The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Washing machines are designed to clean, but the dirt and grime from clothes can build up over time. Regular cleaning will keep your machine running efficiently and prevent stains on your clothes.
Many newer washers now have a cleaning cycle with a preset time and water temperature. You can use this to do a deep clean on your washing machine.
Remove the Detergent Dispenser
Washing machines often become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. That's why it's important to regularly clean the inside of your washing machine, and make sure it stays fresh. If you are looking for the best washing machine then check out the Betta Home Living Promo Code.
One of the first places you should check is your detergent dispenser. If it's not cleaned regularly, the residue can build up and cause your machine to not dispense properly.
The detergent dispenser is located at the top of the agitator (the plastic cylinder in the center of your washer drum). It can also be found at the bottom of your washer, depending on your machine's design.
To remove the detergent dispenser, press down on a depressed tab that's between the softener and bleach inserts. Then pull the drawer towards you until it stops.
Afterward, gently wipe down the entire dispenser. This should leave your detergent drawer feeling clean and fresh!
If there is any soap scum, use a sponge to wipe it away. You can use a scrubbing sponge or your favorite bathroom cleaner, topped up with a little water.
This will loosen up any visible scum and help you scrub it away more easily. Once you've scrubbed it, put the drawer back in your washing machine and run a load of your usual laundry cycle.
Alternatively, you can pour a cup of vinegar into your detergent drawer to soak it for a while. This will loosen up any soap scum and mold and allow you to scrub it more easily. It's also good for cleaning the edges of your detergent drawer and any rubber seals that might be present. It will also help to kill any odors that may be causing your machine to smell.
Clean the Door
The door of your washing machine is an essential part of the machine, as it keeps water from spilling out and soaking up the floor. However, it's also a prime breeding ground for dirt and mold. That's why it's important to wipe your washing machine door seal regularly - after every wash cycle.
To clean the door seal, put a few drops of washing-up liquid in warm water and then wipe down the rubber seal on all sides with a cloth. Make sure to clean the whole seal, because mold and debris can build up in corners and behind the rubber.
Another way to keep your washing machine door clean is to use afresh (r) cleaning wipes. These are strong and thick wipes that can help remove any grime on your washer's exterior and inside.
Afresh(r) cleaning wipes are available at most stores and are a great tool for keeping your washing machine clean.
Some front-loading washing machines have a rubber door gasket, which can trap soap scum, water deposits, and bits of fluff and lint if they aren't wiped down regularly. Mold and mildew can also grow on the gasket, especially if it's not cleaned after each wash cycle.
If you have a front-loader washing machine, clean the door glass that faces the drum and the inside of the rubber gasket with a solution of three-quarters of a cup of chlorine bleach in one gallon of water. This will prevent fabric dye from transferring to future loads and can also get rid of any stubborn stains on the door glass.
If your washing machine door won't open, it may be because of a problem with the circuits on the interlock system. If this is the case, drain the machine and see if it unlocks on its own afterward. If you want to save huge money then check out the Electronics Coupon Codes.
Clean the Drum
The drum of your washing machine is where all the water and soap are used to wash your clothes. If it gets clogged up with soap scum, it can cause your clothes to smell and feel bad too.
You can easily clean your washer drum using a washing machine cleaner tablet. Just drop it into some water, let it dissolve, and then pour it into the drum.
Or, if you don't have one, 2 cups of bleach or vinegar also work well. The tablet or chemicals will break up the soap scum and disinfect and kill bacteria and mold that might be growing in your washing machine, too.
Once you've cleaned the drum, turn to the seal - the malleable rubber part, just inside your washing machine door - and wipe it down with a soft cloth. This is where all the detergent debris and lint gathers, as well as any coins or hair clips that you've dropped in during your wash cycle.
It is also where excess moisture can collect - in particular, if you have a front loader, it can puddle in the gasket between the drum and door, which can become moldy over time. Wipe the rubber seal and drum thoroughly, either before or after a wash, to prevent mold and mildew.
To help keep your washing machine in good working order and to stop it from smelling, it's recommended that you clean your machine every month. This can be a simple task that you'll never regret taking the time to do. Whether you have a top-loader or front-loader, cleaning your washing machine regularly will keep it working efficiently and keep your clothes smelling fresh and pleasant!
Clean the Inner Parts
There are a lot of different parts in your washing machine that you don't often get to see, but they all work together to ensure that your clothes are clean. These include the drum, the agitator, and the door gasket.
Unless you regularly clean your washing machine, a lot of grime and residue can build up inside the nooks and crannies of the various parts. This can contribute to a variety of problems, including bad smells and mold growth.
A washing machine is an extremely complicated piece of machinery, but there are a few simple ways to keep it working properly. A little routine maintenance can help your washing machine last longer and run more efficiently, saving you time and energy!
If you don't clean your machine regularly, it will accumulate a buildup of soap scum, lint, body soil, and other residues that can cause mold or mildew. These buildups can also impact the performance of your machine and the water temperature you use to wash your clothes.
Cleaning your washing machine is a simple process that doesn't require a lot of effort or expensive tools. The most important thing to remember is to follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning methods.
First, remove any clothing and other items from the top of the washer and open the front door to clean it with wipes that are specially formulated for this purpose, such as Lemi Shine's biodegradable washing machine wipes. Pay particular attention to the edges and seals of the door and its gasket, which can collect a lot of hair, coins, bobby pins, and other debris over time.
Next, you'll need to wipe the agitator, which is attached to the bottom of the washer. Some agitators are bolted to the bottom of the tub, but others have a one-piece agitator that can be removed with a socket wrench. After you've cleaned the agitator, rinse it with water and replace it.
Clean the Exterior
Cleaning the exterior of your washing machine is a simple but effective way to make your washer look brand new again. You can use a damp cloth or a commercial appliance wipe to clean the machine, paying careful attention to the buttons and knobs.
The rubber seals of your washing machine are a great place for mold and mildew to grow. These areas also collect scum and dust from detergent and bleach dispensers, so a good clean is in order.
A few drops of white vinegar on the surface of your washing machine should do the trick. Just spray down the exterior and top of your machine with the solution, then wring out a clean cloth to wipe it down.
You can also take a peek inside your washer to see if any spots of dirt or debris need a little extra attention. If you notice any, you can remove them and rinse away the excess with a cloth and water.
Another easy and inexpensive way to keep the outside of your washing machine clean is to use a lint roller. These are available in adhesive, brush, or scraper varieties. Adhesive lint rollers are the most efficient and convenient, but they aren’t great for fabrics that are thick or rugs with high piles.
Alternatively, you can use a sponge and a dedicated toothbrush to scrub the inside of your machine. Pay particular attention to the fabric softener and bleach wells, the detergent dispenser, the door opening, and around the control panel.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your washing machine is important for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. It's recommended to clean the machine every 6 months using a combination of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. Additionally, leaving the door open between cycles and wiping down the rubber seal can prevent mold and mildew growth. By following these steps, you can ensure your washing machine stays clean and functional for years to come.
