If your washing machine is running into problems, it might just need to be cleaned. If you’re using a machine that has not given you any problems, make sure to clean it regularly so that it doesn’t pack up sooner than it should. Learning how to clean a washing machine is an easy task for which you need only a few simple tools and cleaning agents.
Two of the most common DIY methods require you to learn how to clean a washing machine with vinegar, and how to clean a washing machine with vinegar and baking soda. In this article, we will look at a few other items that can either be used on their own, or added to these two powerful cleaning products.
Regular Cleaning
If you feel that your washing machine does not require a deep or thorough clean, use the following two methods to get the job done:
1. Hot Water
Using hot water alone can work wonders for cleaning a washing machine. Simply run a hot cycle with no clothes in the machine to do the trick.
2. Laundry Detergent
Another method that will do a great job at cleaning your washing machine is by running a cycle as you usually would with laundry detergent, but without any clothing. The absence of clothes means the detergent will get to work at breaking down dirt and grime where need be.
Deeper Cleaning
If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your washing machine, using one of the following two methods will be your best bet:
1. Vinegar And Soda Crystals
Use the following 5 steps to give your washing machine a clean with these powerful ingredients:
- Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
- Set your washing machine to run on its hottest and longest cycle.
- When the first cycle comes to an end, put 500 grams of soda crystals into the drum.
- Run a second cycle with the same heat and time settings as the first one.
- Open the door and let the machine air-dry when the second cycle is finished. Wipe the drum down with a microfiber cloth if need be.
2. Ascorbic Acid & Citric Acid (Vitamin C)
Many of the other cleaning methods use a base of alkaline products, whereas this one utilises the power of acidity. Follow these 5 easy steps to clean your washing machine drum with the power of vitamin C:
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil, removing it from the heat as soon as the boiling commences.
- Pour 100 grams of citric acid powder and 200 grams of ascorbic acid powder into the water.
- Put a small amount of this homemade cleaning solution into the detergent drawer of your machine and the rest into the drum.
- Set the machine to run on a hot cycle.
- Open the door and let the machine air-dry once the cycle has finished. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth if need be.
Cleaning Other Parts Of The Washing Machine
While the inside of the machine may be the most important part to clean, don’t forget about the rest of it. Let’s look at the methods involved to clean the outside, the rubber seals, and the detergent drawer of your washing machine.
Cleaning The Outside
Cleaning the outside of your washing machine may not have any impact on the way it cleans your clothes, but it’s important to make your machine look spotless. Simply spray a microfiber cloth with vinegar and wipe down until clean. You can also use any regular appliance or household cleaner that is okay to use on washing machines.
Cleaning The Rubber Seals
The rubber seals are extremely important to clean as they are a great hiding place for mould, dirt, hair, and other unwanted substances. Use a cloth that’s been dampened with a mixture of soap and water to rub around the seals. Be careful not to rip or unseal them during the cleaning process.
Cleaning The Detergent Drawer
Remove the detergent drawer and soak it in hot water mixed with soap or dishwashing liquid. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away and get rid of as much dirt as possible. Be sure to rinse and dry the drawer thoroughly after cleaning it.
After giving your washing machine a thorough clean, it’s ready to get back to the job it does best – providing you with clean-looking and fresh-smelling clothes to wear. Give these cleaning methods a try and share them with those who may need them.
