To keep your clothes free from mold and smelling fresh, know these simple tips for cleaning your washing machine. Whether you’re using a top-loading or front-loading washer, it’s important to clean your washer regularly to prevent mold and mildew growth and to prevent odors.
Many people mistakenly think that washing machines are self-cleaning appliances, but in reality, they accumulate a significant amount of dirt, soap scum, bacteria, and dirt over time. It may start to leave a smell in your washer. Freshly washed laundry. Before you begin, check your washer’s instruction manual to learn the cleaning instructions for your specific machine, in case there are any prohibitions. Thankfully, a few simple ingredients are usually all you need to create a clean washer. We will explain each step in turn.
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How often should I clean my washing machine?
As a rule of thumb, top-load washers should be cleaned at least every six months, more often if you have hard water, as mineral deposits can build up over time. It should be cleaned every three months (for example, every three months). If you have a drum washer (or high-efficiency top washer), it’s best to clean it once a month. In hot, humid areas of the country, mold is more likely to grow and may need to be cleaned more frequently.
Is bleach or vinegar better for cleaning a washing machine?
It is best to use bleach and vinegar another Because they both serve different purposes. Bleach is a disinfectant, meaning it actually kills things like mold and bacteria. Vinegar is highly acidic and can kill most bacteria and some mold, but vinegar can help eliminate odors and keep odors at bay.
Vinegar is more natural and a bit gentler on machines, so if you have a large buildup of bacteria or germs and need bleach, be sure to check your machine’s manual to make sure it’s approved for use. Please check.
What you need to clean the washing machine tub
*When using bleach, always open nearby windows and doors for ventilation if possible.
How to clean a top washing machine:
- Run a bleach cycle. Fill the drum with the highest temperature water and stop the machine before agitation begins. Add 1 quart of chlorine bleach to the water.
- Finish the wash cycle. Set your washer to the longest wash setting and allow the washer to complete a full cycle (including spin, rinse, and drain cycles).
- Run the vinegar cycle. Pour boiling water into the drum again (stop before the drum stirs). But now add 4 cups of white vinegar to the machine. Wait until the washer finishes its longest wash cycle.
- Clean the dispenser drawer: All those little cubby drawers and cup compartments that hold detergent, fabric softener, and bleach should be cleaned about once a month to keep them clean and usable properly. Heat 1 cup of vinegar in a small saucepan or microwave (do not boil), pour into the dispenser cup, and let sit for a few minutes to soak up any buildup at the cup’s entrance (use a small bottle brush or an old one) (You can also scrub away any visible residue with a toothbrush).
You can also use a small brush to scrub away any dirt that has built up on the top of the washer’s tub area. Let the vinegar sit and scrub the necessary areas, then run another complete cleaning cycle.
How to clean a drum washing machine:
- Run a bleach cycle. Fill the bleach dispenser drawer with liquid chlorine bleach up to the fill line and also add 1/2 cup of bleach to the detergent drawer.
- Finish the wash cycle. Set your washer to the longest wash setting (with the hottest water temperature) and allow the washer to complete a full cycle (including the spin cycle, rinse cycle, and drain cycle).
- Run the vinegar cycle. Fill the detergent and fabric softener drawer to the fill line with distilled white vinegar. You can also add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the inside of the drum for extra cleaning power. Wait until the washer completes its longest wash cycle on the hottest water setting.
- Clean the door area. Use a soft cloth to wipe the seal around the door and door opening. Bleach should kill all mold, but wiping away mold, old soap, and lint will keep the area clean and prevent staining the rubber gaskets.
- Clean the dispenser drawer: All small drawers for detergent, fabric softener, and bleach should be cleaned about once a month to ensure they are clean and ready for proper use. Heat 1 cup of vinegar in a small saucepan or microwave (do not boil), pour into the dispenser cup, and let sit for a few minutes to soak up any buildup at the entrance of the cup (use a small bottle brush or an old one) (You can also scrub away any visible residue with a toothbrush). Once you let the vinegar sit, run a complete cleaning cycle.
Tips to keep your washing machine clean:
- Use the appropriate amount of detergent. Make sure you only add the recommended amount to the detergent dispenser, as using too much detergent can actually cause detergent to build up inside the machine.
- Dry the washing machine drum. Leave the machine lid or door open at the end of each cycle to allow the drum bath and seals to dry completely. Mold thrives in humid environments, so this will help prevent mold from forming.
- Wipe the drum. If you are transporting a heavily soiled item, use cloth and cloth. non-abrasive cleaning spray Wipe the drum to remove any residue from the wash cycle.
- Check the washing machine filter. Many washing machines have a filter somewhere in the washer, such as at the end of the drain hose, under the agitator cover, along the rim area of the drum, or inside a small hatch on the outside of the washer. Masu. Check and clean this filter every time you clean to ensure it continues to function properly.
How do you clean your washing machine using Affresh tablet?
use Refresh washing machine cleaner tablet Another easy way to keep your washing machine drum clean.
- addition Attach the washing machine cleaner drum tablet to an empty washing machine (top loading or front loading).
- run “Clean Washer” cycle on machines that have that option.
- If you don’t have that option for your machine, run normal or heavy cycle loads on the hottest setting. Non-HE washer Maximum load and longest mode HE washer At the hottest water setting.
- wipe Wipe any dirt left on the outside of the drum with a soft cloth. If the machine is very dirty or has an odor, use more cleaning tablets and repeat the procedure up to three times.
Are there brown stains on your laundry?
If you notice small brown spots on your laundry, your washer’s drum may be starting to develop rust. Inspect the drum with a flashlight for signs of rust. If you find some, try repairing them using the following methods: Kit for painting new porcelain paintor the drum may need to be replaced if the rust cannot be repaired.
Do I need to clean the washing machine drain hose too?
We recommend cleaning and disinfecting your washing machine’s drain hose as well (hook it to a pipe on the wall or to a nearby laundry sink). Disconnect the hose from the drain or laundry sink and place it in a bucket on the floor to drain excess water. use drain snake Clear out anything that may be blocking the hose, and use warm vinegar sprinkled with baking soda and an old toothbrush to clean any mold around the drain opening. Rinse with clean water and replace the hose.
FAQ
Will vinegar damage my washing machine?
If you use straight vinegar on rubber gaskets or seals, the material can start to break down over time, but mixing vinegar with water dilutes it considerably, and since you won’t be using it every day, it won’t cause long-term damage. Proper use will not cause any impact on the machine.
Can I clean by just running a bleach cycle and omitting the vinegar?
If the odor is not present or you don’t have vinegar on hand, you can clean the machine by running a bleach cycle as described above, starting with step 3 of the instructions. Once the wash cycle is complete, be sure to run an additional rinse and spin cycle to make sure you’ve completely flushed out any remaining bleach from the machine.
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Source: A Beautiful Mess – abeautifulmess.com