The washing machine is one of the most basic household equipment. It saves us time, energy, and it leaves our clothes fresh. Yet nobody even thinks to wash the washing machine. Dirt, detergent residue, lint, and mold will build up inside the machine in the years to cause foul odours, low performance, and eventually the appliance damage. I will tell you in this essay why washing your machine regularly is important, show you how to clean it one step at a time, as well as my experience and some tips that I know how to keep my washing machine working well.
How It Is Crucial To Maintain The Cleanliness Of Your Washing Machine?
Clean washing machine is not just about looking great, it is directly associated with a better laundry product and more durable appliances. This list isn’t exhaustive but the following reasons should not be ignored when cleaning on a regular basis:
Keeps Odors Away: Detergent, fabric softener and dirt accumulate over time in the drum, seals and dispensers. The accumulation produces damp stench that spreads to your clothes, which is less than new.
Gains Efficiency: A sane machine runs better. Drain clogs, water and drain blockages in the detergent drawer or hoses can also result in washing cycles and energy consumption.
Gives Longer Life to Appliances: Proper maintenance helps to stop grime and mold from degrading your appliance. This saves you money in the long run when replacing or fixing it.
Keeps You Clean: Dirty washing machine might have bacteria and mold which can spoil your clothes. This is especially bad news for anyone with an allergic or sensitive skin.
You know I once didn’t wash my washing machine for months. I began to smell some kind of musky stench in my clothes, after they were washed. I didn’t know until I steamed the machine how much grime had built up in the rubber seal and detergent drawer until I was thorough cleaning it. I cleaned my washing machine every day since then and the difference is amazing.
What to Wash In Your Washing Machine.
Washing your washing machine doesn’t have to be an ordeal. You can create a neat machine with just the right tools and techniques in a few short steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
1. Clean the Drum
The drum is the place where the mud and shit eats up most of it. To clean it:
Make a blank hot water flow with 2 cups of white vinegar. Vinegar is an adsorbent disinfectant and deodorizer which breaks down dirt and smells.
Or you can use baking soda. Put a half cup of baking soda in the drum and do a hot water run. Baking soda works really well to disperse smells and loosen deposits.
If your machine is top-loading, you can even scrub the inside of the drum with a soft brush or sponge to remove tough stains.
Expert Note: Use vinegar or baking soda along with the self-cleaning cycle on your machine if it is fitted with one.
2. Clean the Detergent Drawer
The detergent drawer is a mold and residue heaven. To clean it:
Remove the drawer and run it under hot soapy water for about 30 minutes.
Scrub off excess dirt with an old toothbrush.
Wash the drawer compartment with a lukewarm cloth and vinegar solution.
Remark: I have black mould in my detergent drawer once, which was an alarm to get it clean regularly. Now I open and wipe down the drawer once every two weeks to stop mold from growing.
3. Clean the Rubber Seal
The rubber seal around the door is where mould and mildew thrive. To clean it:
Wipe the seal with a cloth soaked in vinegar or a mild detergent.
Brush away the dirt that might be hidden in the folds using a toothbrush.
Dry the seal after cleaning to prevent water retaining.
Expert Tip: Always leave the washing machine door open after each use to let air circulate around and not build mold in the seal.
4. Clean the Filter
Filter: This filters out lint, coins and other debris that may build up in the machine. To clean it:
Locate the filter (it will be near the front or bottom of the machine).
Unscrew the filter and wash under running water to remove dust.
Clean the filter housing if it has still been dirtied.
An EXAMPLE: Once I had a washing machine that wouldn’t drain correctly. I checked the filter and there was a little sock in there. Keeping the filter clean has since averted this sort of thing.
5. Clean the Exterior
And remember your washing machine’s side! Dust and clean exterior using wet cloth and a light cleaner. Make sure to pay special attention to the control panel and door handle since they’re frequent contact points.
How Much Washing Machine Cleaner Should You Use?
Cleaning needs to be done every 4-6 weeks depending on your machine usage. As a general rule:
Every month: Wash the drum, detergent drawer, and rubber seal.
Once every 3-6 Months: Disinfect the filter and do a deep cleaning cycle.
Needed: Wipe outside and clean dirt or odors.
Pro Tip: if you have a lot of heavy items you wash often (pet bedding, gym wear, etc.) wash your machine more often to avoid accumulation.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Beyond cleaning every couple of weeks, here are a few preventative tips to maintain your washing machine:
Use Just the Enough: Detergent used too much can accumulate in the machine. Use detergent as directed by the manufacturer.
Select High-Efficiency Detergents: These are more suds-free and less residue-laden.
Keep the Door Open: After every wash, leave the door slightly open so that water evaporates and mold cannot develop.
Don’t Overload: Overloading the machine will strain the motor and not do as much cleaning.
Examine Hoses on a Regular Basis: Inspect the inlet and drain hoses for leaks or clogs and replace as needed.
Experience from Myself: I used to overload my washing machine to save time which only meant ill-washed laundry and a stressed machine. So now I use the recommended load capacity and my machine is smoother.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Intentionally or not, no one wants to clean the washing machine the right way. : Here are some easy pitfalls to steer clear of:
Harsh Chemicals: Don’t use bleach or hard cleaners as they will break the machine parts.
Don’t Check the Filter: Clogged filter will make the drain problems and the machine won’t perform well.
Neglecting the Rubber Seal: Mildew in the rubber seal can contaminate other parts of the machine and even your laundry.
Failure to Clean On A Regular Basis: If you do not clean regularly then dust and debris will cling and cannot be washed out at a later date.
Pro-Tip: If you don’t know how to clean your particular model washing machine, consult the user manual.
