There’s nothing worse than laboring over a load of laundry, only to open the door and be greeted by that dreaded musky odor. If this happens more than once, it’s probably time to give your washing machine some TLC of its own. Just like any other home appliance, these handy devices accumulate dirt, gunk and all sorts of residues that can cause harm to your go-to garments. Knowing how to clean a washing machine is essential to making sure your laundry is as fresh as can be!
In today’s blog, we’re going to share our best tips on how to clean a washing machine in 4 easy steps – keep reading to find out more.
How to Clean a Washing Machine
1. Clean Out the Detergent Drawer
Cleaning out the detergent drawer may seem counterintuitive, but residue can easily build up with each wash. The best way to achieve a spotless result is to remove it from the machine entirely and wipe it down with a regular household cleaning spray. We recommend using an old toothbrush to get a focused scrub inside and along the edges of the drawer, before returning it to its rightful place.
2. Remove Residue & Wet Lint From the Filter
The filter of a washing machine needs to be cleaned out regularly, especially the wet lint in the filter of washer which can build up over time. Every machine is different, but if the filter isn’t easily removable, you may have to unscrew it. Simply wipe it down with a cloth and remove any build-up before resuming your usual routine!
3. Sanitize the Machine
Next up, it’s time to sanitize the whole washing machine. Add bleach to the detergent drawer and put the machine on a long, hot wash. This will eliminate any bacteria, mold, and any potential viruses that have grown inside. Once complete, run a rinse cycle to get rid of any excess bleach, avoiding future harm to your clothes on the next wash. For DIY laundry ideas, consider making your own baking soda-vinegar cleaning mix; this saves money and often keeps your machine looking shinier than ever before!
4. Wipe Down the Outer Machine
The exteriors of our washing machines can collect fingerprints, bacteria and a whole host of undesirable substances, so don’t forget to give it some attention. Wipe down the outer door and drawers with your go-to household cleaning spray to get rid of any dust and dirt. You can also go over the inner parts once more to make sure you covered all the surfaces in the previous steps. Your machine will look brand new—inside and out!
It’s important to clean your machine regularly to keep things looking and smelling fresh. We recommend a deep clean at least once a month. While you’re giving your at-home machine a little respite, quit searching ‘laundry near me’ and visit your local Denver laundromat instead! If you live in the area, we’d love to see you at WaveMAX Thornton. Head to our website to learn more about our professional laundry services.
