How to Clean Your Washing Machine in 4 Easy Steps. Have you ever noticed a foul, musty smell coming from your clothes or washing machine, especially when loading or transferring laundry? If the answer is yes, then your washing machine needs some cleaning. Even though it cleans your clothes and linens, your washing machine also needs attention and care to keep functioning at its best. Today, our domestic cleaning specialists share a tried-and-tested 4 step guide on cleaning your washing machine at home.

Issues caused by a dirty washing machine

Over time, your washing machine can accumulate leftover detergent, fabric softener, body soil, and dirt from every load, creating an environment perfect for mildew, mould, and odours to thrive. The effects are not only limited to bad smells: the detergent, fabric softener, and soil left behind in the dispenser, inner parts, and drum can transfer to clothes, leaving them looking dull, grey, or with white streaks on dark fabric. If water is allowed to puddle, mould and mildew can form on the rubber door gasket on front-load washers and in the detergent dispensers. Therefore, it’s crucial to deep-clean your washing machine at least once a month and take simple steps after each load to keep it fresh and clean.

4 easy steps to a clean washing machine

You will need:

• An old toothbrush
• 4 cups of white distilled vinegar
• 2 + 1 cups of bleach
• A mixing bowl
• A cleaning sponge
• Microfibre cloth

1. Clean the detergent drawer

You want to start by cleaning the detergent drawer. By removing all the built-up gunk and dirt, you will prevent it from soiling the washer when you continue with the next cleaning steps.

1. Start by removing the drawer from the washing machine and taking it apart.
2. Thoroughly rinse each part of the drawer with hot water.
3. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or residue.
4. Once cleaned, wipe the drawer dry with a clean cloth or allow it to air dry completely.
5. Reassemble the drawer and carefully reinsert it back into the machine.

2. Clean the gasket

Sometimes, the dingy smell comes from mildew and dirt trapped in the gasket of your washing machine. Here’s how to deal with this issue:

1. Mix 1 cup of bleach and 1 cup of warm water into a bowl.
2. Dip the sponge into the solution, wipe down the gasket and pull the rubber apart to wipe inside the crevice.
3. Let the solution sit, do its job for 10 minutes, and dissolve the mouldy gunk.
4. Wipe off the bleach with a clean cloth dipped in water.

3. Run a hot cycle with vinegar

The acidity of vinegar will dissolve any hard water buildup in your washing machine.

1. Pour 2 cups of white distilled vinegar directly into the drum and the remaining vinegar into the detergent drawer.
2. Run a cycle on the hottest temperature setting of your washer, or use the self-cleaning program if your machine has one.
3. Run an extra rinse cycle to make sure there’s no vinegar residue.

4. Run a hot cycle with bleach

While vinegar dissolves hard water deposits, it may not kill bacteria that cause mould and mildew. That is why you need to run a second cycle with bleach.

1. Pour 2 cups of bleach into the detergent drawer.
2. Run a cycle on the hottest temperature setting, or use the self-cleaning program if your machine has one.
3. Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure no bleach is left in your washer.

To complete the cleaning process, use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior of the washing machine.

Important! 

Never mix bleach and vinegar because it creates toxic gas. Use an exhaust fan or open windows for proper ventilation in the area when cleaning with bleach.

How to Prevent Your Washing Machine From Developing Unpleasant Odours?

Using bleach and vinegar in separate hot water cycles will clean away bacteria, mould, oil, dirt, soap scum, and mineral deposits from the washing machine’s drum and hoses. However, besides this monthly deep cleaning, there are a few things you can do to prevent bad smells in your washer:

• After each use, leave the machine door open to allow air to circulate and dry out any remaining moisture. This will prevent musty smells from developing.
• Make sure to remove your clean clothes promptly after the cycle ends to prevent a musty odour from developing in the washtub.
• If you have a pet that sheds, you may find pet hair in your washer after running several loads. To remove pet hair, leave the door open until the pet hair and drum are thoroughly dry, and then vacuum it out using your vacuum’s soft brush attachment.
• Check the gasket regularly to ensure that no small items, like baby socks, are trapped inside, and dry it with a towel to keep mould away.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe any drips of detergent or softener on the front, sides, and top of the machine and dispenser. When still wet, these residues are easier to remove, so do it as soon as you notice them. This will keep bacteria and mould at bay and keep your washer looking its best.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending list of chores? Do you need more free time to yourself? Our home cleaning experts can help you with various tasks around the house, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance keeping your place nice and tidy!