Blog post has been reviewed by a Cleaning Technician
Laundry’s generally no fun, but do you know what’s worse? Not having a clean washing machine – it essentially defeats the purpose of all your sudsy plans! We at UrbanMop have received plenty of questions from customers in the past regarding how best to look after their equipment, not to mention their favourite clothes.
With that in mind, if you’re wondering how to clean your washing machine, here are six common questions answered by our team.
When Should a Washing Machine be Cleaned?
The general rule of thumb is to set your washer to a cleaning cycle at least once every few weeks, especially if it’s used frequently by many people. That said, if you can do this even more frequently, such as once or twice a week, it’s even better for your machine’s efficiency. If you’re noticing a buildup of fuzzies, including dog hair, clumped-together pocket lint or otherwise, it’s an indicator that your machine is overdue for a cleaning. Leaving this as-is can otherwise cause your washer to become clogged and less effective, potentially even leading to breakdowns or increased maintenance as it gets older.
What’s the Best Way to Clean My Washing Machine?
When wondering how to clean front load washing machines or other variants, if your system is relatively recent, it should normally feature a cleaning cycle setting. Switch this on (almost certainly set to use hot water) and follow the cleaning methods recommended by your manufacturer to ensure all the parts and components continue to work as they should.
If you don’t have a self-cleaning setting available to you, don’t worry. First, run a hot cycle and try the vinegar trick we mentioned earlier (pour the appropriate amount into the detergent dispenser). Stick to white vinegar for this step. Afterwards, apply some good old-fashioned elbow grease to scrub the inside and outside of the machine, again using the bleach (a quarter-cup amount should be fine) but diluted with warm water. Next, wash down the exterior of the machine and dry it, and then run a second hot water cycle to take care of the interior.
What Should I Use to Clean My Washing Machine?
Whether you’re trying to figure out how to clean a top-loading washing machine or one with a front door, either the white vinegar trick or a dedicated washer cleaner such as the Tide Washing Machine Cleaner which is designed for these systems works great. With vinegar, in particular, your clothes are perfectly safe; unlike stronger chemicals such as bleach, it won’t hurt their appearance in any way. Single-use sponges or rags are ideal for scrubbing – don’t use scrub brushes or other handled products with bristles that could break away and become dislodged inside the machine.
How Do I Deep Clean My Washing Machine?
Hot water is the key, regardless of whether you have a cleaning cycle setting available to you or not. This effectively eats away unwanted bacteria, especially in conjunction with white vinegar, laundry soap, or other cleaning solutions suitable for a washing machine. If you’re cleaning by hand in lieu of a pre-installed setting, scrub thoroughly and always try to focus on hard-to-reach areas where bacteria can tuck away and accumulate.
How Do You Clean a Smelly Washing Machine?
When we allow for too many bacteria to accumulate in a washing machine of any kind, it can get rather stinky in there – that’s how microbes work! However, there is a solution: a high-quality cleaner specifically for fighting odours. Try to stick to something as eco-friendly as possible so it’s not harsh on your clothes or skin in a future load. Even a dash of vinegar into a cleaning cycle set to hot water can work in a pinch, though more intense smells may need something stronger.
How Do You Get Dirt Out of a Washing Machine Drum?
Try adding a quart of white vinegar to the inside of the drum. You can also combine this with a cup of baking soda for extra cleaning power and a nice shine once a rinse cycle is completed. For more intense dirt buildup, use a stronger cleaning solution and run a hot cycle to ensure it is fully rinsed out before putting in your next load.
Still unsure how to clean a front-load washing machine, a top-load variant or other equipment in your home? We’re here to help. Reach out to us at UrbanMop today or book our residential cleaning services online.
