenance is just as crucial. If you notice any problems with your washing machine, such as it refusing to spin or making more noise than usual, you should bring in an appliance repair professional. At CS Appliance Service, we can help you assess any problems with your appliances. Give us a call at (781) 953-9600 to request a service call or more information. You can also visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CSApplianceService/.