Is your washing machine starting to smell like a combination of mildew and dirty socks? Are you tired of scrubbing away at stubborn stains that seem to be stuck to your clothes forever? It’s time to give your washing machine a good cleaning! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the easiest way to clean your washing machine without breaking a sweat.
Why Clean Your Washing Machine?
Before we dive into the cleaning process, let’s talk about why it’s important to clean your washing machine in the first place. Over time, your washing machine can accumulate dirt, grime, and mold, which can affect its performance and lifespan. If you don’t clean your washing machine regularly, it can start to smell bad, and those pesky stains might not come out no matter how many times you run the cycle. Plus, a clean washing machine means fresher, cleaner clothes – who doesn’t want that?
What You’ll Need
Don’t worry; you won’t need any harsh chemicals or special equipment to clean your washing machine. Just gather the following items:
- Afresh washing machine cleaner or alternative (we’ll explain later)
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Scrub brush or old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth or soft sponge
- Rubber band
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to give your washing machine a thorough cleaning:
Step 1: Remove the dispenser drawer
Start by removing the dispenser drawer from your washing machine. Empty out any remaining detergent or fabric softener sheets. Wipe down the drawer and surrounding area with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge soaked in warm water.
Step 2: Run a cleaning cycle with Affresh
Affresh is a popular washing machine cleaner that helps remove odors and leave your machine smelling fresh. If you can’t find Affresh, you can make your own cleaner using equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Pour the mixture into the dispenser drawer, replace it, and set your washing machine to the appropriate cycle (usually marked with a symbol of a cup or a hand). Run the cycle with hot water.
Step 3: Clean the rubber seals
After the cycle finishes, wipe down the rubber seals around the lid and door with a microfiber cloth or soft sponge soaked in warm water. Use a bit of dish soap if there are any stubborn stains.
Step 4: Scrub the interior
Use a scrub brush or old toothbrush to scrub away any visible debris or buildup inside the washing machine drum. Don’t forget to scrub the underside of the lid and the edges of the drum where dirt tends to collect.
Step 5: Run a rinse cycle
Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the dispenser drawer and set your washing machine to the rinse cycle (usually marked with a symbol of a cup or a hand). Run the cycle with hot water.
Step 6: Check & replace the drain pump filter
Locate the drain pump filter (it varies depending on your washing machine model) and pull it out. Inspect the filter for blockages or lint build up. If it’s clogged, replace it with a new one.
Step 7: Leave the washing machine door open after each use
To prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of mold growth, make sure to leave the washing machine door open after each use.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to keep your washing machine running smoothly:
- Regular maintenance: Clean your washing machine every 1-3 months, depending on usage.
- Prevent odors: Add a dryer sheet to the dispenser drawer before each cycle to prevent odors.
- Remove mineral deposits: Once a year, pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the dispenser drawer and run a hot water cycle.
- Sanitize the washing machine: Add