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It may seem a little bit ironic, but your washing machine actually needs to be cleaned even though it’s a “washing” machine. It’s good to clean it about twice a year, but if you don’t know how, then it can get pretty frustrating and annoying. Here are some great tips how to deep clean your washing machine!
How To Deep Clean Your Washing Machine
Let’s face it, a washing machine works hard to clean all the clothes for your family. But, how often do you think of returning the favor and cleaning it?
Probably not often, right? Well, hopefully after you read this article you will remember how to deep clean your washing machine and do it at least twice a year.
Ready for the first step ? Here it is!
Hot Water
Fill the washing machine with hot water and then add one quart of chlorine bleach to the mixture. Let it agitate for about one minute and then let the solution sit for an hour. This helps kill germs and get into all the nooks and crannies of the machine.
Longest Cycle
Once it’s sat for a full hour, run your washing machine through the longest wash and spin cycle. This helps to really get the solution everywhere possible while also wiping and scrubbing at hard, stuck on dirt and grime.
Repeat Last Two Steps
Next, just repeat the last two steps (hot water and the longest rinse cycle). However, instead of using a quart of chlorine bleach this time, use a quart of distilled white vinegar. Again, let it agitate for a minute and sit for an hour before running it through the cycle.
Wash Exterior
While the washing machine is working away at cleaning the inside, dip a rag or sponge in the vinegar solution you just made and get to work cleaning the outside. Wipe down the buttons, all the sides of the machine, and any other parts that may be dirty.
Now that your washing machine is all clean, why not learn another tip about clean, fresh smelling towels
Mine has a cleaning feature on it.
That is all great! What I have found to be a culprit into smelly washing machines is mold under the rubber flaps that surround the top of the tub. Especially on front loaders. You have to make sure these rubber flaps are dry inside and out after EACH wash or they get moldy FAST!
This is what has happened to mine. I have to make sure it’s wiped after, and I leave the door open.
You should actually try to clean your washing machine once a month. Mold sous build up quick and dirty will get stuck in your washing machine so your clothes aren’t getting as clean as they should. Even if your washing machine has a cleaning feature you still need to disinfect
And never use bleach
Won’t bleach kill all of the good stuff in my septic?
I thought it said to use bleach and now it says to ever use bleach! So what is it? I am paranoid to use any kind of bleach in my washer for fear there will be some residue left over and the 1st wash will be ruined!
SIMPLE! Put in a load of white clothes ONLY. I always use Clorox brand bleach in almost everything, literally. I even pour small amt in the water and premix just before adding my son’s work jeans to help remove dirty knee stains. Works great. I always wipe the inside edges and around the outside down just to clean up any possible bleach drips. However I’m usually VERY careful with the bleach and hold over the water when measuring and pouring. I’m a bleach fan. I even buy the Bleach Foam at our local Wal-Mart. Great for squirting into a kitchen sink and wiping down just after using raw meat. I love it better than spray or pouring because there are no wild vapors being breathed into your lungs!!
Any solutions for those of us on septic systems. We were told by the company that installed our system not to use bleach. Help!
How do you do this with a front loader?
Here’s a link to cleaning a front loader https://wrappedinrust.com/how-to-clean-your-front-loading-washing-machine/
I didn’t know not to use bleach if had a septic. So Thanks!