You can tell if your washer needs to be cleaned by checking for signs of dirt, mold, mildew, or bad odor in the drum, dispenser, or gasket. If you notice any of these, it means that your washer is not performing at its best and could be harboring harmful bacteria or fungi. Cleaning your washer regularly can help prevent these problems and extend the life of your appliance.
In this article, we will explain why it is important to clean your washer, how often you should do it, and what methods you can use to get rid of the dirt and germs. We will also provide some tips on how to maintain your washer and keep it fresh and clean.
Your washer is one of the most essential appliances in your home, as it helps you keep your clothes and linens clean and hygienic. However, over time, your washer can accumulate dirt, soap residue, hard water minerals, and other contaminants that can affect its performance and efficiency. These can also create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can cause unpleasant odors, stains, and health issues.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold exposure can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and skin irritations. Some types of mold, such as black mold, can also produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. Bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, can also cause infections and illnesses if they contaminate your clothes or other items.
Therefore, cleaning your washer regularly can help you avoid these risks and ensure that your washer is working properly and efficiently. It can also help you save money on energy bills, repairs, and replacements, as a dirty washer can use more water and electricity, wear out faster, and damage your clothes.
How often should you clean your washer?
The frequency of cleaning your washer depends on several factors, such as how often you use it, what type of washer you have, what kind of detergent you use, and the quality of your water. However, as a general rule, you should clean your washer at least once a month, or more often if you notice any signs of dirt or odor.
According to Consumer Reports, front-load washers are more prone to developing mold and mildew than top-load washers, because they have a tighter seal that can trap moisture and debris. Therefore, if you have a front-load washer, you should clean it more frequently and leave the door open after each cycle to allow air circulation. You should also wipe the gasket and the dispenser regularly to remove any residue or buildup.
If you have a top-load washer, you should also clean it regularly, especially if you use a lot of detergent, fabric softener, or bleach, which can leave behind residue that can clog the drain and the filter. You should also check the water level and the temperature settings, as too much water or too high temperature can cause the detergent to foam and leave behind more residue.
Regardless of the type of washer you have, you should also consider the hardness of your water, which can affect the performance of your washer and the cleanliness of your clothes. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can form deposits on the heating elements, pipes, and drum of your washer. These deposits can reduce the efficiency of your washer, increase the wear and tear, and cause stains and discoloration on your clothes. To prevent this, you should use a water softener or a detergent that is designed for hard water.
How to clean your washer?
There are different methods that you can use to clean your washer, depending on the type of washer you have and the level of dirtiness. Here are some of the most common and effective methods that you can try:
Use a washer cleaner product. There are many washer cleaner products available in the market, such as tablets, pods, liquids, or powders, that are specially formulated to remove dirt, residue, and odor from your washer. You can follow the instructions on the package and run a normal or a hot cycle with the product, without any clothes or detergent. You can also add some vinegar or baking soda to the product for extra cleaning power. You should use a washer cleaner product at least once a month, or more often if needed.
Use vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar and baking soda are natural and inexpensive ingredients that can effectively clean and deodorize your washer. Vinegar is acidic and can dissolve hard water deposits, soap scum, and grease, while baking soda is alkaline and can neutralize odors and loosen dirt. To use this method, you need to fill the washer with hot water and add four cups of white vinegar. Let it agitate for a few minutes, then add half a cup of baking soda. Let it agitate for another few minutes, then pause the cycle and let the solution soak for an hour. After that, resume the cycle and let it finish. You can also use a sponge or a cloth to wipe the inside of the drum, the gasket, and the dispenser with the vinegar and baking soda solution. You should use this method once every two or three months, or more often if needed.
Use bleach. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill mold, mildew, and bacteria in your washer. However, you should use it with caution, as it can damage your clothes, your skin, and your washer if used incorrectly. To use bleach, you need to fill the washer with hot water and add one cup of bleach. Run a normal or a hot cycle, without any clothes or detergent. You can also use a sponge or a cloth to wipe the inside of the drum, the gasket, and the dispenser with the bleach solution. You should use this method once every six months, or more often if you have a mold or mildew problem. You should also make sure to rinse your washer thoroughly after using bleach, and avoid mixing it with other cleaners, such as vinegar or ammonia, as this can create toxic fumes.
Cleaning your washer regularly can help you keep it in good condition and prevent dirt and odor problems. However, there are also some other steps that you can take to maintain your washer and keep it clean, such as:
Use the right amount and type of detergent. Using too much or too little detergent can affect the cleanliness of your clothes and your washer. Too much detergent can leave behind residue that can clog the drain and the filter, while too little detergent can leave behind dirt and germs that can cause odors. You should follow the instructions on the detergent package and measure the amount according to the load size, the soil level, and the water hardness. You should also use the type of detergent that is suitable for your washer, such as high-efficiency (HE) detergent for HE washers, or regular detergent for non-HE washers.
Use the right water temperature and level. Using the right water temperature and level can also affect the performance of your washer and the cleanliness of your clothes. Generally, hot water can help remove stains, grease, and germs better than cold water, but it can also fade, shrink, or damage some fabrics. Cold water can help preserve the color, shape, and quality of your clothes, but it may not be as effective in removing dirt and germs. You should follow the care labels on your clothes and choose the appropriate water temperature for each load. You should also adjust the water level according to the load size, as too much water or too little water can reduce the cleaning efficiency and increase the energy consumption.
Leave the door or lid open after each cycle. Leaving the door or lid open after each cycle can help prevent mold and mildew growth in your washer, as it allows air circulation and moisture evaporation. You should also wipe the inside of the drum, the gasket, and the dispenser with a dry cloth or paper towel to remove any excess water or residue. You should also remove your clothes from the washer as soon as possible, as leaving them in the washer for too long can cause them to smell and harbor bacteria.
Clean the filter and the drain hose regularly. The filter and the drain hose are parts of your washer that can collect lint, hair, coins, and other debris that can affect the water flow and the drainage. You should check and clean the filter and the drain hose regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, to prevent clogging and flooding. You can use a brush, a cloth, or a vacuum to remove the debris, and rinse them with water. You can also use vinegar or baking soda to dissolve any buildup or odor.
Cleaning your washer is an important task that can help you keep your clothes and your appliance clean and hygienic. You can tell if your washer needs to be cleaned by checking for signs of dirt, mold, mildew, or bad odor in the drum, dispenser, or gasket. You can use different methods to clean your washer, such as washer cleaner products, vinegar and baking soda, or bleach. You can also maintain your washer and keep it clean by using the right amount and type of detergent, the right water temperature and level, leaving the door or lid open after each cycle, and cleaning the filter and the drain hose regularly.
