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Everything needs to be cleaned once in a while, and a washing machine is no exception. After washing loads of dirty laundry, the inside of the machine can get stained, and odors may cling to its walls and get transferred to your clothes. Keep reading to learn how to clean your machine. Luckily, you probably won't need anything you don't already keep around the house.
Steps
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Fill the machine with hot water. Newer models of front-loading machines often have self cleaning cycles, so if this is the case with yours, fill it with hot water on this setting. If you don't have a self-cleaning cycle, just fill it with hot water.
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Add a quart of bleach for stain removal. If the inside of your washer is stained, bleach will do the trick. Add it through the dispenser so that it mixes with hot water, then let the machine finish the rest of the washing cycle. [1] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Clean the rubber seal on the door. This area is prone to mold growth, since water can get trapped between the seal and the machine. Use an all-purpose cleaner and a sponge or paper towel to clean under and around the seal. [2] X Research source
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Clean the dispensers. Make sure the the powder and liquid detergent dispensers are free of hair and other debris. Use an all-purpose cleaner or a vinegar and water solution and a sponge to remove traces of detergent, dirt and anything else that could clog your dispenser. [3] X Research source
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Fill the machine with hot water. The easiest way to do this is to turn on the hot wash cycle and interrupt it after the water has been filled. You could also heat up water in the kitchen and transfer it to the machine.
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Add a quart of chlorine bleach. Turn the washing cycle on for a few seconds to let so that the agitation function mixes the bleach and the water, then turn it back off and let the chlorine mixture sit for at least an hour. This will start lifting the grime, mildew and other substances inside your washing machine. [4] X Research source
- If you'd prefer not to use bleach, you can use a special machine cleaner instead. These are available for purchase at grocery stores in the detergent aisle.
- For a natural alternative, add a quart of white vinegar instead of bleach or cleaner. [5] X Research source
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Finish the washing cycle. After an hour, let the machine complete the washing cycle. At this point the inside of the machine is sanitized.
- If the machine smells like bleach once the cycle is complete, fill it with hot water and pour in a quart of vinegar. Let it sit for an hour, then run the washing cycle once more. [6] X Research source
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Clean the dispensers. Use a vinegar water solution and a scrubber to clean the places where you insert powdered or liquid detergent. Dirt, hair, and other debris tends to pile up there, so cleaning these areas is an important part of keeping the inside clean, too. [7] X Research source
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Remove wet clothes promptly. Leaving wet clothes in the machine, even for a few hours, can lead to mold and mildew growth, which affects the smell of your clothes and the functionality of your machine. Transfer wet clothes to the dryer or clothesline immediately after the cycle is complete. [8] X Research source
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Leave it open after washing. Closing the door of your washing machine after a cycle is complete traps in the moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. To prevent this from happening, simply leave the door open so the remaining water can evaporate. [9] X Research source
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Make sure the machine parts stay dry. If your machine has a soap or softener drawer that gets wet during the washing process, take it out to dry when the cycle is complete. Only replace it in the washer when you're sure that it's thoroughly dry.
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Deep clean once a month. Everyday maintenance helps prevent the washing machine from getting too mildewy, but it's still necessary to give it a deep cleaning about once a month. Use one of the methods outline above to keep your machine smelling fresh and working efficiently for years to come. [10] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I clean beneath the drum of the washing machine?Bruna Coutinho is a Cleaning Expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over 10 years of experience and over 200 recurring customers, Bruna's Cleaning Services provides a variety of cleaning solutions to the DE, NJ, and PA areas. While boasting eco-friendly cleaning practices, some of Bruna’s specialties include Deep Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Post Construction Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning. In 2023, Bruna's Cleaning Services was voted a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor.Start by removing the drum spinner using a screwdriver. Once removed, clean the exposed drum with a mixture of bleach, vinegar, water, or baking soda. Rinse with warm water and repeat if there's still stains or buildup.
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QuestionWhy did my 8 year old front loader put black streaks all over my laundry that I cannot remove?Community AnswerI would say that the rubber gasket is worn out. All the water, detergent, and other chemicals have softened it and it is leaving the black streaks. Replace the gasket and I bet the marks will go away.
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QuestionHow do I unclog my the water lines of my washing machine?Community AnswerIf your machine is front load, there is likely a filter accessible from the front of your machine. Grab a pail to catch the water. When you twist open that filter to check it, all that backed up water will spill out. Then you can easily scoop out the soggy nastiness clogging the drain filter. I would check this filter weekly. If you can clean it before it clogs, you don't have to worry about flooding your laundry space.
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Tips
- Don't use paper towels to clean the inside of your washing machine. Sure, it gets clean, but it doesn't prevent moss growth.Thanks
- Use phosphate-free soaps/detergents in order to improve the health of our ecosystem.Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning, check out our in-depth interview with Bruna Coutinho .
References
- ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/how-to-clean-your-top-loading-washing-machine/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-mold-from-rubber-seals/
- ↑ https://dengarden.com/cleaning/How-To-Clean-Washing-Machine
- ↑ https://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/learn-it/laundry-101--how-to-clean-your-washing-machine
- ↑ https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/clean-your-front-loading-washing-machine/
- ↑ https://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/How-Clean-Your-Front-Loading-Washing-Machine-30510521
- ↑ https://dengarden.com/cleaning/How-To-Clean-Washing-Machine
- ↑ https://www.marthastewart.com/1513029/leaving-wet-laundry
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/products/washer-care-maintenance/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To clean the inside of a washing machine, carefully fill the machine with hot water from the tap. Then, add 1 quart of bleach to the machine to remove stains and marks from the inside. Wet a rag or sponge with an all-purpose cleaner, and wipe down the rubber seal on the door to remove mold and mildew growth. Dry the area with a clean towel, and wipe out the dispensers with all-purpose cleaner. Turn your washer on the self-cleaning cycle and let it run to completion. For cleaning tips specific to a front- or top-loading machine, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I have found, on an agitator washing machine with the fabric softener dispenser on top of agitator, by putting water in first then the liquid softener keeps the cup from getting a build up on it." ..." more
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"I have found, on an agitator washing machine with the fabric softener dispenser on top of agitator, by putting water in first then the liquid softener keeps the cup from getting a build up on it."
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"My quest was a simple one, how to clean top loading machine. What I enjoyed were the questions at the end (presently left unanswered), that made me feel really smart. Gave me a chuckle...really."
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"I have a fairly new washing machine. However, I have a very old house with many problems. I would like to give it to my daughter, but not until I know it's completely clean. Thank you so much."
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"It was helpful getting specific advice for various situations, and being advised how often to do a deep clean and how to maintain it. Thank you. :)"
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"I wanted to know the eco way of cleaning a washing machine. Vinegar and lemon juice seems to clean most items."
