Sooner or later, everything needs a clean and the washing machine is no exception. After washing a lot of dirty clothes, the inside of the washing machine also gets stained and odors could take hold on the drum and transfer to the clothes. Here's how to clean the washing machine!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning a Front Load Washing Machine
Step 1. Fill the washing machine with hot water
New front loading models often come with cleaning cycles; if so, use this setting to fill the drum with hot water. If your template does not have this feature, fill it in as normal.
Step 2. Add a quart of bleach to remove stains
If the inside of the washing machine is stained, the bleach will solve the problem. Pour it through the detergent drawer so that it mixes with the hot water, then let the washing machine complete the wash cycle.
Step 3. Clean the rubber door seal
Mold tends to accumulate here because water gets trapped in the seal. Use a detergent and a sponge (or washcloth) to clean it.
Step 4. Clean the detergent drawer
Make sure there is no hair or other residue accumulated. Use a detergent or a solution of water and vinegar to clean the drawer, then rinse with a sponge to remove the residue of the detergent, dirt and anything else that may clog it.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning a Top Load Washing Machine
Step 1. Fill the washing machine with hot water
Just start a washing cycle at high temperatures and stop it when the water has filled the washing machine. Alternatively, you could heat the water on a stove and pour it into the basket.
Step 2. Add a quart of bleach
Run the wash cycle for a few seconds to mix the water and bleach, then stop it and leave the liquid in the drum for an hour. It will begin to act on dirt, mold and any other substances inside the washing machine.
- If you don't want to use bleach, use a washing machine-specific product sold at the grocery store.
- For a more natural alternative, add a quart of white vinegar instead of bleach.
Step 3. Finish the wash cycle
After an hour, restart the wash and let it finish. At that point, the inside of the washing machine will be disinfected.
If your washing machine smells like bleach at the end of the wash, fill the drum again with boiling water and a quart of vinegar. Leave the liquid in for an hour, then let the wash complete again
Step 4. Clean the detergent drawer
Use a vinegar-based solution to scrub the drawer where you pour the powder or liquid detergent. This is where dirt, hair and other debris accumulates, so it's important to clean that part of the washing machine as well.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Washing Machine Clean
Step 1. Remove wet clothing immediately after washing is finished
If you leave them in the drum, even for several hours, mold could form which will ruin the washing machine as well as leave a bad smell on your clothes. Tumble your clothes right away, or hang them out to dry.
Step 2. Leave the door open after washing
If you close it, moisture is trapped inside creating the ideal environment for mold to develop. To prevent this from happening, leave the door open so that the remaining water evaporates freely.
Step 3. Make sure the washing machine is completely dry
For example, if the detergent drawer gets wet, take it out to dry after washing and only put it back when it is dry.
Step 4. Clean it thoroughly once a month
A daily cleaning is useful to avoid mold growth, but once a month it needs to be cleaned more thoroughly. Use one of the methods described in this guide to keep your washing machine clean and in top condition so that it will continue to run for many years to come.
