How to clean a washing machine?

The washing machine made for cleaning also needs to be cleaned every once in a while. If you are using a front loading washing machine, the rubber gasket around the door remains wet. After every wash, try using a piece of cloth to dry the inside of the door and the gasket.

Whether you use a top-loader or a front-loader, keep the door/lid open to circulate air. Let’s take a more in-depth look into the process of how to clean a washing machine.

Cleaning a front-loading washing machine 

Things you will need:

• Vinegar
• Piece of cloth
• Baking soda
• Rubber gloves
• Spray bottle
• Old toothbrush

What to do:

• The tray that we call detergent drawer or dispenser gets surprisingly dirty after a specific time. You may even find mold or junk in there. Remove the drawer carefully (Read the manual if you need any help), soak it in hot soapy water. After a while, use an old toothbrush to scrub the dirt away and then rinse thoroughly. Dry it with a piece of cloth and put it aside until you’re done cleaning the washing machine.
• Moving on to the rubber gasket, spray vinegar on it and wipe it with a dry cloth. Make sure to rub the fabric properly because the gasket in these washing machines accumulates water, hair, scum, and needs proper cleaning.
• Set the water temperature of the washer to the highest level.
• Add two-three cups of vinegar in the detergent dispenser, according to your washing machine capacity.
• Run it through a complete spin cycle.
• Set another spin cycle on the water highest temperature, add two cups of baking soda to the tub, and proceed.
• When the spin cycle is complete, make sure you wipe the inside of your washing machine with a piece of dry cloth.

Cleaning a top-loading washing machine 

Things you will need:

• Vinegar
• Piece of cloth
• Baking soda
• Rubber gloves
• Old toothbrush

What to do:

• Set the water temperature of the washing machine to the highest possible setting.
• Add four cups of vinegar for the spin cycle.
• After the spin cycle starts, pause after a while and let it sit for an hour.
• During that time, use an old toothbrush to clean the fabric softener and bleach dispenser area.
• Complete the spin cycle after an hour.
• Run another cycle with the same setting using one cup of baking soda.
• In the end, make sure to wipe the inside of the washer tub with a piece of dry cloth.

The filter of a washing machine is usually found beneath the washer tub. It stops all the unnecessary stuff like pet hair, coins, buttons from reaching the pump. Naturally, this place will be filthy after a period. It is an essential job, and that is why make sure to clean the filters as well when you’re cleaning your washing machine.

First of all, check your washing machine’s manual to find out how to remove the cover to reach the filter. Remove the filter from the machine and use a dry piece of cloth to remove lint from the filter. Detach the screen and let it sit in soapy hot water for 30 minutes.

After that, clean all the dirt using an old toothbrush and dry it properly. You should clean the filters every three months. They play an essential part and keeps the pump safe.

Take a kitchen towel and some washing liquid, then scrub the exterior part of the washing machine from top to bottom thoroughly. Remove any visible stains and wipe away the dust as well. Once you’ve done this, wipe the entire machine with a dampened piece of cloth. If you do a quick regular wipe, it will be better.

The water supply hoses are found on the back of the washing machine. Remove them very carefully, place them in soapy hot water, and let them sit for 2-3 minutes. After it is soaked and the dirt is coming off, take an old toothbrush and scrub it to remove the dirt.

Once you are done with cleaning, wipe them dry with a piece of cloth. Put the hoses back to where they belong. Turn on the water supply and make sure to check if there is any leakage.

Leave the machine to dry:

Cleaning a washing machine consists of many steps. The last step is leaving the washing machine to dry. It is as essential as the previous steps. Ensure that it is dry before you plug it in. Try to leave the lid open to pass the air.

The various parts of the washing machine need cleaning at different times. Following these steps, every three months or once a year for the hoses would be perfect for your machine. Keep it clean, and it will perform better in the long run.