How To Clean A Washing Machine

How to Clean a Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your washing machine clean is essential for maintaining fresh clothes and ensuring your washer performs at its best. Whether you have a top-loading or front-loading washing machine, regular cleaning helps prevent unpleasant odors, soap residue, and mold buildup. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean your washing machine using everyday household items, providing simple steps to keep your washer running efficiently.

Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly

A clean washing machine means cleaner clothes. Over time, soap residue, leftover detergent, and hard water deposits can accumulate in your machine, leading to bad smells, mold, and even decreased efficiency. Regular cleaning of both front-load and top-loading washers will prevent these issues, ensuring your clothes come out fresh every time.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To effectively clean your washing machine, gather the following items:

• Baking Soda

• Distilled White Vinegar

• Microfiber Cloth

• Old Toothbrush

• Warm Water

• Spray Bottle

• Measuring Cup

• Cleaning Tablets

• Liquid Detergent

• Soft Cloth

• Hydrogen Peroxide (optional)

• Liquid Chlorine Bleach (optional)

These simple household items will help you clean both top-load and front-load washers, eliminate musty smells, and maintain your machine.

How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine

Step 1: Deep Clean the Washer Drum

Begin by deep cleaning the washer drum to remove soap scum, detergent residue, and hard water deposits:

1. Add 1 quart of white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda directly into the wash tub.

2. Set your machine to the hottest water setting and the highest water level.

3. Allow the washer to fill and run a full cycle, pausing halfway through to let the solution sit for an hour to break down any residue.

4. After the cycle completes, wipe down the washer drum with a microfiber cloth.

Step 2: Clean the Detergent Compartment and Bleach Dispenser

Remove and clean the detergent drawer and bleach dispenser to get rid of detergent buildup:

1. Soak the parts in warm water and scrub with an old toothbrush.

2. Use a spray bottle filled with vinegar to clean any remaining soap residue.

3. Wipe dry with a damp cloth before placing the parts back into the machine.

Step 3: Final Rinse and Spin Cycle

To ensure everything is fully cleaned:

1. Run an empty washer on a hot water cycle to rinse out any remaining vinegar and baking soda.

2. Set the washer to its spin cycle to dry out the drum.

How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine

Step 1: Clean the Rubber Seal and Gasket

Front-load washers often accumulate mold and soap scum around the rubber seal or door gasket:

1. Spray a mixture of distilled white vinegar and warm water onto the rubber seal.

2. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub away any mold or soap scum.

3. Wipe clean with a soft cloth, ensuring the door opening and rubber gasket are completely dry to prevent mold.

Step 2: Deep Clean the Washer Drum

To get rid of any musty smells or leftover detergent:

1. Add baking soda and 1 quart of white vinegar directly into the front loader drum.

2. Run the washer on a hot cycle to break down detergent residue and bad smells.

Step 3: Clean the Detergent Drawer and Filter

To keep your high-efficiency washer running smoothly:

1. Remove the detergent drawer and wash with warm water and a soft brush to clear out any buildup.

2. Don’t forget to check and clean the washing machine filter, which can collect debris.

Step 4: Run a Final Clean Cycle

To finish:

1. Run a cleaning cycle using a cleaning tablet or liquid chlorine bleach.

2. Make sure to use the hottest water setting to effectively sanitize the machine.

Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine

For a thorough clean every few months, consider using liquid chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide:

1. Pour 1 cup of bleach into the bleach dispenser and run a clean cycle on the hottest setting.

2. This will help disinfect and remove hard water minerals, especially in areas with hard water deposits.

To further maintain cleanliness, refer to your machine’s owner’s manual for specific care instructions, such as how to clean the lint trap or fabric softener dispensers.

How to Prevent Mold, Mildew, and Bad Odors

Regular cleaning prevents mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors from developing in your washing machine. Follow these tips:

1. Leave the door open after each wash to allow the inside to air out and prevent moisture buildup.

2. Wipe down the inside of the washer and the rubber seal with a damp cloth after each use.

3. Use high-efficiency detergents to prevent soap residue and detergent buildup.

4. Schedule a deep clean of your washer at least every three months, paying special attention to the washer tub and door gasket.

Additional Tips for a Clean Washing Machine

• Check your owner’s manual to ensure proper care specific to your model.

• Incorporate regular maintenance into your cleaning routine to prevent buildup.

• Always use the highest water temperature for deep cleaning.

• After each load, wipe down the inside of the machine and air out the washer to keep it dry.

Conclusion: Keep Your Washing Machine Running Like New

Keeping your washing machine clean with regular maintenance and deep cleaning not only ensures that your clothes come out fresh but also extends the life of your washer. Whether you have a top-loading washer or a front-load washing machine, following these simple steps will keep your laundry room smelling fresh and your clothes clean.

Simply Immaculate Cleaning Services

For more helpful cleaning tips or professional cleaning services, Simply Immaculate, a cleaning service from Burlington Ontario is here to help! Explore our blog for more ways to keep your home fresh, or contact us for a deep clean tailored to your needs.