Very few remember to regularly clean their washing machines despite the vast majority of people relying on their washers to keep their clothes clean and fresh.
To help prevent the growth of mold and mildew and stop foul smells, washing machines need to be washed now and then. There are several easy and simple things one can do that go a long way in reducing wear and tear on the machine.
Of course, you want to keep your washer in good shape. After all, it’s a major investment, and it’s not easy to find a reliable, high efficiency washer nowadays, with all the choices available in the market, so make it last for years to come.
Cleaning and maintaining your washing machine regularly can help reduce breakdowns and costly damages. Read on to know what steps you can take.
Keep Your Washer At Level
Most people don’t check whether their washer is at a level or not; it’s a common mistake when using washing machines. It creates a problem for your floor and your washer’s base.
Aside from the machine’s base, its body may also be affected since the washer moves frequently on the floor during washing if it isn’t at a level.
Whether you want to lower or raise it, most models have legs that you can turn in any directions. Put the machine at a level by utilizing them.
Clean The Detergent Drawer
Take out the detergent drawer and soak it in warm water. Also, use an old toothbrush to remove any residue.
Once you’re done, get rid of any germs by spraying the drawer with an anti-bacterial spray.
These steps are important since the drawer for detergent can collect excess detergent, causing drains to clog over time and preventing your clothes from being properly cleaned.
Check The Door Seal
The door seal is one of the dirtiest parts of your washing machine. You’ll be amazed at the detritus and gunk in there if you gently pull the front lip after opening the door.
Some of them are certainly mold and mildew.
It’s easy to clean your washer’s door seal. All you need is to wipe it using a damp cloth after taking out small coins or anything that shouldn’t be in there.
You can use a proprietary kitchen cleaner to remove the more stubborn stains. In most instances, though, soapy water will do the job.
It’s also worth checking the washing machine’s door seal for nicks and tears. Have it replaced immediately if it already has damage. It’s far better to replace it now than to suffer the expense of a leak or the inconvenience at a later date.
Replace The Water Hoses
Leaks around the ends, fraying, cracking, and bulging are common issues that water hoses may have. Thus, if a problem is found, have the hose replaced.
As part of your proactive maintenance program, replace the water hoses every three to five years.
Regularly Clean The Lint Filter
When doing the laundry, it’s important to promptly clean out the washing machine’s lint filter from your previous load.
You should remove the lint and the fabric softener residue or detergent from the filter since they can lower its ability to effectively catch lint.
Even if you can’t do it after each laundry load, try to clean the lint filter after every couple of days so that it can help the machine run more efficiently by keeping on collecting lint from the newer clothes. It may also be helpful to wash the filter with clean water.
Get Behind The Washer’s Rubber Gaskets
A lot of fluff from the clothes can collect behind the rubber gaskets, which, over time, can even become moldy.
Make sure to meticulously clean behind these bands that run around the drum before you start cleaning the washer’s drum itself. It’s important to clean them regularly.
All you need is to simply scrub out debris before spaying with an anti-bacterial solution.
Wash The Washing Machine Drum
Run a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water through an empty load to rinse away soap buildup and residue from the drum. You can also use a washing machine cleaner available in grocery stores.
Keep the washer’s door open and leave the drum to dry once the cycle is done. Your washing machine should be free of nasty smells and clean after doing this.
Leave The Door Ajar
After taking all the steps mentioned and discussed above, you should now leave the dispenser tray and the washer’s door slightly ajar.
Yes, the washing machine is now nice and clean, but not letting the air circulate may still allow for smells to build up in there.
Don’t Overload Beyond The Washer’s Capacity
If your laundry loads exceed the washer’s capacity frequently, you’re bound to have some problems with your machine. The problem is that it can get tough to resist the temptation.
Of course, you’d want to put more clothes, so you’ll only run fewer loads of laundry and finish the chore off as soon as possible.
However, overloading the washing machine means your clothes won’t have the space they need to tumble and be cleaned properly. Therefore, pay attention that you’re not over stuffing it.
You don’t have to be in a hurry to finish off washing everything, even one load of laundry every morning is already enough to keep your home tidy and clean.
It’s also essential to check that you’re not wasting water by running the machine at only less than half its capacity. Remember that you’re trying to clean your clothes thoroughly – nothing more, nothing less.
Always Measure The Detergent
Excessive soap causes excess wear and tear on the washing machine and leave residue on your clothes. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the correct amount and type of detergent by reading the appliance instruction manual.
Please also take note that a special, low-sudsing detergent is required for high-efficiency washers.
Final Thoughts
It’s normal for your washing machine to suffer from damages and all sorts of gungy, smelly nasties. The good news, however, is that it isn’t hard to maintain and clean it.
Doing the above-mentioned tips regularly can help your washer stay fresh and prolong its working life.
Thanks for pointing out that the door seal is usually the dirties part of a washing machine. Since I’m going to get my washing machine repaired soon I think it’s also a good opportunity to buy new parts even for the components that aren’t broken but worn down. I think buying a new door seal would make it look good as new.