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The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Washing Machine: A Surprising Solution That Will Leave Your Machine Sparkling!

"Not maintaining your washing machine can lead to a buildup of bacteria and grime, which can be detrimental to both your health and the longevity of the appliance. It is important to regularly clean your washing machine to ensure a healthy and efficient household."

Administrator

9 September, 2024

Washing Machine Maintenance: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Appliance Sparkling Clean

A washing machine is an essential appliance for any modern family, helping to save time and energy while keeping our clothes clean and fresh. However, over time, these machines can become a breeding ground for bacteria and grime, as the fabric of our clothes harbors dirt and bacteria that can build up in the machine’s crevices.

Did you know that salt is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean your washing machine? By mixing salt with hot water and adding some detergent, you can create an effective cleaning solution. Pour this mixture into your washing machine and let it work its magic.

Fill the machine with water and let it soak for about half an hour. Then, turn on the machine and let it run a full cycle. As the water drains, you’ll see the dirt and grime being washed away.

Alternatively, you can use baking soda instead of salt. Baking soda is commonly used in baking, but it’s also a powerful cleaning agent for kitchen utensils and appliances, including your washing machine.

To clean the exterior of your washing machine, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Dip a damp cloth into the paste and wipe down the machine’s surface. The natural disinfectant properties of baking soda will eliminate bacteria, ensuring a thorough clean that a regular damp cloth can’t achieve.

Other effective methods to try:

Hot Water and Bleach

Most modern front-loading and top-loading washing machines have a self-cleaning cycle. If your machine doesn’t have this feature, select a wash program that includes a water heating option to sanitize the appliance.

Add a small amount of bleach to the machine to speed up the cleaning process. Remember, do not put any clothes in the machine until the cleaning cycle is complete.

Disinfectant Spray

For this method, prepare a natural cleaning solution and a clean cloth. Use the cloth to thoroughly wipe down the inside of the washing machine drum. Then, spray a disinfectant inside the drum and on the vents to eliminate any lingering dirt and grime. Be sure to wipe down any reachable areas by hand to ensure a thorough clean.

Use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the vents and any other hard-to-reach areas where dirt and dust may accumulate.

Vinegar Cleaning

For top-loading machines, fill the drum with hot water and add 3-4 cups of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. For front-loading machines, pour the vinegar and baking soda directly into the drum before starting the wash cycle.

Set your machine to run a full cycle, allowing the vinegar and baking soda mixture to thoroughly clean and disinfect the drum, targeting any mold or mildew that may be present.

Let the machine soak for 30 minutes to an hour, giving the acid and alkali time to break down any remaining dirt and grime. After the cycle is complete, let the machine drain and use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum.

Source: Khoevadep

Frequently asked questions

Washing machines need to be cleaned regularly to remove built-up dirt, grime, soap scum, and mineral deposits. This buildup can cause your machine to become less efficient over time, leading to longer wash times and higher energy costs. Additionally, a dirty washing machine can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can leave your clothes smelling musty and feeling less than clean.

It is recommended to clean your washing machine at least once every three months. However, if you notice any signs of buildup or your machine starts to smell, it’s best to clean it more frequently.

The best way to clean a washing machine is to use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. First, run a empty load with hot water and vinegar to help remove any buildup and deodorize the machine. Then, sprinkle baking soda into the drum and run another empty load with hot water to freshen and neutralize any remaining odors.

While bleach can be effective at killing bacteria and removing stains, it is not recommended for regular use in cleaning your washing machine. Bleach can be harsh and damaging to the machine’s components over time. It is also important to never mix bleach with vinegar, as this can create a dangerous chemical reaction.

Yes, you can use lemon juice as a natural alternative to vinegar. Simply substitute lemon juice for vinegar in the cleaning process. Like vinegar, lemon juice is acidic and effective at breaking down buildup and removing odors.