You just finished doing a load of laundry and you go to open up your washing machine only to be hit with a musty smell. You know you need to clean it, but you’re not sure where to start. If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place. In this Fresh Home Guide Magazine article, we’ll show you how to clean your washing machine in just a few simple steps. Trust us, it’s not as daunting as it sounds!
Most people don’t realize that their washing machines need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Just like any other appliance in your home, if you don’t clean it, it can start to develop mold and mildew. Not only is this gross, but it can also be dangerous for your health. To clean your washing machine, you’ll need: white vinegar, baking soda, a toothbrush (or other small brush), and a microfiber cloth.
One of the most common challenges people face when it comes to cleaning their washing machine is dealing with mold and mildew. If you don’t clean your machine on a regular basis, these can start to build up, making your machine smell musty and gross. Not only is this unpleasant, but it can also be dangerous for your health.
We know that cleaning your washing machine can seem like a daunting task. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your washing machine in just a few simple steps. Trust us, it’s not as difficult as it sounds!
1. Why you need to clean your washing machine
Most people don’t realize that their washing machines need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Just like any other appliance in your home, if you don’t clean it, it can start to develop mold and mildew. Not only is this gross, but it can also be dangerous for your health.
Cleaning your washing machine on a regular basis will kill all the dangerous germs that may have found a home in there. These germs can lead to allergies, rashes, skin irritation, and harmful infections.
It’s important to grab the right cleaning products for you home and do a deep clean to keep yourself and your family safe.
2. Gather the supplies you’ll need
Before you start cleaning your washing machine, it’s important to gather all of the supplies you’ll need. This way, you won’t have to stop in the middle of cleaning to run out and get something. Trust us, it’ll make the process a lot easier!
White vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including your washing machine. Vinegar is especially effective at removing mold and mildew.
Baking soda is another versatile cleaning agent that can be used to remove stains and buildup from your washing machine.
A microfiber cloth is a great option for cleaning your washing machine because it’s super absorbent and won’t scratch the surface of your machine.
A scrub brush is a helpful tool for getting rid of tough stains and buildup. Just make sure you don’t use a brush with stiff bristles, as this could damage your washing machine.
3. How to actually clean your washing machine
Now that you have all of the supplies you need, it’s time to start cleaning! We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so that you know exactly what to do.
1. Start by unplugging your washing machine and removing any laundry that may be inside.
2. Next, Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water in a bowl.
3. Then, pour the vinegar solution into the detergent dispenser and run your washing machine on the longest and hottest cycle.
4. When the cycle is finished, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda around the inside of the washing machine tub.
5. Finally, wipe down the tub with a microfiber cloth or scrub brush to remove any lingering stains or buildup.
4. Tips for keeping your washing machine clean in the future
Now that you know how to clean your washing machine, it’s important to take some steps to keep it clean in the future. With a little bit of effort, you can prevent mold and mildew from developing in your machine.
1. Run your washing machine on a hot cycle at least once a week.
2. Add vinegar to your laundry detergent to help prevent mold and mildew growth.
3. Leave the door of your washing machine open after each use to allow it to air out.
4. Wipe down the inside of your washing machine with a microfiber cloth on a weekly basis.
5. Deep clean your washing machine at least once a month.
If you want to keep your washing machine clean, it’s important to take some proactive steps. First, make sure you’re running your machine on a hot cycle at least once a week. You should also add vinegar to your laundry detergent and wipe down the inside of your machine on a regular basis. Finally, deep clean your washing machine at least once a month. By following these tips, you can prevent mold and mildew from taking over your machine.
FAQ
1. How often should I clean my washing machine?
You should aim to clean your washing machine at least once a month. However, if you live in an area with hard water, you may need to clean it more frequently.
2. What’s the best way to clean my washing machine?
There are a few different ways to clean your washing machine, but we recommend using a vinegar solution and baking soda. These natural ingredients are effective at removing mold and mildew without damaging your machine.
3. Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
Yes, you can use bleach to clean your washing machine. However, we recommend using caution when doing so. Too much bleach can damage the inside of your machine.
4. What should I do if I have mold or mildew in my washing machine?
If you notice mold or mildew in your machine, it’s important to clean it as soon as possible. You can use a vinegar solution and baking soda to remove the mold and mildew. This will also help get the smell out of your washing machine. Just make sure you’re thorough in your cleaning so that the mold doesn’t come back.
5. I don’t have time to clean my washing machine every month. What should I do?
If you’re short on time, you can try running your machine on a hot cycle once a week. This will help prevent mold and mildew from developing in your machine. You should also add vinegar to your laundry detergent to help keep things clean.
6. Why do my clothes smell bad after washing them?
There are a few different reasons why your clothes might smell bad after washing them. It could be that your washing machine is dirty and needs to be cleaned. Or, you might be using too much detergent, which can leave behind a residue on your clothes. Another possibility is that your clothes are not getting enough air circulation when they’re drying. If your clothes are consistently smelling bad after being washed, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem so that you can get them clean and smelling fresh again.
7. Why is my washing machine leaving marks on my clothes?
If your washing machine is leaving marks on your clothes, it’s likely because it’s dirty. Over time, laundry detergent and fabric softener can build up on the inside of your machine and leave residue on your clothes. This can cause them to smell bad or look dingy. To fix the problem, you’ll need to clean your machine. You can use a vinegar solution and baking soda to remove the buildup and get your machine clean again.
8. Why have I started to see rust spots on my clothes?
If you’re seeing rust spots on your clothes, it’s likely because your washing machine is dirty. Over time, laundry detergent and fabric softener can build up on the inside of your machine and leave residue on your clothes. This can cause them to smell bad or look dingy. To fix the problem, you’ll need to clean your machine. You can use a vinegar solution and baking soda to remove the buildup and get your machine clean again.
9. How often should I clean my washing machine?
You should aim to clean your washing machine at least once a month. However, if you live in an area with hard water, you may need to clean it more frequently.
10. What is the best way to clean my washing machine?
There are a few different ways to clean your washing machine, but we recommend using a vinegar solution and baking soda. These natural ingredients are effective at removing mold and mildew without damaging your machine.
11. Will vinegar damage my washing machine
No, vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will not damage your washing machine. However, you should be sure to use it in moderation. Too much vinegar can damage the inside of your machine.
12. Will This Work On a Stainless Steel Washing Machine
Yes! You’ll be able to use the cleaning process on a stainless steel washing machine.
Check out our website for our guide to cleaning stainless steel appliances to learn how to clean stoves, fridges, and other stainless steel appliances.
