How To Clean Your Washing Machine

Why you should clean your washing machine

By design washing machines in hot and humid conditions. These conditions are the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. The soap and detergent chemicals invariably get locked in the washing machine. Eventually, mould and mildew begin to build up. This creates a thin layer and inevitably captures bacteria. The bacteria can get into the mechanics and affect the strength of your washing agents.

Not only is bacteria created but the odour particles infest the washing machine and start to attach themselves to the clothing.

How and how often do you sanitise your washing machine?

You might ask yourself why clean a washing machine? isn’t it always filled with soap and water when in operation? A general rule of thumb is to clean the inside and outside of the washing machine once a month. Using natural cleaning products should ensure a clean water system.

How to clean a front-loading washing machine:

What you’ll need:

  • White cleaning vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Baking soda

Why white vinegar?

White vinegar disinfects and sanitizes, and the acidity helps to eat away built-up residue. Plus, as the vinegar drains away, it can clean the insides of your pipes as well! White vinegar also has deodorizing properties, so it will get rid of bad odours in the basin and in your septic system.

Why baking soda?

Baking soda will add an additional punch of freshness! It can “exfoliate” away soap residue and neutralize odours. Baking soda is white vinegar’s partner in crime.

What you’ll do:

  1. Before cleaning the washer drum, clean the gasket by spraying it with white vinegar and wiping with a damp microfibre cloth. The rubber gasket at the front of the washer, especially in a high-efficiency (HE) washer, accumulates water, hair, scum and mildew.
  2. Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest water temperature.
  3. Add two cups of white cleaning vinegar to the detergent dispenser.
  4. Run it through a complete cycle.
  5. Run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature, this time adding one-half cup of baking soda to the drum.
  6. When the cycle is done, wipe inside the drum of the washer with a damp microfiber cloth.
  7. While you’re at it, wipe down the front of the machine, too.

How to clean your washing machine

How to clean a top-loading washing machine:

What you’ll need:

  • White cleaning vinegar
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Toothbrush
  • Baking soda

What you’ll do:

  1. Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest setting.
  2. Add four cups of white cleaning vinegar to the wash cycle.
  3. After the cycle starts, pause the machine and allow it to sit for an hour.
  4. During this time, wipe down the top of the washer with a microfiber cloth dipped in the hot vinegar water.
  5. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the fabric softener and bleach dispensers.
  6. After an hour, continue the wash cycle.
  7. Then run another wash cycle using one cup of baking soda.
  8. At the end of the cycle, wipe the top inside of the washer tub with a microfiber cloth to remove any scum.

One final tip: Prevent mildew and mould by leaving the lid or door open when not in use.