Many people don’t think about how to clean a washing machine, believing that it’s just naturally cleaned every time they run a load. However, that’s not the case at all!
It’s essential that you clean your washing machine regularly. Dust and dirt will always build up, leftover from the clothes you’ve washed. Regularly cleaning your washing machine will not only extend the life of the appliance and reduce maintenance costs but ensure that your clothes are cleaned properly.
Whether you have a front-loading or top-loading washing machine, make sure you follow these tips for how to clean your washing machine and keep the parts working properly.
2 Methods to Clean Your Washing Machine
Washing machines are a prime place for bacteria and mould to grow because there’s always so much moisture. Especially because people use cold water to wash clothes so often, whereas hot water can kill bacteria and built-up dirt. That’s why, without regular cleaning, your washing machine can start to smell bad or even stop cleaning your clothes properly. There are two main methods for cleaning your washing machine:
- Run A Cleaning Cycle: Most machines have a cleaning cycle that you can set it to. It’s recommended that you run this once or twice a week, depending on how much you use your washing machine.
- Bleach Cleaning: No cleaning cycle? No problem. You can get the same kind of clean by running your machine with hot water plus a little bit of bleach. We recommend using a half cup.
How to Remove Bad Odours
If you’ve noticed a smell of mould or mildew coming from your washing machine, it’s likely because you don’t leave the door open to dry out the appliance between loads. This is how mould builds up and it’s especially an issue in front-loading machines because the water rarely reaches the top of the drum for a good thorough rinsing.
So how do you clean a washing machine inside? There’s an easy fix for this issue. You can run the washing machine empty or use the cleaning cycle every month. You can purchase special mould cleaners from any hardware or department store. You can also opt for some bleach instead.
How Often to Clean a Washing Machine
Our experts recommend that you clean your washing machine at least every two weeks, depending on how much washing you’re doing.
DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
- You don’t need to buy fancy, expensive chemicals to get your washing machine to a professional level of cleanliness.
- First, you can dump two cups of baking soda into the machine and run it on a hot water cycle. The baking soda is abrasive and will work as a natural scrubbing agent to remove any mould or stains from the interior of the drum.
- The second step is to pour two cups of white vinegar into the machine. Run your washing machine on the hottest, longest cycle available. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will get your washing machine cleaner than ever before!
- When that last cycle is done, you can use a little more vinegar applied directly to a cloth to wipe down the sides of the drum, removing any leftover baking soda or tough stains.
How to Clean a Front Load Washer
- The first step is to empty out the drum of your washing machine. Be sure to remove any attachments including the detergent dispenser. Clean these items individually and replace them when you’re done.
- We recommend using a solution of water and bleach to clean these parts.
- Run your washing machine’s cleaning cycle, or simply a long and hot cycle.
- When the cycle is done and your washing machine has cooled, wipe everything down with a clean cloth and leave the door open for a few hours so it can dry out.
How to Clean A Washing Machine Top Loader
- Empty the washing machine and make sure there is no leftover fabric softener or detergent in the dispensers.
- Turn your washing machine to the hottest cycle possible.
- Fill the washing machine with water but keep the lid open so the agitation cycle doesn’t start.
- Add a half cup of bleach to the washing machine.
- Close the lid and let your washing machine do its thing to finish the cycle.
- Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the insides of the drum and the agitator casing.
How to Clean the Washing Machine Door or Lid
- Using a damp cloth, wipe down the gasket around the edge of the drum and the door, as well as the glass door.
- Use a toothbrush dipped in a mild cleaning solution to scrub the corners under the lid which are great magnets for dirt and debris!
Clean Detergent Trays, Washer Parts and Surfaces
- Use a cloth and some mild cleaner to wipe down all the controls and dials along the top.
- Remove all of your detergent trays and soak them in warm water with some white vinegar added for about 15 minutes. Rinse under cold, clean water and let air dry before replacing in your machine.
Clean the Filter and Agitator
Your washing machine’s filter can quickly build up old detergent, dust and lint which can ruin your clothes and prevent your appliance from working correctly. It’s very simple to clean. Just remove the filter and soak it in some hot water. After 10-15 minutes, you’ll notice the loosening of dirt and old soap residue. If your filter isn’t removable, you can scrub it with a toothbrush.
To clean the agitator, start by removing the tray on top that holds the fabric softener. You can place the tray in a container of water with some vinegar and let it soak to get rid of any dried soap or other dirt. Next, with the tray still removed, run a normal cycle with a high water level and very warm water and a small amount of detergent or vinegar. The cycle will start cleaning the inside of your agitator. Open the lid after a few minutes to pause the cycle and use a brush to scrub the inside of the agitator. Let the washing machine finish the cycle and now your agitator should be gleaming! Replace the fabric softener tray on top before your next load of laundry.
If your clothes are still coming out dirty after trying these tips and tricks, it might be time to call a professional. The expert washing machine repair technicians at Alpha Tech Appliance are highly trained to work with all brands and models of washing machines on the market. We promise a high quality and fast service with same-day repairs if possible. Call us today for a free estimate.