Have you ever noticed that sometimes your clothes do not smell fresh even after a wash? The reason could be improper cleaning of the washing machine. Over the years, due to regular use, there’s soap residue, dirt, and lint buildup inside the washer that result in a bad smell. It also affects the machine's functioning. Our washing machine needs a little care to run smoothly and efficiently. A properly cleaned washer smells fresh and keeps clothes clean. In this article, we will guide you through easy and effective ways to clean your washing machine.
Why and How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
We tend to forget that our washing machine needs cleaning just like other appliances. With regular use, washing machines accumulate soap residue, fabric softener and other debris that can cause unpleasant odour. Ideally, you should give it a good clean every six months, or whenever it starts to smell or look dirty. However, you can clean your washer more often if you use your machine frequently and wash very large, heavy or dirty loads. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your washer fresh, functioning smoothly, and prevents mold and mildew buildup, so you don't need to deep clean it so often.
Safe and Natural Cleaners For Machines
You don't need fancy cleaners to wash your machine. Natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda are eco-friendly options to effectively clean your washing machine. Avoid using bleach, as it can be harmful to both your health and the environment.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and degreaser that helps remove dirt, build-up and odours from your machine. Be careful if your washer has a rubber seal, as frequent vinegar use can damage it. Consider your usual manual for directions.
Baking Soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) are mineral-based cleansers that help scrub away leftover residue, leaving a fresh-smelling tub. They work well with vinegar to clean and deodorise your washing machine naturally.
Sodium Percarbonate
Sodium Percarbonate is a combination of washing soda and hydrogen peroxide, used as an eco-friendly alternative to bleach. It is an electron recipient that breaks up organic compounds like oil, hair and mould.
Peroxide
Peroxide is a natural agent with strong oxidising properties that breaks down dirt. It dissolves dirt and stains on contact. Peroxide is safe to use on plastic, enamel and stainless steel. It doesn't damage or discolour surfaces, so it can be a good cleaning option. Just start with a dry and empty washer and set it to the hottest setting you have. Add 2 cups of peroxide to the tub and let the washer run.
How to Clean a Front-loading Washing Machine?
Clean the Washer
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Choose the hottest and longest wash cycle available. This gives enough time and heat for proper cleaning.
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Pour two cups of vinegar. The vinegar will help clean and freshen the washer.
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Add one-quarter cup of baking soda. This will help remove any leftover smells or residue.
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Start the wash cycle and let it run until it completes the full cycle.
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After the cycle is done, wipe the inside and outside of the washer with a damp sponge. Pay extra attention to the rubber seal around the door because it gets dirty easily.
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Dry all the surfaces using a clean, dry cloth.
Clean the Door and Lids
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Spray your favourite cleaner and wipe the front and sides of the washer.
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Wipe the top and underside of the lid.
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Clean under the inner edge of the lid, since old residues of soap and detergent might be trapped here.
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For mould or mildew, use a mix of bleach and water. You can also use a mix of vinegar and water.
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Scrub the area properly with a cloth or paper towel. Then rinse and dry.
Clean Detergent Trays and Surfaces
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Remove any soap, detergent, or fabric softener trays.
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Soak them in hot water and scrub off the grime. Use small cleaning brushes to scrub away trapped dirt.
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Rinse well, dry completely and put the parts back.
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Wipe down the outside of the washer.
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Wipe the top and sides with a microfiber cloth to make your washer shine.
How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine?
Cleaning a Top-Loading washing machine takes a bit more effort than a Front-Loader laundry machine, but it's still easy to handle with the following basic steps.:
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Set the washer to the hottest and longest cycle.
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Pour in four cups of bleach.
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Let the washer fill completely, then pause it and let the bleach soak for 1 hour.
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After an hour, start the cycle again and let it finish the entire wash cycle.
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Start the washer again on the hottest and longest setting.
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Add four cups of vinegar.
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Let it fill, pause it, and soak again for 1 hour.
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After soaking, dip a sponge in the vinegar water and wipe all the exposed surfaces.
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Start the washer once more and let it run through the full cycle.
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Dry the inside with a clean, dry cloth.
Conclusion
A clean washer means cleaner clothes. A clean washer gives fresh-smelling clothes. Also, it provides your machine with a longer life. By regularly removing buildups and cleaning the parts, you can prevent dirt and detergent from collecting again. Clean your washing machine frequently to keep it working properly.
