How to Clean a Washing Machine
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How to Clean a Washing Machine and hope the blog can help you.
Every now and then, the appliance responsible for cleaning your lucky socks and favorite sweater needs a little TLC itself. Neutralize odors and maximize efficiency with these easy maintenance musts.
When you throw a load of laundry into the washing machine, your clothes emerge stain- and sweat-free, and that’s a wonderful thing. But how often do you actually wash the washer? It might seem counterintuitive, since this appliance deals entirely in detergent and suds, but if left untouched, it could eventually leave your favorite outfit smelling worse than it did in the hamper. Fortunately, using only a few household staples, cleaning your washing machine is a breeze.
Before You Begin Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Savvy DIYers know that any cleaning or home improvement project will run smoother and take far less time if you do a little bit of prep work in advance, including organizing your supplies and preparing the work area. When it comes to cleaning your washing machine, the first thing is to remove any clothing from the interior and any items, such as detergent bottles, from the top.
Next, unplug the unit and secure the plug above the machine with tape or a clamp so that it is not exposed to water or cleaning fluids. Some water might remain standing in the interior or in the drum, and therefore it is necessary to drain the water. There are slightly different procedures for draining a top-loading unit and a front-loading model (see How to Drain a Washing Machine for detailed instructions).
Once you have drained the water, follow your nose: A general sour odor can be readily addressed with commercial washing machine cleaners. If you smell mildew or mold in the washing machine, you might want to break out the bleach or vinegar, depending on what type of tub you have.
Finally, if you have hard water, you might need to give your washing machine some extra TLC. Hard water can wreak havoc on home appliances, causing limescale buildup and diminished performance over time.
Cleaning Product Recommendations
There are a variety of commercial cleaning supplies on the market today that are specially formulated to leave your washing machine sparkling and free of odors. (You can also use some DIY cleaning staples—such as hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or vinegar—depending on the construction of your washer.) Commercial cleansers come in four basic types: liquids or gels, tablets, sprays, and wipes. Here are some of our top-rated picks:
- OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters is a powder that comes in premeasured pouches. To use it, simply add it to the washer drum and run a hot wash cycle. This product is safe for septic tanks and does not contain phosphates.
- Lemi Shine Natural Washing Machine Cleaner + Wipes, a citrus-based cleaner that combines a cleaning powder and wipes to tackle both the inner and outer surfaces of your washing machine. It’s nontoxic and biodegradable, and contains no bleaches or phosphates.
- Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner tablets dissolve into a cleansing foam during the wash cycle. The eco-friendly cleansers are safe for septic systems and don’t have a heavy fragrance.
- Oh Yuk Washing Machine Cleaner for All Washers is a liquid that breaks down leftover detergent, dirt, and oils, removing them in the rinse cycle and leaving behind a natural fresh citrus scent.
- Glisten Washer Magic Machine Cleaner is a liquid cleanser formulated to target limescale, dissolve mineral deposits, and remove soap scum and odors without harsh chemicals. It can be used to clean the inside and outside of a washing machine.
- Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets dissolve slowly into a cleansing foam during a hot water cycle. The tablets can dissolve limescale and other deposits and leave behind a light, fresh scent. (Be sure to read a Bob Vila contributor’s evaluation of how well Affresh washing machine tablets work.)
If You Have Hard Water
Hard water can cause a number of issues with major appliances, including limescale and mineral deposits in your washing machine, as well as in water lines and hoses. An estimated 85 percent of U.S. homes have some degree of hard water, which is caused by minerals such as magnesium and calcium dissolved in the water.
Hard water can reduce the performance and efficiency of your washer, and shorten its effective lifespan. Excessive buildup of limescale and minerals also can lead to the need for costly repairs. Hard water also can leave an unsightly and hard-to-remove white residue on your freshly-cleaned laundry, or leave laundry feeling stiff and scratchy.
Many commercial cleansers are specially formulated to remove limescale and mineral deposits; you also can turn to good old-fashioned white vinegar as part of your regular cleaning routine by pouring a few cups of white vinegar and running the hot water cycle. (If you use vinegar, don’t do it often—over time, the acid can break down the rubber gaskets in your washing machine.) A more expensive but effective solution is to invest in a whole-home water softener, which will help prevent limescale and mineral buildup inside your washing machine, as well as in any other water-using appliances such as dishwashers and ice makers.
How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine
Like it or not, loose dirt inevitably collects in a top-load washing machine. And if you own a pet, you can be sure that some of its fur—somehow, some way—will find its way into the appliance. So even though your clothes come out clean, contaminants are left behind on the inside of the washer. From week to week, remember to wipe it out so that lingering crud doesn’t land in your next load of laundry.
Tools & Materials
Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.