Many people tend to close the lid of their washing machine immediately after taking out the laundry, creating a humid environment that fosters bacterial growth. Over time, this can cause post-wash clothes to become soiled, stained with detergent residue, and unpleasantly odorous.
In more severe cases, it can even lead to allergic reactions and skin inflammation, affecting one’s health. Therefore, cleaning the washing machine is essential.
Nowadays, most washing machines come equipped with a tub cleaning mode. Simply activate this feature, and the machine will take care of the cleaning process, making it easier and more convenient. More advanced models even use hot water, ranging from 60-100 degrees Celsius, to ensure thorough sanitization.
While this may sound straightforward, keeping the following four tips in mind is crucial to ensuring a truly clean washing machine, free from bacteria and grime. Otherwise, using the tub cleaning mode will only result in wasted time and energy.
1. Clean the tub at least once a month
To maintain a clean tub and fresh-smelling laundry, it’s recommended to clean the tub at least once a month. The longer you wait, the more dirt and grime will accumulate, making it increasingly difficult to remove.
2. Use an appropriate amount of detergent
Cleaning the tub without detergent is akin to washing clothes without laundry detergent—ineffective. For the best results, use a specialized washing machine cleaner or a small amount of your regular laundry detergent. If using laundry detergent, avoid pouring it into the detergent compartment; instead, add it directly into the tub.
Alternatively, you can use lemon juice or white vinegar as natural cleaning agents.
3. Don’t forget to clean the filter
Timely filter cleaning is essential, even if your machine has a self-cleaning function. The cleaning mode primarily sanitizes the exterior of the tub, but where does the dirt on the outside come from?
The answer lies in the laundry and the filter. If the filter is not cleaned regularly, dirt and grime will continue to circulate, adhering to your clothes during the wash cycle. Additionally, a dirty filter contributes to faster exterior soiling of the washing machine.
Make it a habit to clean the filter at least once a month. For top-loading machines, the filter is typically located inside the tub, while for front-loading machines, it’s usually in the bottom right or left corner.
4. Keep the lid open after cleaning
Opening the lid after the cleaning cycle promotes natural ventilation, inhibiting mold and bacterial growth. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep the lid open for about an hour post-cleaning to allow moisture to escape, and then close it to prevent dust or insects from entering.
Note: For older washing machines without a dedicated tub cleaning mode, you can use the soak setting as an alternative. Set the water level to the highest mark and initiate the wash cycle as usual.
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