May 30, 2022 • Tupac Bruch

How to clean a washing machine

If your washing machine is not working like it used to, the problem could be as simple as needing a good cleaning. If you find stains, patches of colour or your clothing look dingy; it might be your washing machine telling you it needs some attention. Cleaning your washing machine is easy, and it can save you a repair call. 

How often should you clean a washing machine?

The answer to this question depends on how much you use it. The dirt and grime in your clothing have to go somewhere, and it can get caught in the filters, inlets and outlets, and pipes. Soap scrub builds up and can act as a trap for dirt. Cleaning your washer every six months will keep your clothing and your machine fresh and clean. 

Some signs that your washing machine is in desperate need of a deep clean is a musty smell in your supposedly clean clothing. If your machine smells like dirty socks, then you need to clean it. If the inlets and outlets are clogged, it can interfere with the machine’s functioning by blocking water flow. This can lead to more costly repairs later. If this happens, one of the key signs is that soap might not be rinsed all the way out. 

Materials and tools

Here are the tools that you will need:

• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth or sponge
• Old toothbrush
• Bottlebrush

When it comes to what to use to clean a washing machine, you have several options. You can buy a washing machine cleaner that is formulated specifically for this purpose. Many people choose to use more natural products, such as vinegar and baking soda. The best washing machine cleaner is one that removes the soap film. When you clean a washing machine with vinegar, you need to make sure to rinse it well so that your clothing does not smell like vinegar. 

How to clean a washing machine

Before we get into the cleaning process, you need to check to see if your washing machine has a self-clean cycle. You can use that if it has one, but if it does not, you can do the washing machine cleaning using this simple process. 

1. Run a hot cycle. The first thing to do is run a regular cycle on hot, adding 60 mL of distilled white vinegar or cleaner instead of laundry soap. Add it to the detergent dispenser. This will not harm your machine, but it will prevent bacteria and mildew. 
2. Scrub the inside. Add vinegar or cleaner to the spray bottle and spray the inside of the drum. Use the old toothbrush and sponge to scrub the drum. The old toothbrush can be used to clean the cracks, crevices, and gaskets. 
3. Run one more empty load. Now, add another 60 mL of vinegar to the dispenser or sprinkle some baking soda directly in the drum. Run another cycle of hot water. 
4. Check the inlets. Check the inlets and outlets for build-up. Spray them with some vinegar or cleaner. You might try using a bottle brush to clean as much as you can. 
5. Wipe the outside. Spray the outside of the machine and the inside of the door. Wipe it down with the sponge. Use the toothbrush to clean around the hinges. 
6. Clean the filter. Take out the filter, run it under hot water and gently clean it with the toothbrush. Be careful not to damage it. Replace it into the machine. 
7. Dry the drum. Use the microfiber cloth to dry the drum or leave the door open to allow it to air dry.