How to clean your washing machine
What is the best way to clean a washing machine?
Today I am going to share with you the best way to clean your washing machine.
I know we are all very busy, but I can assure you that it is not that hard and won’t take very long.
After washing our dirty clothes a few times in the washing machine, it will obviously start to build up residue and start to smell and, so will our supposedly freshly washed clothing.
That means it’s time to clean our machines to banish mould, bad odours, residues, mildew and limescale. See our post on how to remove limescale here (opens new tab).
If you’ve read my previous blogs, you will know that I am an advocate for using more of natural options to do my cleaning, than I am for purchasing those ready to use cleaning products out there, available to all of us at any supermarket. Two great natural ingredients are white vinegar and bicarbonate soda.
However, you can use those ready products you can buy off a supermarket shelf if you wish. In this case, just follow the manufacturers advise on how to use the product and you should be fine.
So, my advice to you on how to clean your washing machine will be along the same lines.
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Clean the Detergent Drawer
We all hate the detergent drawer, don’t we? It’s always encrusted in washing powder, fabric conditioner, mildew and mould, making it a haven for germs!
The best thing to do is to remove the drawer, have a look at your machine manual if you don’t know how to remove it, but it should be straightforward. Don’t forget to clean the drawer cavity too. You can use water with your usual soap, a cloth, and a toothbrush. I normally let the drawer soak in water for a bit.
You will have it nice and clean in no time.
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Clean the Filter
The debris filter is there to protect your washing machine’s pump by stopping lint, stray tissues, coins, and general dirt in its tracks.
You can empty the filter regularly to remove the fluff and dirt that has built up inside.
Consult your user manual if you don’t know how to do this.
Remember to unplug the machine and allow any trapped water to drain off.
Have a look at the inside of the cavity to remove any residue and dirt that may be trapped in there.
Wipe with a cloth, clean any components and replace the cover.
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Clean the Drum
Keep your washing machine clean by periodically running an empty load with hot water, 250ml white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Every couple of months should do the trick. Some washing machines like mine, have an indicator light switched on when it’s time for a drum clean.
It doesn’t have to be a long cycle, but it must be 60 degrees or more cycle. This way we are sure to kill germs, remove odours and stop soap scum and limescale building up in difficult to reach and difficult to see places.
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Clean the Door Seal
The rubber rim seal that’s stopping water from spilling out also collects a lot of dirt, so before and after each wash, you can use a damp cloth to give the seal a gentle wipe.
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Prevent Bad Smells
A great tip for you is to leave the washing machine door open slightly after washes to allow air to circulate around the drum, and to dry the inside of your machine, as damp conditions of the end of a fresh wash is an ideal place for mould and bacteria to grow and thrive.
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Now you know how to clean your washing machine regularly – Prevention is the best policy!
As usual, my advice to you is always the same: prevention is the best policy!
The best way to get the smell out of a washing machine, is to prevent it getting smelly in the first place. This will make your life so much easier I promise.
You only have to add cleaning the washing machine to your list of household chores, let’s say every 2 weeks. If this is too much for you, do it at least once a month.
