How to Clean a Washing Machine?

Washing machines come in various models. They could be top loading, front loading or semi-automatic washing machines. The laundry is put into the washing tub which requires being kept clean to ensure that the wash cycle is complete without any kind of residues getting attached to the clothes. Typically soap residues and minerals in the soap remain in the tub and cause ineffective cleaning of laundry. Hence if you want your washing machines to work at their peak efficiencies it calls for some maintenance. The wash tub would be required to be cleaned every month or every three months. Grime, molds and bad smells could be reasons for ineffective washing of the laundry. Then how to clean a washing machine, Let’ see!

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How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine?

A top loading washing machine can be easily cleaned regularly. Many of the high-end machines have a sanitize cycle which can be executed to clean the tub of the washing machine. The machine can be set to the highest temperature for water while sanitizing. Using hot water is a good way to clean the tub. Sanitizing tablets or powder could be put into the tub before starting the sanitizing cycle.

In machines which do not have the above cycle, the same scenario would have to be created manually. You can fill the washing tub with the maximum amount of water. Put in nearly a liter of white vinegar and 4 ounces of baking soda. Run a typical wash cycle which includes wash, rinse and spin dry. After a few minutes of wash after the baking soda has completely dissolved, rest the washing machine for 30 minutes. After this duration resume the wash cycle. By activating the rinse and spin dry cycles all the grime and dirt is ejected out of the machine. After the complete cycle wash the tub with some hot water and white vinegar. Ensure that no laundry is put in during the cleaning cycle.

How to Clean a Front Loading Washing Machine?

Front load washing machines are more energy and water efficient. Since they work with less amount of water the suds from soaps and detergents and grime are likely to remain in the machine. This is seen in both the washing tub and the hose pipes. Hence they become breeding grounds for molds and mildew. This would give rise to a dirty smell which you will get once you open the tub door.

You would have to clean the machine at least once a month. Fill up the dispenser with white vinegar. After that just add one cup of baking soda in the machine drum. The baking soda will help in scrubbing action as well as neutralize the pH value. Run the washing machine through a long cycle with hot water in it. You could run an additional rinse cycle to ensure that are no remnants are left in the tub. In a case of excessive molds, you could use bleach instead of vinegar and run a machine with hot water. If you are using bleach, you can avoid using baking soda. No laundry should be put in during the cleaning cycle.

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How to Clean a Washing Machine Tub?

The washing machine tub is the main part of the washing machine.  Do you know how to clean a washing machine tub? The process mentioned above for both top and front loading machines is effective in cleaning the tub and hose pipes. But some parts of the tub are inaccessible to water and hence would need some manual cleaning. The vinegar used to clean the washing machine acts as a disinfectant and helps in removing germs, molds, and mildew. While the baking soda helps to dissolve soap scum and other grime from the washing machine tub. The top of the tub and dispensers would need some cleaning too.

Dip a cloth in a solution of vinegar and water. Wipe the rim of the tub and the agitator blades with the cloth. Wipe the tub clean with a dry cloth after cleaning the washing machine and leave it to dry.  All inaccessible areas should be worked on. Leave the tub lid open each time you use the washing machine so that there is exposure to the sunshine. This would dry up the moisture and stop germs from breeding.

How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine?

Front loading machines are supposed to be more efficient than the top loading ones. The tub in the front loading machines fill only till the bottom half and wash clothes in a horizontal tumble action.  This is to save water. Only if highly efficient detergents are used will the scum and soap debris be removed from the tub. If more of ordinary soaps and detergents are used the soap scum tends to remain in the machine itself since less of water is used. Also in the front loading model the water is not allowed to leak out by means of having a gasket at the front door. Moisture could get retained around the gasket in crevices which could turn out be breeding grounds for molds and germs. This would because of dirty smell emanating from your washing machine. This smell can remain with washed clothes too making them seem not washed properly.

Following the procedure mentioned above for how to clean a washing machine is a good way to remove soap scum and molds. To ensure that smells go away keep the washing drum cover open till the dampness goes away. This should be done after every wash cycle. When the sunshine enters the drum it will kill the germs and bacteria. To keep the gasket clean from any deposition, wipe it with a cloth dipped in vinegar and water. Wipe all along the gasket, in crevices and corners. Also, wipe the interior of the drum with this solution to remove any depositions in nooks and corners.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Parts Manually?

After running the wash cycles for your washing machine, clean the other parts manually. In a case of front loading machines clean the gasket and surrounding area with a cloth dipped in vinegar and water. Wipe the top portion of the tub of top loading washing machines. Wipe the blades dry. Next, clean the dispenser section with water and wipe it dry. Remove the scum and hose filters and clear them of any debris found in them. Also, wash them and pat dry them before putting it back. Next, the hose pipe of the washing should be cleaned with running water and let to dry.

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How to Clean a Washing Machine With Vinegar?

Vinegar is one of the safest materials you can use to clean your washing machines. The process is slightly different for front and top loading machines as described above. After running the cleaning cycle you can run an additional rinse cycle to ensure that no remnant of vinegar is left in the washing machine. It is not harsh on the washing machine and can be used by mixing one portion of white vinegar and one portion of water. You can dip a cloth in this solution and wipe the exterior and interior parts of the washing machine. Leave it to dry after this is done.

How to Clean a Washing Machine With Bleach?

For stubborn molds and sediments in the washing machine using bleach is a good option. This is especially true for front loading machines which are highly efficient and tend to contain more of the mold and mildew. For this put a cup of bleach in the dispenser and run the machine for a long cycle. Use hot water for the cycle. After the wash cycle if you still get the smell of bleach run the machine with a rinse cycle and hot water setting. This should bring out all the smells and sediments from your washing machine. Open the door or wash tub lid of the machine to let it dry.

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Conclusion

To get your clothes washed clean and smell good it is advisable to clean your washing machine on a regular basis. You could do this at home yourself without calling the service personnel. All it would need is some bleach or vinegar, baking soda, and water. Home appliances need to attended to on a regularly so that they can work for you efficiently and for longer periods of time.