If you want your clothes to come out smelling fresh and clean, it's important to keep your washing machine clean too. Over time, washing machines can become dirty and develop a build-up of grime, mold, leftover detergent, and hard water mineral deposits. This build-up can lead to a smelly washing machine and even affect the quality of your washes. In this article, we'll show you how to clean your washing machine and keep it maintained to ensure your clothes come out looking and smelling great every time.
Before you start cleaning your washing machine, it's important to prepare it first. This involves removing any laundry and cleaning out the drum and detergent dispenser. Once you've done this, you can start the cleaning process. There are a number of ways you can clean your washing machine, including using a washing machine cleaner, white distilled vinegar, or bleach. You can also make your own DIY washing machine cleaner using vinegar and baking soda. We'll show you how to do all of these things and give you tips on how to maintain your washing machine to prevent future build-up.
Cleaning your washing machine doesn't have to be a difficult or time-consuming task. With a few simple steps, you can keep your washing machine smelling fresh and clean and ensure your clothes come out looking their best every time. So, let's get started!
Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of your washing machine is essential to prevent a build-up of grime, mold, leftover detergent, and hard water mineral deposits.
- There are a number of ways to clean your washing machine, including using a washing machine cleaner, white distilled vinegar, or bleach. You can also make your own DIY washing machine cleaner using vinegar and baking soda.
- Preparing your washing machine for cleaning is an important step that involves removing any laundry and cleaning out the drum and detergent dispenser.
Preparing Your Washing Machine for Cleaning
Before you start cleaning your washing machine, you need to prepare it properly. This will ensure that you get the best possible results and avoid any damage to your machine.
Emptying the Drum and Detergent Drawer
The first step in preparing your washing machine for cleaning is to empty the drum and detergent drawer. Remove any clothes or other items from the drum and take out the detergent drawer. Clean the detergent drawer thoroughly with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Inspecting Seals and Removing Objects
Inspect the door seal, rubber seal, and other seals on your washing machine for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you find any damage, it's important to get it fixed before you start cleaning your machine. Additionally, check the drum and detergent drawer for any objects that may have been left behind, such as coins or hairpins.
Now that you have emptied the drum and detergent drawer and inspected the seals, you are ready to start cleaning your washing machine. Remember to follow the instructions of the washing machine cleaner you have chosen. This may come in the form of a tablet, powder, or liquid that you'll have to load directly in your drum or detergent dispenser.
Deep Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your washing machine clean is essential to ensure it performs optimally and lasts longer. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your washing machine can also help prevent odours and the growth of bacteria. In this section, we'll cover the steps you need to take to deep clean and maintain your washing machine.
Choosing the Right Cleaners
Before you start cleaning your washing machine, it's important to choose the right cleaners. You can use vinegar, baking soda, hot water, bleach, or cleaning products specifically designed for washing machines. For best results, use a washing machine cleaner like Affresh or a washing machine cleaning tablet. These products are specially formulated to remove dirt, grime, and odours from your washing machine.
Running the Cleaning Cycle
To deep clean your washing machine, you need to run a cleaning cycle. This is a maintenance cycle that will get rid of any bacteria, grime, sludge, and mould that has built up in the inside of the washing machine. Follow the instructions in your washing machine manual to run the cleaning cycle. If your washing machine doesn't have a cleaning cycle, you can run a hot water cycle with a cup of vinegar or baking soda to clean the machine.
Cleaning the Filter and Exterior
In addition to running a cleaning cycle, you should also clean the filter and exterior of your washing machine. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the washing machine and can be removed for cleaning. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior of your washing machine. You can also use rubber gloves to protect your hands from any harsh cleaning products.
By following these simple steps, you can deep clean and maintain your washing machine, ensuring that it performs optimally and lasts longer. Remember to choose the right cleaners, run the cleaning cycle, and clean the filter and exterior of your washing machine regularly. With these tips, you can keep your washing machine smelling fresh and looking like new for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to freshen up my washing machine drum?
If you want to freshen up your washing machine drum, the best way to do it is to run a cycle with hot water and white vinegar. Add about half a cup of white vinegar to the drum and let it run through the cycle. This will help to remove any odours and leave your machine smelling fresh.
Can you believe how easy it is to scrub up a top loader?
Yes, it's true! Scrubbing up a top loader is actually very easy. All you need is some warm water, a bit of washing up liquid, and a soft cloth or sponge. Simply dip the cloth or sponge in the warm, soapy water and use it to wipe down the inside of the machine. Don't forget to clean the agitator and the top of the machine too.
Isn't it amazing what a bit of vinegar and baking soda can do for your washer?
Yes, it really is amazing what a bit of vinegar and baking soda can do for your washer. These two natural ingredients work together to help break down dirt and grime, leaving your machine sparkling clean. Simply add a cup of baking soda to the drum, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then run a cycle with hot water.
How often should one be chuffed to give their washing machine a proper deep clean?
It's a good idea to give your washing machine a proper deep clean at least once every six months. This will help to keep it running smoothly and prevent any build-up of dirt and grime. If you use your machine more frequently, you may want to clean it more often.
What are the steps to sanitising a front load washing machine?
To sanitise a front load washing machine, start by running a cycle with hot water and bleach. Add about half a cup of bleach to the drum and let it run through the cycle. Next, wipe down the inside of the machine with a solution of warm water and bleach. Finally, run another cycle with hot water to rinse away any remaining bleach.
How can I get my washing machine's rubber seal looking spick and span?
To get your washing machine's rubber seal looking spick and span, start by wiping it down with a solution of warm water and vinegar. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub away any dirt or grime. If there are any stubborn stains, you can try using a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
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