How to Effectively Clean Your Washing Machine at Home

Cleaning the Washing Tub

The starting point to keep your washing machine clean is to keep its core pristine, namely the washing tub. To do so, run it on a hot cycle/fill it with hot water along with a cleaning liquid. This liquid can be one as recommended by the manufacturer or one made by using two easily available household items – baking soda and white vinegar. Tip into the drum half a cup of baking soda, and in the detergent dispenser put two cups of vinegar. The dynamic duo works in tandem to keep the washing tub sparkling clean.Using a toothbrush or a small bottle brush to clean corners and after drying the tub thoroughly, leave the lid open for a couple of hours to disperse smells which may linger after using the cleaning liquid.

Using a toothbrush or a small bottle brush to clean corners and after drying the tub thoroughly, leave the lid open for a couple of hours to disperse smells which may linger after using the cleaning liquid.

• The manufacturer’s recommended cleaning liquid/cleaning tablet, or
• A combination of borax and washing powder (a couple of tablespoons of each), or
• Liquid chlorine bleach (half a cup diluted in water).

Alert: It is important not to mix vinegar and bleach as they release toxic fumes or vinegar and laundry detergent or any other type of chemical-based liquid and detergent powder/liquid soap. The owner’s manual will have dos and don’ts to follow for the safe usage of washing machine cleaning liquids.

Cleaning the Detergent Dispenser

The detergent dispenser in your washing machine is the tray in which you put the laundry detergent liquid or powder which automatically gets released once you start the wash cycle. The tray is removable and can be cleaned with plain soapy water. Dry it thoroughly before replacing.

Alert: Some machines come with more than one tray, such as a separate one for a fabric softening liquid and/or one for a pre-wash cycle. Read the owner’s manual to understand the symbols indicated for each tray, and clean all of them even if you do not use the extra ones.

Cleaning other Washing Machine Features

Each time you take steps to clean the washing tub and detergent dispenser, you should pay equal attention to cleaning other indispensable features of your washing machine.

• The Water Inlet: This controls the volume of water going into the washing machine during the wash and rinse cycles. The inlet can get clogged with sediment so it is advisable to clean it with water, but do so only if you know how to dismantle and put it back or wait for the technician who is servicing the machine as part of your service contract, to do so.
• The Lid: Soak a microfiber cloth in water and wipe down the lid or spray water and wipe down. Dry with a separate cloth.
• The Knobs: While most washing machines today have electronic display buttons for the various stages of the wash-rinse-spin cycle, on some models you will find rotating knobs. These need to be wiped down just like the lid and dried in the same manner.
• The Drain Hose Pipe: When you put the cleaning liquid in the water for the washing tub and drain out the water, that same combo of bleach and vinegar will flow through the drain pipe and cleanse it.
• Cleaning the Exterior: Use a damp microfiber cloth or towel to wipe down the front, back and sides of the washing machine, and then dry them with another cloth/towel.

Alert: Do not remove the back panels to check the innards if you feel something is clogged in the inlet/outlet hose connectors. Best to call a qualified technician to fix it.

Safety Tips before you begin Cleaning

• Check that no clothes or embellishments (e.g. zip or button) have remained in the machine
• Children, pets and infirm persons should be kept away from the laundry area
• Wear gloves when using cleaning liquids, especially if you have skin allergies
• Ensure proper ventilation in the laundry area as using cleaning liquids like bleach can create breathing issues
• DIY work to fix a technical problem should be avoided. Call a qualified technician for repairs

Conclusion

Some modern washing machines come with innovative features, including a self-cleaning feature. In the absence of such a feature, the handy guide we have provided will go a long way to learn how to effectively clean your washing machine at home. It is vital, though, to read your washing machine’s use and care guide before you begin cleaning it.

The laundry experts at Golden Class Laundry offer prompt, expert assistance for all your laundry needs. We use high-quality washing machines and take proactive steps to keep them clean on a regular basis after every washing service to ensure you receive your clothes back in an immaculate and fragrant condition.