If the washing machine is not cleaned, dirt will accumulate inside the machine, causing mold and making the clothes not clean and have a bad odor even after washing. The lack of cleanliness also reduces the life of the washing machine. Therefore, you should clean the drum of the machine regularly.
The question is how often should the washing machine be cleaned to ensure effective operation and prolong its lifespan.
If not cleaned regularly, the washing machine will accumulate dirt and produce mold. So how often should you clean the washing machine? (Image: Paradise Appliance Service)
How often to clean the washing machine?
The ideal frequency to clean the washing machine is about once a month. In addition, to limit the growth of germs, after each wash, you should open the door of the machine to let in air and dry the drum, as the damp environment inside the machine is favorable conditions for bacteria and mold to grow.
According to Courtenay Hartford, author of “The Cleaning Ninja,” cleaning the washing machine should be seen as a preventive measure rather than a remedy when a problem occurs.
“If you start noticing that your clothes don’t smell fresh and aren’t as clean as usual, it means it’s time to clean the machine. If you see a lot of dirt around the rubber gaskets, it’s a sign that you’ve forgotten to clean the machine for a few months,” Hartford said.
Cleaning the washing machine once a month helps prevent mold, eliminate odors, and prolong the lifespan of the machine. (Image: CNN)
Regularly cleaning the washing machine not only helps to kill mold and bacteria but also removes detergent residue and other debris that can clog the device. A clean washing machine will always have a longer lifespan. Regularly cleaning the machine is a simple process to save money and time, avoid costly repairs and replacements.
Simple steps to clean the washing machine
Without much effort, you can easily clean the washing machine with the following simple methods.
Use vinegar
White vinegar helps to disinfect, remove long-standing dirt inside the machine, clean and nourish the drain pipes, and reduce odors in the drainage system.
You need to prepare 1 bottle of white vinegar, 1 bottle of Javen water, 1 sponge, 1 pair of gloves; remove all clothes from the machine and perform the following steps:
– Remove the detergent and fabric softener trays from the washing machine. If they are too dirty, soak them in warm water and scrub with a brush or cloth.
– Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the machine, set the washing machine to the highest water drainage mode, and let it soak for 1 hour. If your home washing machine has a hot water support mode, turn on this mode to increase the cleaning effectiveness.
– Start the normal washing mode to drain the vinegar mixture out. You can use a sponge to clean the inside of the machine once again.
– After the above steps, your washing machine has almost eliminated all dirt. For better results, you can use Javen water to clean it again. The process is the same as when using the vinegar mixture: Pump the machine with water and add 2 cups of Javen, soak for 1 hour, then press the wash button to complete the normal washing cycle.
Use baking soda
Baking soda is an alkaline powder that helps slightly increase the pH of water. It is also an antiseptic that many people use to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Method: Clean the machine initially by soaking the vinegar mixture as mentioned above, then add 300g of baking soda before starting the washing cycle.
Use laundry detergent
Laundry detergent is the most common and popular method to clean the washing machine, with the following steps:
– Remove all clothes from the washing machine.
– Pour the detergent directly into the drum, not in the detergent tray. Turn on the water drainage mode, preferably using hot water.
– Turn on the pre-set cleaning mode of the washing machine (if not available, replace it with a gentle spin program to dissolve the detergent). After 5 minutes, pause the machine and soak the mixture in the machine for about 2-3 hours.
– Turn on the water drainage mode and open the machine to ventilate it.
Use specialized cleaning tablets
– Use a damp cloth to clean any dirt in the corners and edges that are prone to dust and moss buildup over time.
– Put the cleaning tablets in the machine, pour in warm water (if the machine does not have this feature, you can pour water from the outside), soak for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
– Start the machine and select any mode to clean the old cleaning water. Then, use a sponge to clean thoroughly, ensuring that no chemical residue remains inside the machine.
According to VTC News