How to Clean Laundry Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why Cleaning Your Laundry Machine is Important
Cleaning your laundry machine is crucial for maintaining its optimal performance, extending its lifespan, and ensuring your clothes come out smelling fresh and clean. Over time, soap scum, detergent residues, and other buildup can affect the machine’s efficiency and lead to unpleasant odors on your clothes.
How Often Should You Clean Your Laundry Machine?
It is recommended to clean your washing machine at least once a month, but if you use your machine frequently, you may need to clean it more often. For example, if you do laundry daily, you might need to clean the machine every 30 washes.
Supplies Needed to Clean Your Laundry Machine
Before you start, gather the following supplies:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloths
- Toothbrush or scrub brush
- Liquid chlorine bleach (for some models)
- Affresh washing machine cleaner tablets (optional)
- Damp cloth
- All-purpose cleaner
- Descaling agent (for hard water areas)
How to Clean a Front-Loading Laundry Machine
Step 1: Prepare the Machine
Remove any clothes or items from your washer.
Step 2: Clean the Gasket
The gasket is a common area for mold and mildew buildup. Use a microfiber cloth soaked in vinegar to wipe down around the rubber seal. Lift the edge of the gasket and clean the interior surfaces as well.
Step 3: Run a Hot Water Cycle with Vinegar
Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run an empty cycle on the hottest setting. This helps kill mold and dissolve residues.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda
Next, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot cycle. The baking soda helps to freshen and deodorize the machine.
Step 5: Wipe Down the Drum and Exterior
Once the cycle is complete, use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside drum, the door, and the exterior surfaces. Ensure the door is left open to let the tub dry and prevent moisture buildup.
How to Clean a Top-Loading Laundry Machine
Step 1: Fill the Machine
Fill your machine with hot water and add four cups of white vinegar or one quart of liquid chlorine bleach (if your model allows it).
Step 2: Let it Sit
Allow the machine to agitate for a few minutes, then pause the cycle and let it sit for an hour. This ensures the vinegar or bleach has time to break down grime.
Step 3: Run the Machine
After an hour, resume the cycle, allowing it to finish. Then, run a rinse and spin cycle to clear away any excess cleansers.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda
Add one cup of baking soda and run another complete hot water cycle. This step helps eliminate odors and any remaining build-up.
Step 5: Dry and Wipe
When the cycle ends, leave the lid open to let the washer air dry. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior and any visible parts. For a deeper clean, remove and wash the agitator if applicable.
Additional Cleaning Steps
Clean the Detergent Dispensers
Pull out the dispenser drawer and clean it with a damp cloth or an all-purpose cleaner. Ensure it is dry before replacing it, as dispensers are generally not dishwasher safe.
Clean In and Around the Washer Door
For front load washers, wipe the outside of the rubber door seal and lift the edge to clean the interior surfaces. For top load washers, wipe down the inside glass or metal of the lid.
Clean the Outside of the Washer
Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any spills on the exterior. Use only mild soaps or cleaners to avoid damaging the surfaces.
Clean the Filter
Regularly cleaning the filter is crucial, especially for top-loading machines. Check your model’s manual for instructions on how to access and clean the filter, as this can help prevent clogs and maintain efficient drainage.
Fresh Maintenance Tips
- Leave the door or lid open after each use to prevent moisture build-up and reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
- Regularly clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers to prevent buildup and ensure proper dispensing of laundry aids.
- Consider using a descaling agent every few months if you have hard water to prevent mineral deposits that can affect the machine’s performance.
- Run occasional warm or hot water cycles to help slow down soil and detergent buildup.
- Check and clean the drain pump filter regularly, especially if your washing machine is connected to a kitchen drain, as this can impact the machine’s efficiency and the overall cleanliness of your laundry.
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure your laundry machine remains in good condition, runs efficiently, and keeps your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
Q: How often should I clean my laundry machine?
A: It is generally recommended to clean your laundry machine at least once a month to ensure optimal performance and to prevent odors and buildup.
Q: What materials do I need to clean my laundry machine?
A: You will typically need white vinegar, baking soda, a cleaning cloth or sponge, and a brush with soft bristles for scrubbing.
Q: How do I clean the detergent drawer?
A: Remove the detergent drawer and rinse it under warm water. Use a brush or sponge to scrub away any detergent residue, then dry thoroughly before placing it back.
Q: How can I get rid of bad odors in my laundry machine?
A: To eliminate odors, run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar. You can also add half a cup of baking soda for extra cleaning power.
Q: How do I clean the drum of my laundry machine?
A: Wipe down the inside of the drum with a cloth soaked in a mixture of vinegar and water. Run an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar to thoroughly clean the drum.
Q: Is it necessary to clean the filter of my laundry machine?
A: Yes, cleaning the filter is important. Check your machine’s manual for the location of the filter and clean it regularly to prevent clogs and maintain efficiency.
Q: How can I prevent mold and mildew in my laundry machine?
A: Leave the door open after each wash to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, and ensure you clean the machine regularly.
Q: Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
A: Yes, you can use bleach to clean your washing machine by running an empty hot water cycle with one cup of bleach. However, always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Q: How do I clean the rubber seal on my front-loading washing machine?
A: Wipe the rubber seal with a cloth soaked in a mixture of vinegar and water, paying special attention to grooves where mold and debris often accumulate.
Q: Is it possible to use commercial cleaning products for my laundry machine?
A: Yes, there are commercial washing machine cleaners available, which can be used following the instructions on the product label for periodic deep cleaning.