Your washing machine is vital in keeping your clothes clean and smelling fresh. As time passes, it tends to accumulate dirt, grime, and residue from detergents, resulting in unpleasant odours and potentially impacting your laundry’s cleanliness. To ensure optimal performance, cleaning your washing machine regularly is essential.
Why clean your washing machine?
- Banishing unpleasant odors – A neglected washing machine develops a stale smell from mildew, mould, and bacteria accumulation. This unpleasant odour transfers to your laundry, leaving it less than fresh.
- Avoid accumulated residue – Laundry detergent, fabric softener, and grime build up in your washing machine, leading to a residue that can hinder its performance and potentially damage your clothes.
- Extending the lifespan of your machine – Regular maintenance and cleaning can help preserve your washing machine’s efficiency, prolonging its life and saving you money in the long term.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning your washing machine
- Empty the washing machine – Before you begin cleaning, ensure that your washing machine is empty. Remove any clothing or items left inside the drum.
- Run a hot water cycle – Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting and the most extended cycle. This will help loosen any dirt and grime stuck in the machine.
- Add laundry detergent – Once the hot water cycle begins, add a generous amount of laundry detergent to the drum. For a standard-sized washing machine, use about 1 cup of detergent. You may need to use more if your machine is more giant or heavily soiled.
- Let the cycle run – Allow the hot water cycle to run entirely. Combining hot water and laundry detergent will help break down residue and kill bacteria.
- Wipe down the machine – After the cycle finishes, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum, focusing on any visible residue or stains. Remember to clean the rubber seal around the door, as this area harbours mildew.
- Clean the detergent dispenser – Remove the detergent dispenser and soak it in hot, soapy water for about 15 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any built-up residue. Rinse the dispenser thoroughly and dry it before placing it back in the machine.
- Run another cycle – To rinse any remaining detergent and dirt, run another hot water cycle without adding any detergent. This will ensure that your washing machine is thoroughly cleaned.
- Wipe the exterior – Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of your washing machine, including the control panel and any knobs or buttons. This will remove any dust, dirt, or detergent residue that may have accumulated on the surface.
Cleaning your washing machine with truly free laundry detergent is a simple and effective way to maintain your machine’s hygiene and performance. A well-maintained washing machine not only keeps your clothes cleaner but also helps extend the life of your appliance, saving you time and money in the long run. So, make washing machine cleaning a regular part of your household maintenance routine, and enjoy the benefits of fresh, clean laundry every time.
