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Most of us think that the washing machine gets cleaned automatically after washing our clothes. It takes several uses before it smells worse than our dirty clothes. In the end, we wonder why the washing machine gets smelly even if we use detergents.
This article will provide you with practical tips on how to clean your washing machine properly.
The truth is, our washing machine remains dirty even if we use it to wash our clothes. Our dirty clothes filled with fibers, food, sweat, dirt, and other organic materials present can be the reasons behind making your washing machine stink.
Since your washing machine got a funky smell, it is time to clean it. There are a lot of articles discussing which chemicals you should use to clean it. The question now is, how to clean your washing machine properly?
Materials Needed for Cleaning
- Rag/microfiber cloth
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Toothbrush
How to Clean Your Washing Machine – A Front-Loading
Step 1 – Wipe the outside surface with a cloth
Dip your microfiber cloth or rag in a little vinegar, then start wiping all the surfaces of your washing machine. Wipe the surface carefully to prevent scratching it.
You can make a cleaning mixture by combining water and vinegar. The recommended cleaning mixture is 1 part of vinegar for every 3 parts of water. Fill up your empty spray bottle with the mix so that you can use it as an alternative to commercially-made cleaning products.
Step 2 – Begin cleaning the inside
After cleaning all parts that you can wipe, it is time to clean the inside. Depending on the size of your washing machine, fill the detergent dispenser with 1 or 2 cups of vinegar. Vinegar will help break down scums and disinfect your washing machine at the same time.
Step 3 – Set your machine on the hottest cycle under full-load setting without clothes
With vinegar, hot temperature, and full-load setting, these will sanitize the machine. The molds, mildews, and grimes will be quickly dissolved. When the cycle is done, check the interior and wipe all particles that came loose during the cycle. You can use an old toothbrush to remove the stubborn grimes completely.
Step 4 – Do Step 3 again with baking soda this time
You will notice that your washing machine is getting cleaner and smells nicer than before. If a bad smell still lingers, repeat step 3 but with baking soda this time.
Never combine baking soda and vinegar when cleaning your washing machine because these two will just neutralize each other. Combining these two won’t destroy the machine.
Step 5 – Wipe with a microfiber cloth for final clean
After the mentioned steps above, clean all the surfaces of the machine with a clean microfiber cloth. Now your washing machine is totally clean.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine –Â A Top-Loading
If you are using a top-loading washing machine, the process is quite similar to the steps mentioned above. Here are the steps to clean your top loader:
Step 1 – Fill your machine with hot water and 3 cups of vinegar
Fill your washing machine with hot water and 3 cups of vinegar. Let it sit for one hour before starting the cycle. The mixture will slowly disinfect the inside.
Step 2 – Scratch the surfaces and hard-to-reach areas
While waiting for an hour, scratch the surfaces and hard-to-reach areas with a rag and toothbrush. Use the mixture that you recently made as a cleaning solution. You may also use a little baking soda and water.
Step 3 – Start the cycle
After an hour of cleaning the exterior, you may close the washing machine’s lid and start the wash cycle.
Wrapping it Up
We sometimes neglect our washing machine because it seemed to be working all the time. And the notion that because we use it to clean our clothes, with the detergent and washing, it cleans itself. Well, we’re wrong. You need to know how to clean your washing so it lasts longer and works well every use.
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Julie is a passionate writer a mother of three kids and a dedicated cleaning enthusiast, eager to share valuable insights and practical tips on maintaining a clean and organized home. With a deep understanding of the challenges of maintaining a tidy living space, Julie has spent years honing its expertise in cleaning methods, organizing techniques, and sustainable practices.