How to Clean a Washing Machine

Want your clothes to really be clean? Then you need to clean your washing machine! Over time, gunk builds up inside. I'm talking detergent, dirt, lint... It's gross. All this buildup can make your clothes smell bad and even mess up your washer. You wouldn't want that, right? So, let's learn how to clean your washing machine the right way.

Why Bother Cleaning Your Washing Machine?

Skipping washing machine cleaning can lead to problems. Big problems. Here's what can happen:

• Clothes won't get as clean. Bummer!
• Nasty smells. Think mold and mildew. Yuck!
• Allergies might act up. Bacteria loves dirty washers.
• Your washer might break down. Costly repairs are no fun.
• It might not last as long. Clean machines live longer lives!

Cleaning your washing machine is worth it! It saves you money and keeps your clothes fresh.

How Often Should You Clean It?

How often should you clean your washing machine? That depends. How much do you use it? Is your water hard? A good rule of thumb? Clean it at least once a month. If you use lots of fabric softener, or wash super dirty stuff, clean it more often. Keep an eye out for smells or gunk. If you see or smell something, clean it!

What You'll Need

Good news! You probably have what you need already. Here's the list:

• White vinegar. This is your go-to cleaner.
• Baking soda. Helps scrub and get rid of smells.
• Bleach (maybe). Only if your washer manual says it's okay. Use carefully!
• Clean cloth or sponge. For wiping.
• Old toothbrush. For getting into tight spots.
• Spray bottle (optional). Makes spraying vinegar easier.
• Rubber gloves (optional). For protecting your hands.

Cleaning a Top-Loading Washing Machine

With a Center Agitator

1. Empty the washer. Obvious, right?
2. Add vinegar and hot water. Fill the washer with hot water and 4 cups of white vinegar.
3. Run it a bit. Let it run for a few minutes to mix the vinegar.
4. Soak it. Turn off the machine and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Overnight is even better!
5. Drain and rinse. Drain the vinegar water and run a full rinse cycle with hot water.
6. Baking soda time. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda and run another full cycle with hot water.
7. Clean the dispensers. Take them out and scrub them with a toothbrush. Rinse and dry.
8. Wipe it down. Use a clean cloth to wipe the outside of the machine.

Without a Center Agitator (HE Washers)

1. Empty the washer.
2. Add HE cleaner or vinegar. Use an HE washer cleaner or 2 cups of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser.
3. Run the clean cycle. If your washer has a "clean washer" cycle, use it. If not, use the hottest water and largest load setting.
4. Extra rinse (maybe). Run an extra rinse to get rid of everything.
5. Clean the dispensers. Same as before - toothbrush, rinse, dry.
6. Wipe it down. Like before.
7. Leave the lid open. Let it air dry! This helps prevent mold.

Cleaning a Front-Loading Washing Machine

Front-loaders are really good at growing mold in the rubber gasket. Pay attention to this!

1. Empty the washer.
2. Vinegar in dispenser. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser.
3. Run the clean cycle. Again, use the "clean washer" cycle if you have it. If not, hottest water and an extra rinse.
4. Clean that gasket! Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the gasket. Wipe it down with a cloth. Use a toothbrush for the nooks and crannies.
5. Baking soda in the drum. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of baking soda in the drum.
6. Rinse again. Run another rinse cycle to remove any vinegar and baking soda.
7. Clean the dispensers. You know the drill.
8. Wipe it down. Wipe the outside, including the door.
9. Leave the door ajar. Let it air dry. This is super important!

Using Bleach (Be Careful!)

Bleach is strong stuff. Check your manual first. If it's okay to use bleach, here's how:

1. Empty the washer.
2. Bleach in dispenser. Add 1 cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser.
3. Hot water cycle. Run a full cycle with hot water.
4. Extra rinse. To get rid of all the bleach.
5. Air it out. Make sure the room is well-ventilated.

Important!

• Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia! It creates dangerous fumes.
• Don't use bleach on colored stuff. It can ruin it.
• Rinse, rinse, rinse! Get rid of all the bleach.

Keeping Your Washer Clean

Want to avoid big cleaning jobs? Here are some tips:

• Use the right amount of detergent. Too much is bad.
• Skip the liquid fabric softener. It can leave gunk.
• Wipe the gasket (front-loaders). After every wash.
• Leave the door/lid open. Let it dry!
• Clean the lint trap. Regularly.
• Clean it monthly. Stick to your cleaning schedule.

Troubleshooting

Musty Smells

Mold and mildew are the usual culprits. Clean the machine, especially the gasket on front-loaders. Leave the door open. Bleach (if allowed) can help kill the mold.

Not Draining

Check the drain hose for kinks. Clean the lint trap. If it's still not draining, call a pro.

Smelly Clothes

Could be a dirty washer, too much detergent, or overloading. Clean the washer, use less detergent, and don't stuff it full.

In Conclusion

Cleaning your washing machine is simple. It keeps your clothes fresh and your washer working well. Don't skip it! Your clothes (and your washing machine) will thank you.