To clean a public washing machine before use, you can either run a disinfectant through an empty cycle or add a disinfectant directly to your wash cycle with hot water.
Why Clean a Public Washing Machine?
Public washing machines are used by many different people, which means they can accumulate residue, germs, and odors from previous users. Cleaning the machine before you use it helps ensure your clothes come out truly clean and reduces the risk of transferring bacteria or mold. This preventative step provides peace of mind when using shared laundry facilities.
Methods to Clean a Public Washing Machine
Based on recommendations, there are two primary ways to effectively clean a public washing machine before adding your clothes. These methods help to disinfect the drum and remove potential buildup.
Pre-Cleaning the Empty Machine
A common and effective way to sanitize the machine is by running a cleaning cycle before putting your laundry in.
- Run a half-cup of bleach through an empty machine. Start a normal wash cycle on the hottest water setting available without any clothes inside. Add about half a cup of liquid bleach to the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum, depending on the machine type. This hot cycle with bleach will help kill bacteria and viruses, and remove mold or mildew from the drum and internal components.
Disinfecting During Your Wash
Another approach is to disinfect the machine while you wash your clothes, provided you use the appropriate settings and additives.
- Wash your clothes in hot water and add bleach, ammonia, or a pine-oil disinfectant. If you are washing items that can tolerate hot water and one of these disinfectants, you can add the disinfectant along with your detergent. The hot water combined with the disinfectant helps sanitize both the machine and your laundry simultaneously. Ensure you check your fabric care labels before using hot water and these additives.
These methods are recommended because they "ought to take care of just about anything," according to one reference.
Summary Table
| Method | When to Do It | Additive(s) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty Cycle Cleanse | Before adding clothes | Bleach (approx. half-cup) | Sanitizes machine before clothes are added |
| Clean During Wash | With clothes inside | Bleach, Ammonia, or Pine-Oil Disinfectant | Sanitizes machine and clothes together |
Important Considerations
- Always check the machine for any obvious debris left by the previous user before starting.
- Ensure the detergent and softener dispensers are clean.
- Use the hottest water setting appropriate for the cleaning method you choose and for your clothes if disinfecting during the wash.
- Never mix bleach and ammonia, as this creates toxic fumes. If using ammonia or pine-oil disinfectant, do so separately from bleach.
- Allow the cycle to complete fully for effective cleaning.
By following one of these methods, you can help ensure a cleaner and more hygienic wash cycle in a public machine.
