What good is a washing machine that’s dirty? You’re right; it’s NO good! You need your laundry to be washed clean, rather than get thrown around and pick up all the mould and dirt that’s been hibernating in your washer for who knows how long. Apart from mould and dirt, rusting is also a major concern for washers; it will not only eat away at the machine and eventually destroy it, but also leave rust stains on your clean laundry.
For many, however, it’s hard to believe that a washing machine can become dirty in the first place as it gets a thorough washing each time you do a load of laundry. But here are the facts.
In order to avoid seepages (particularly with front loaders), washers have a lot of rubber and sealing which allow moisture to collect. Overtime, this moisture leads to the build-up of mould and mildew which not only spreads bacteria onto your laundry, but also gives off a foul odour. Moreover, dirt and other bacteria from your clothes can get collected in the rubber and hidden crevices within your washer.
So what do you do when you washer isn’t washing your laundry clean? Well, you give your washer a thorough cleaning instead, and bring back that fresh, squeaky clean laundry with this washing machine cleaning guide.
Step 1: Clean the Rubbers and Seals by Hand
Although there are liquid cleaners on the market that are specially made for cleaning washers, a solution of bleach and water cleans equally well and is much more affordable. Grab a few clean, dry rags and make a solution of one part bleach and 10 parts water. You can either put this solution is spray can, or simply dip the rag in it. Begin by wiping every inch of the rubber and seals, as far as your hand can reach. You’re likely to find a slimy, mildew substance on the inner side of the rubber so be sure to use more than one rag when cleaning. Once the rags stop showing signs of dirt, you’re ready to begin the next step.
Step 2: Put the Machine to Self-Cleaning Use
To get the washer squeaky clean, the basin needs a thorough washing, while the rubber and seals also need a good rinsing after being wiped clean off mould. For this, add one cup of bleach into the washer (or detergent compartment if you have a separate one), set the machine to the longest hot water cycle possible. You can either sit back and relax while your washer cleans itself, or get some more cleaning done in the meantime like these 10 Important Spring Cleaning Tips. Once your machine’s self-cleaning cycle is over, check for a strong smell of bleach. If it’s too powerful or overbearing, run one or two more empty cycles using plain hot water until your satisfied with the smell.
Step 3: Clean Exteriors Matter Too
For hygienic purposes, it’s important to clean the exterior of your washer as well. Any detergent marks and dust around the knobs should be removed using a clean, damp rag. The back of your washer (where the water hoses or pipes are connected) should also be checked for mildew, dirt and other bacteria. Try to clean the back of the washing machine every few months, while the inside and exterior can be cleaned once a month (or as needed).
Important Washing Machine Maintenance Tips:
- Invest in an anti-rust spray. The worst damage your washer can fall prey to is rust. If you do find rust, scrapes or scratches anywhere on the machine, use touch-up paint to cover it and spray the area with anti-rust after it dries overnight.
- Check the condition of your machine’s hoses regularly. If you see any cracks or wearing of the hoses, replace them as soon as possible to avoid a hose burst and flooding of the room. Bear in mind, stainless steel hoses are much more durable are reliable, so they’re worth the extra buck.
- Never overload your washer. Check the user manual to ensure that you are loading in an appropriate amount of laundry per cycle. Overloading can lead to malfunctioning of the machine and other related problems.
- If your washing machine vibrates too much when in use, it might be due to unevenness of the floor. Always ensure that the washer is completely level as this too can cause operational issues for the machine.
- Leave the door or lid of the washer slightly open after every wash to allow it to air out and dry properly. It will probably take an hour or too, but it certainly helps to prevent mould build-up inside the machine.
For more useful home cleaning tips like these, follow our blog as we cover all household cleaning areas. Have a look at the services we offer along with our pricings, and book a household cleaning with Simply Maid today. If you are looking for a cleaning service in Indianapolis make sure to check out our friends at DeluxeMaid.
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