Cleaning a Washer - A Must Or a Joke?

During long-term use, if they are not maintained regularly, various dirt may accumulate in washing machines - powder and soap residue, unpleasant odors, and accidentally, even small objects from your pockets. If you notice that your machine needs refreshing, it may be time for you to clean your washing machine. Doing so will prevent the appearance and spread of unpleasant odors, formation of mold, and the accumulation of dirt. Whether it's a front-load or a top-load machine, this article will provide you with useful tips on how to ensure that your washer lasts for a long time, washes well, and will ensure clean, pleasant-smelling laundry. 

Washer cleanliness is essential for the appliance to work properly and give you maximum washing results. Cleaning the washer should be easy and shouldn’t require much of your time. Let's start with the importance of understanding your washing machine- first read the instructions, as well as the indications regarding its maintenance. Note that some manufacturers specifically prohibit the use of certain cleaning products in their washers and some cases this can void the warranty.

Like all the other appliances, washers require regular maintenance in order to provide you with maximum results.  Whatever model you have, regular maintenance is required. Depending on how hard it works and how often you use the washer, a deep cleaning every month is recommended. If this seems too often to you or you don't use it so often and intensively, it's good to clean it once every few months.

The first thing you should know about cleaning your washer is that hot water alone will do a lot of work. Therefore, if your washer hasn't been cleaned yet, using the hottest empty cycle will be a good start. You can use washer cleaner or a little laundry detergent, but even near-boiling water should get you good results, making your machine cleaner and better. If you decide to use detergent, use a small amount to avoid creating soap scum, which can make the final rinsing cycle difficult. If your washer has a self-cleaning program, utilize this cycle every month to a few months for regular maintenance. Be sure to read the instructions to know how this program works and whether the use of detergent is recommended or not.

Remove the detergent container on the front of the washer or check the manual if you need any advice on how to remove it completely. After that, soak the container in hot soapy water. Using an old toothbrush, clean off any soap or mold if any. Then wash it thoroughly and dry it with a kitchen towel. Before you put it back in its place, clean the cavity as well - dirt may accumulate in more difficult places to reach.  

We all know that alcohol vinegar is the perfect solution for cleaning various devices and surfaces, so it's also used to clean washers. It's a great and natural way to kill bacteria and disinfect, and its smell will disappear during the rinse cycle. Whether you have a front-load or top-load washer, you can very easily apply some for thorough cleaning with ingredients that almost all of us have in our kitchens - vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. 

There are several ways these ingredients can be combined or applied separately.  To start, pour a cup of vinegar into the drum of the washer, and add a mixture of baking soda and water to the container for detergent and fabric softener. Choose one of the hottest wash cycles so that the combination of high temperature, large amount of water, and your chosen ingredients work properly to eliminate dirt and unpleasant odors. After that, wipe the drum, excess water from the rubber on the door and the outside with a dry cloth. After making sure that the interior is completely dry and wiped, it’s best to leave the door open so that any remaining moisture will dry out and the washer will be ready for future use.

The protective rubber on the door of the washer, as well as the detergent container, are ideal places for the formation of mold, accumulation of water, as well as the accumulation of dirt. You may also find coins, hair, or other small items in there. To clean these areas, it’s good to use a soft cloth slightly soaked in soap and wipe the rubber. We advise you not to put too much soap, as well as not to use strong chemical-based products which can damage the rubber. When possible, wipe off any debris stuck in the rubber’s cavities, and if necessary, gently remove stubborn dirt or limescale with an old toothbrush and a little vinegar. The more you take care of your appliance, the easier the maintenance.

The washer filter is usually located under the door of the drum and just above floor level. It prevents dirt, hair, and even small objects like buttons and other accidental items left in pockets, from reaching the water pump. Therefore, it has a very important function, and it should be regularly maintained. Just like the detergent container, the filter can be a great place for mold and germs to grow, which can make your washer work poorly. Check the instructions on how to remove the filter cover if it is fixed, and how to remove the filter. The user manual should also explain how to clean the filter. You may need to place a bowl or a tray on a towel under the washer to prevent problems with leaking water. After washing and cleaning, carefully put everything back in its place, close the lid and the washer is clean and ready for future use.

Although it may seem difficult at first, it would be ideal to check the important components of your machine that can accumulate dirt  - that is the rubber on the door, its folds, and the drum - every few cycles. If necessary, wipe them off immediately, in order to prevent the accumulation of dirt. If your washer has a lint filter, be sure to clean it every few cycles. And finally, never overload the washer. Loading the washer beyond its capacity is hard on the appliance and can cause it to wear out faster. 

Practicing some of these tips and suggestions will help your washer will work smoothly, wash perfectly, and last longer. Feel free to check out our vast array of washers for sale at Townappliance.com