How to Clean Your Washer
Keeping your washing machine clean is essential for maintaining its efficiency and prolonging its lifespan. Not only does it remove any bad smells and stains, but it also prevents mold and mildew growth. Not sure how to clean your washer itself? Here's what you need to know.
Washers may use plenty of different soaps and detergents to clean your clothes, but just because they're constantly swishing around soap and water does NOT mean your washer is clean. As your washer cleans the dirt and gunk from your clothing, towels, and sheets, the dirt and grime that get removed from fabrics accumulate inside of the washing machine in places you might not necessarily be able to see. Over time, if your washer isn't cleaned regularly, it can harbor all types of bacteria and residues, such as leftover detergent, hard-water deposits, and mold or mildew around the lid and in other parts of the appliance.
Here is a step-by-step guide for how to clean your washer:
Preparing the Washer for Cleaning
Begin by unplugging the washing machine and removing any dirty laundry from inside. You need to make sure you can work inside of and around the machine without any obstacles in the way or any potential risky issues, such as having the washer connected to a power source.
Cleaning the Outside of the Washer
Next, wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime. Pay special attention to the door seal and the control panel.
Depending on the type of washer you have, it's a great idea to check your appliance's manual to determine if certain cleaning supplies are safe for the seals and gaskets on your particular washer. However, if you've misplaced your manual or simply don't have time to look it up, using a damp cloth should be sufficient for the time being.
Cleaning the Interior of the Washer
To clean the interior drum, you can use a solution of white vinegar and water. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water and pour it into the detergent dispenser, then run a normal cycle on hot water.
You may also choose to use bleach as well, but be sure to never mix vinegar and bleach when cleaning.
Again, if you have your appliance's manual on hand, be sure to check for any specific cleaning instructions that may be applicable to your specific model.
Another great option that most of our team members here at TMR have had great success with using are tablets and powder packets specifically designed for cleaning washing machines. In most cases, you simply toss a tablet in or pour a packet of the cleaner into an empty drum, then run a cycle using hot water, and plenty of gunk and grime come out from the unseen nooks and crannies of the washer and can be manually wiped out afterward.
Regardless of which cleaner you choose to tackle the job, after the cycle is completed, wipe down the drum and the dispenser with a clean cloth to get out all of the dirt and residue that's come loose.
Cleaning Your Detergent Dispenser
The exact method for cleaning the detergent dispenser on your washer may vary depending on your specific model—again, be sure to consult your appliance's manual if you still have it—but in general, to clean the detergent dispenser, you'll simply remove it from the machine and wash it with soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it before placing it back into the machine.
The same applies for those whose washers have additional compartments, such as dispensers for fabric softener. Carefully remove the dispenser, if it's designed to be removed from the appliance, wash it with soapy water, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry, and then replace it back into the machine.
Clean Up the Exterior One Last Time
After you've gotten the worst of the cleaning job completed, you're going to want to do one last wipe-down of the exterior to make sure your washer is fully clean after getting all of the other components cleaned up.
You can simply use a mild detergent and water to clean the machine, and in most cases, many common cleaning supplies are safe to use on these external surfaces depending on your washer's model.
If you have any touch screens on your appliance, areas on the control panel where liquid may get into the controls, or any other areas that may potentially be damaged by using harsh or even mild chemicals, avoid using any products or excessively wet cloths that might damage these areas on your washer. Again, please consult your washer's manual for more information on how to safely clean certain parts of the appliance.
When you're done, be sure to wipe the washer dry with a clean cloth afterward if needed.
Let Your Washer Air Out
When the cleaning has finally been done, leave the door of your washer open to allow air to circulate and prevent any mold or mildew growth. Try to give your washer some time to properly finish air-drying out after its deep clean before using it again if possible.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washer?
It's recommended to clean your washing machine regularly, at least once a month, to keep it running smoothly. If you find yourself constantly running heavy loads of laundry on a regular basis, cleaning it more often may be necessary to keep your appliance in top shape.
By following the steps above, you can keep your washing machine clean, fresh, and in good working condition for a long time.
If a more basic clean doesn't seem to be getting the job done—such as in the case of a washer that's never been cleaned before is used quite heavily—you may also want to consider using washing machine cleaner products specifically designed for purposes like removing hard water stains, mineral buildup, or other types of residues that may be difficult to remove with standard cleaning products and methods.
However, yet again, you should always check the manufacturer's instructions and make sure that the product is compatible with your machine before using it and consult your appliance's manual to determine which products are best and safest for your specific machine.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your washing machine is an essential step in maintaining its efficiency and longevity, and staying on top of regular cleaning of your washer means that you can ensure that your machine is always running at its best.
For more cleaning tips, check out some of our other relevant posts: