Using your washing machine for long while washing loads of laundry can make it dirty from both inside and outside. When the washer develops a bad odor, it can also transfer to your clothes. Additionally, it is also necessary to sanitize its washer from time to time, as it may contain bacteria and mold. Cleaning a washing machine also improves its performance. In case you are not sure how to clean it properly, follow these tips that additionally help you get fresh-smelling clothes.
Cleaning from outside
While the primary cleaning needs to be done for the inside of a washing machine, the outside also needs to be maintained by removing dirt, lint or dripped supplies. When you clean the outside, avoid using an abrasive or strong cleaner so you do not scratch your washing machine. Instead, go for a few drops of dish soap and mix it in water to form a cleaning solution. Use it on a damp cloth to clean the surface. Then, rinse with water and leave for drying.
Sanitizing the inside
It is essential to sanitize the inside of a washing machine in order to kill bacteria, mildew and mold. Sanitizing it will also make it smell fresh. To sanitize the inside, you should first clean any dirt deposits. Then, run the machine on a long cycle after filling it with hot water that has some detergent and chlorine bleach mixed in it. Make sure you run the machine empty. In the middle of the cycle, stop the machine from running and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This lets the bleach do its work of disinfecting the washer. Then, let the machine complete its remaining cycle. If you want to remove all traces of bleach, then you can run another short cycle.
Removing soap scum or hard water buildup
Soap scum can fade the color of your clothes while hard water deposits can affect the machinery badly. It can also block hoses. Thus, it is best to keep cleaning and removing these deposits to improve performance of your washing machine. To do this, you may go through the same procedure as you apply for sanitizing. However, you should replace the detergent and bleach with 3-4 cups of white vinegar.
Cleaning other machine parts
After you have cleaned the washer, it is time to clean some other parts of your washing machine. This includes its trays, fabric softener and bleach dispenser. It is advisable to clean such machine parts separately in a sink using dishwashing liquid and hot water. Use a small brush to clean up the parts and then rinse thoroughly. In some cases, this cleaning task can be a little difficult, especially when your machine’s parts are not removable.
Regular maintenance
It is the best if you keep your machine clean and maintained on a regular basis. For front loading machines, you should keep cleaning their door’s rubber seal on a frequent basis. In addition, make sure to remove washed clothes every time in a prompt manner. You should also leave the machine open for drying after every wash.
Summary:
Cleaning your washing machine on a regular interval is very essential. Use appropriate cleaners and methods to remove dirt, mold and bacteria that may develop in your machine. This will also give you cleaner and hygienic clothes.
