Regularly cleaning your washing machine prevents mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors, ensuring your clothes stay fresh and clean. Here's how to effectively clean your machine using readily available household items and commercial cleaners:
Natural Cleaning Method: Vinegar and Baking Soda
This method is effective for tackling mild grime and odors.
- Prepare the Solution: Pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum.
- Add Vinegar: Add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Note: Avoid mixing bleach and vinegar.
- Run a Cycle: Run a hot water wash cycle. This will allow the vinegar and baking soda to work their cleaning magic.
Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Grime and Odors
For more stubborn issues, consider a commercial washing machine cleaner or follow these enhanced steps:
- Pre-Clean (Optional): Remove any visible debris from the drum and detergent dispenser.
- Vinegar Soak: Fill the drum with hot water and add two cups of white vinegar. Let it soak for at least one hour (or longer for severe buildup). This is especially beneficial for top-loading machines without a self-clean cycle.
- Hot Water Cycle: After soaking, run an empty hot wash cycle.
- Commercial Cleaner: Use a commercial washing machine cleaner according to the product instructions. Many are designed for a single cycle and target specific issues like mildew.
Cleaning Frequency and Additional Tips
- Monthly Cleaning: Run an empty hot wash cycle at least once a month using either a vinegar solution or a commercial cleaner.
- Self-Clean Cycle: If your machine has a self-cleaning cycle, utilize this feature regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clean the Dispenser: Regularly clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers to remove residue buildup.
- Wipe Down Exterior: Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth to remove dust and smudges.
- Check Seals: Inspect the rubber seals around the door for mold or mildew. Clean these areas thoroughly.
Addressing Specific Concerns
Some sources recommend against using bleach and vinegar together, as it can produce harmful fumes. If you have a top-loading machine without a self-clean cycle, you can manually fill it with hot water and cleaning solution before running a cycle. For heavily soiled machines that have seen years of use, a combination of soaking, hot water cycles, and a commercial cleaner may be necessary for optimal results. Using OxiClean as a powder alternative to detergent is also suggested for cleaning.
