We all depend on our washing machines to keep our families looking their best, but over time they can get really dirty from all the accumulated detergent. It’s also important to keep away mold and mildew and do whatever it takes to prolong the life of our washer and dryer. Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is proud to provide top-quality plumbing services in Norcross, Georgia, and the surrounding areas, and we always encourage you to contact us when you have questions or if you need to schedule emergency plumbing services. Follow these quick and easy instructions to deep clean your washing machine at least every six months, and you’ll enjoy clean and fresh clothes every time!
Procedure for Cleaning a Front-Loading Washing Machine
You should deep clean your washing machine at least once every six months using vinegar and baking soda. Distilled white vinegar and plain baking soda are both great natural cleaning products that most homeowners have on hand at all times, and they’re both also completely safe to use around your family and your pets. The chemical reaction that occurs each time that you mix these two common household ingredients has the penetrating cleaning power to get into all the places you can’t reach with a brush or a microfiber cloth. The procedures for top-loading machines and front-loading machines are slightly different. We’ll be discussing the process for cleaning your top-loading washing machine in more detail shortly.
1. Gather Up Your Supplies
You’ll need the following supplies for your washing machine deep clean. Generic products will work just as well as famous brands.
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush
2. Spritz the Inside of the Washer Drum
Add distilled white vinegar to your spray bottle and spray the inside of the washing machine drum. After you spray down all the surfaces of the washing machine drum, use a microfiber cloth to spread the vinegar over the entire surface of the washing machine’s drum.
3. Wipe Down Your Seals and Gaskets
A dirty gasket can transfer dirt and grime to your clean clothes each time that you pull them out of the washing machine, but it only takes a few seconds to keep it clean. Be sure to keep your spray bottle nearby and wipe down your gasket and seal every few loads.
4. Run a Cycle With Vinegar and Hot Water
Pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the detergent dispenser. Run the washing machine for a full cycle on the hot water setting.
5. Add Baking Soda and Run Another Cycle
The next step is to add half a cup of baking soda to the washing machine and run another cycle. Use the same settings and make sure that you’re running the longest available cycle for best results.
6. Wipe Everything Down
Spray some of your distilled white vinegar onto your microfiber cloth, and wipe down everything to finish up your deep clean. Be sure to wipe down the knobs and the control panel as well.
7. Allow the Washing Machine to Air Dry
Mold and mildew can make otherwise clean clothes smell bad all day long. Be sure to leave your washing machine’s door ajar once you’re finished with the deep clean. You can also wipe down the drum, door and exterior surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth to expedite the process.
Procedure for Cleaning a Top-Loading Washing Machine
You’ll use the same cleaning supplies to deep clean a top-loading machine, and the cleaning process is pretty similar to deep cleaning a front-loading model. Be sure to deep clean your top-loading washing machine every six months and more frequently if necessary.
1. Add Vinegar and Run the Machine
Add four cups of white vinegar, and run the washing machine to fill the drum with hot water. Allow the hot water and vinegar to sit for about an hour, and then run your washing machine on its longest cycle.
2. Wipe Down Exterior Surfaces
Spray your distilled white vinegar onto your microfiber cloth and wipe down everything while you wait. Don’t forget to wipe down the panel and all the knobs.
3. Scrub the Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispensers
Use your toothbrush and generous amounts of elbow grease to get your washing machine’s detergent and fabric softener dispensers clean. They can accumulate a lot of soap scum.
4. Add Baking Soda and Repeat the Cycle
Add a cup of baking soda after the first cycle is complete. Run the washing machine again with hot water for the longest available cycle.
5. Leave the Lid Open and Allow Your Washing Machine to Air Dry
After you run your second cycle, leave the lid up until everything is completely dry. You can also use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the lid and the washing machine drum.
Long-Term Maintenance Needs
Deep cleaning your washing machine every six months ensures clean clothes every time. It’s also a great way to prolong the life of your washing machine. Here are some more convenient tips to keep your washing machine immaculately clean all year long!
Use Foaming Cleaners Monthly
There are several inexpensive foaming cleaners available that use oxygen-based bleach and/or sodium carbonate products for a monthly refresh. All you have to do is add the powder or a slow-dissolving tablet to the drum and the suds and foam will do all the work!
Always Air Dry Your Washer
Mildew can form quickly, so leave the lid up or the door open after every load. Don’t close the lid or door until you’re sure that everything is completely dry.
Don’t Use Too Much Laundry Detergent
Adding extra soap to a large load doesn’t get them cleaner, and the soapy residue can really build up all the time. If your washer has a sanitize cycle, it will use the hottest water possible for a long cycle to kill bacteria. If you don’t have a sanitize cycle, select the hot setting.
Wipe Down Your Gaskets Frequently
Be sure to keep your spray bottle full of vinegar nearby to wipe away the grime from your gaskets and agitator after every few washes. Not all washing machines have lint filters, but don’t forget to clean yours regularly if your washer has one.
Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine
Don’t fill your washing machine beyond its recommended capacity. An overloaded washing machine is less effective, and running your unit over capacity creates unnecessary wear and tear on the unit.
Bardi Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has been providing professional plumbing, heating and cooling services in Norcross, GA, and the surrounding communities since 1989, and our NATE-certified technicians are always a phone call or a mouse click away when you need a plumber! Contact us 24 hours a day for emergency service, or to schedule a free estimate for professional HVAC, plumbing, or duct cleaning services.
