Washing machines are a powerful tool in the laundry room. They can take dirty clothes and clean them, but they also need to be cleaned regularly.
Cleaning a washing machine is not a difficult task and can be done in just a few minutes. The key to cleaning a washing machine is knowing what needs to be cleaned, where it is located, and how often it should be cleaned.
This article will help you clean your washing machine that smells and keep it running smoothly for longer.
How often you should clean your washing machine
Although the frequency of cleaning your washing machine depends on the type of machine, it is recommended to cleanse it every two months. However, if you have hard water and live in an area with lots of minerals in the tap water, you may want to cleanse it more often than that.
If your washing machine isn’t draining properly, it could be because of all the gunk that builds up over time. This gunk can cause damage to your pipes and other appliances, so keeping on top of cleaning your machine regularly is important. Cleaning the inside of your washing machine is an easy way to keep it running smoothly and smelling fresh. This will help to keep your machine working at its best, and it will also prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can cause a bad smell that can be difficult to remove.
Types of washing machine
When you clean a washing machine, you need to know the type of washing machine that you’re dealing with. There are two main types: front-loaders and top-loaders.
Top-loading washing machine: This is the most common type of washing machine, and it’s also the easiest to cleanse. If your top-loading washing machine has an agitator inside (the thing that moves around), you can just remove it and give it a good scrubbing with soap and water. If not, you can still get the tub cleanse by using a cleaning brush on any stubborn stains and rinsing well afterward.
Front-loading washing machine: Front-loading washing machines are newer than top loaders, but they have some quirks that make cleaning them harder than top loaders. For example, they don’t usually have an agitator, so you have to find other ways to make sure clothes get thoroughly agitated while they’re being washed.
Materials need to clean the washing machine
It’s important to cleanse your washing machine regularly to avoid smells, especially if you’re running multiple loads per week. The following items are needed to clean a washing machine:
- Detergent
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- A bucket or sink with hot water
- A sponge
- Microfiber towel
- Soft bristle brush
Steps on how to clean a washing machine
Washing machines can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, so it’s important to know the right way to clean your washing machine.
- Turn off the washing machine and unplug it from the wall. You can cleanse your washing machine as long as it isn’t in use, but you’ll need to turn off the power first.
- Using a damp microfiber cloth, wipe down the exterior of the machine to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the outside. Pay extra attention to areas around the control panel and the door seal, which are prone to dirt and grime.
- Make a cleaning solution by mixing 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda in a bowl. Distilled white vinegar is a natural sanitizer and deodorizer, while baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove stains and buildup.
- Add the solution to the detergent dispenser to loosen any built-up gunk. Let it sit for a few minutes, then run a wash cycle on hot. For particularly grimy washers, pause the cycle once the tub is filled and let the vinegar and water sit for about an hour before restarting the machine.
- Once the cycle is complete, use a scrub brush or toothbrush to scrub the inside of the drum. Pay extra attention to areas that may have built-up mildew or stains.
- Run another cycle on the hottest setting to rinse out the drum. This will ensure that all the cleaning solution is removed and the drum is completely clean.
- Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe down the drum and door seal to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
- Leave the door open to allow the machine to air dry completely. This will help prevent mildew from forming inside the machine.
Finally, rinse out the bleach solution with cold water before draining everything into a sink (or outside if possible). Once this is done, replace your drain hose back into its original position before reconnecting power and water lines to get back up.
Conclusion
When it comes to washing machines, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance to avoid smells. Not only does this help your machine run more efficiently and last longer, but it also ensures that your clothes come out clean and ready for wear. It’s a simple process that anyone can do, and it’s worth the time to make sure your machine is clean so it can last a long time. We hope that this guide has given you some helpful tips and tricks to get started with cleaning your washing machine. You’ll feel great knowing that you’ve cleaned the inside of your washing machine.
