The quickest way to clean a washing machine is to run a hot water cycle with vinegar and baking soda. This will help to remove any dirt, grime, and odor from the washer. However, this is not enough to keep your washing machine in good condition. You also need to clean the exterior, the detergent dispenser, the filter, and the door seal regularly. In this article, we will explain how to do these steps in detail and why they are important for your washing machine’s performance and longevity.
You might think that your washing machine is always clean because it washes your clothes with soap and water. However, this is not the case. Over time, your washing machine can accumulate dirt, detergent residue, hard water minerals, mold, mildew, and bacteria. These can cause several problems, such as:
Reduced cleaning efficiency: The dirt and residue can interfere with the washing cycle and prevent your clothes from getting properly cleaned.
Bad odor: The mold, mildew, and bacteria can produce a musty or sour smell that can transfer to your clothes and make them smell unpleasant.
Damage to the machine: The dirt and residue can clog the pipes, hoses, and filters, and cause corrosion, leaks, and malfunctions.
Health risks: The mold, mildew, and bacteria can trigger allergies, asthma, skin irritations, and infections.
Therefore, it is essential to clean your washing machine regularly to avoid these issues and keep it working well.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine Quickly and Easily
The best way to clean your washing machine is to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Run a Hot Water Cycle with Vinegar and Baking Soda
This is the easiest and most effective way to clean the inside of your washing machine. Vinegar and baking soda are natural cleaners that can dissolve dirt, grease, and odor. They can also sanitize and deodorize your washer and remove any mold and mildew.
Fill the measuring cup with vinegar and use the funnel to pour it into the detergent dispenser. If your washer does not have a dispenser, you can pour it directly into the drum.
Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the drum.
Close the door and select the hottest and longest wash cycle available. If your washer has a self-clean or tub-clean option, use that.
Start the cycle and let it run until it finishes.
This will help to loosen and remove any dirt and residue from the washer. You might notice some bubbles or foam during the cycle, but this is normal and harmless.
Step 2: Clean the Exterior of the Washer
While the hot water cycle is running, you can use the time to clean the exterior of the washer. This will help to remove any dust, dirt, and stains from the surface. You will need:
A microfiber cloth
A mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner
A spray bottle
Water
Here is what you need to do:
Fill the spray bottle with water and add a few drops of detergent or cleaner. Shake well to mix.
Spray the solution onto the cloth and wipe the outside of the washer. Pay attention to the knobs, buttons, and display panel. Avoid spraying the solution directly onto the washer, as this can damage the electrical components.
Use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess moisture and polish the surface.
This will help to make your washer look shiny and new.
Step 3: Clean the Detergent Dispenser
The detergent dispenser is where you add the detergent, bleach, and fabric softener to your wash cycle. It can get dirty and clogged with residue and mold over time. This can affect the dispensing of the products and the quality of your wash. You will need:
A small brush or toothbrush
A mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner
A spray bottle
Water
A towel
Here is what you need to do:
Remove the dispenser from the washer if possible. If not, you can clean it while it is attached.
Fill the spray bottle with water and add a few drops of detergent or cleaner. Shake well to mix.
Spray the solution onto the brush and scrub the dispenser thoroughly. Make sure to get into the corners and crevices. If the dispenser has removable parts, take them out and clean them separately.
Rinse the dispenser with clean water and dry it with a towel.
Reassemble and replace the dispenser if you removed it.
This will help to prevent any buildup and ensure the proper dispensing of the products.
Step 4: Clean the Filter
The filter is a small mesh screen that catches any lint, hair, coins, or other debris that might come out of your clothes during the wash cycle. It can get clogged and cause water drainage problems and bad smells. You will need:
A pair of pliers or tweezers
A small brush or toothbrush
A mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner
A spray bottle
Water
A towel
Here is what you need to do:
Locate the filter on your washer. It is usually at the bottom or behind a small door or panel. Refer to your washer’s manual if you are not sure where it is.
Open the door or panel and remove the filter. You might need to use the pliers or tweezers to pull it out.
Fill the spray bottle with water and add a few drops of detergent or cleaner. Shake well to mix.
Spray the solution onto the brush and scrub the filter gently. Remove any lint, hair, coins, or other debris that you see. Be careful not to damage the mesh.
Rinse the filter with clean water and dry it with a towel.
Replace the filter and close the door or panel.
This will help to improve the water drainage and prevent any odors.
Step 5: Clean the Door Seal
The door seal is the rubber gasket that seals the door of the washer. It can get dirty and moldy due to the moisture and detergent residue. This can cause leaks and bad smells. You will need:
A microfiber cloth
A mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner
A spray bottle
Water
A towel
Here is what you need to do:
Fill the spray bottle with water and add a few drops of detergent or cleaner. Shake well to mix.
Spray the solution onto the cloth and wipe the door seal thoroughly. Make sure to get into the folds and creases. If you see any mold or mildew, use a bit more pressure to remove it.
Use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess moisture and polish the seal.
Leave the door open for a few hours to let it air dry completely.
The frequency of cleaning your washing machine depends on how often you use it and the type of water and detergent you use. However, a general rule of thumb is to clean it at least once a month. This will help to keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan.
You can also do some simple things to maintain your washing machine between cleanings, such as:
Use the right amount and type of detergent for your washer and load size. Follow the instructions on the product label and your washer’s manual.
Use hot water occasionally to kill any germs and bacteria. However, do not use it too often, as it can damage your clothes and the washer.
Use vinegar or bleach occasionally to sanitize and deodorize your washer. However, do not use them together, as they can create toxic fumes. Also, do not use them too often, as they can damage the washer’s parts.
Leave the door open after each wash cycle to let the washer dry and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Wipe the door seal and the detergent dispenser after each wash cycle to remove any moisture and residue.
Conclusion
Cleaning your washing machine is not a difficult or time-consuming task. By following the steps above, you can clean your washing machine quickly and easily. This will help to improve its performance, efficiency, and durability. It will also help to keep your clothes clean, fresh, and odor-free.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
