How to Clean Your Washing Machine (And What Happens If You Don’t)

I only recently started cleaning my washing machine, something I was naive to. Why clean something that cleans for me? However, keeping your washing machine clean plays a key role in ensuring it runs well and your clothes smelling fresh. With time, soap, softener, and dirt can pile up inside, which unfortunately leads to mold, mildew, and bad smells. This buildup doesn’t just make your clothes less clean, it can also harm the machine.

Depending on whether you own a front-load washer or a top-load, there are a few things to keep in mind while cleaning. Front-load washers need extra care around the rubber door seals, as they tend to grow mold and mildew if the water sits there for too long. Top-load washers might need more work to stop lint and pet hair from blocking the drum and spinner. Cleaning your washing machine regularly will help you avoid these problems making sure it works well and lasts a long time.

Experts advise against cleaning washing machines with vinegar. It doesn’t work as well as bleach and might harm parts like hoses and rubber gaskets. Baking soda can freshen the tub but won’t kill germs or clean deposits inside the machine. Instead, use bleach or products made to specifically clean washing machines.

Simple Steps to Clean Your Machine

To make sure your washing machine is working well and smelling good, you should clean it once a month. Most newer models will have a cleaning cycle so begin by running the cleaning cycle with hot water and adding 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach or a washing machine cleaner. If your machine does not have a clean cycle then run a normal cycle with hot water. After the cycle ends, it’s important to run an extra rinse and spin to get rid of any leftover residue.

Once the cycle is finished, take out the dispenser drawer and give it a good rinse under hot water to clean it. To finish up, wipe the drum and rubber seal making sure they’re dry so mold doesn’t grow.

There are some simple steps you can take to help your machine stay clean. Let the door stay open after you use it to dry out the moisture inside. After each load of clothes is done be sure to take them out right away to prevent any odors from building. If you have pets, dry the drum and then vacuum up any fur. For front-loading machines, make sure to dry the rubber seal often to stop mold from growing. It’s also a good idea to wipe down the controls and soap dispensers to keep germs away.

Neglecting Your Washing Machine

Not taking care of your washing machine can cause big problems beyond bad smells and dirty clothes. If you don’t stay on top of cleaning it, mold and mildew can grow, which can be bad for your health if you have allergies or breathing issues. All the leftover gunk and hard water buildup can make your machine less effective causing it to use more energy and water, and wear out faster. Following these easy steps to cleaning your washing machine will bring you peace of mind knowing it’s keeping your clothes clean and fresh.