We have found you a new weekend project: deep cleaning your washing machine.
You probably didn’t know until now that what cleans your clothes need a little cleaning every now and then, too. After all, it doesn’t seem to be something that gets dirty, right? Wrong.
While detergents and all other laundry products freshen your clothes, they also tend to leave a residue that can build up over time. When left untreated, it can render your washing machine less effective—it doesn’t clean your clothes as well as it used to and there’s a lingering odour both in your garments and the washer itself.
Even when you use your washing machine exclusively for your clothes and take your bedding and curtains to a Singapore curtain cleaning service, the time will come that you’ll have to deep clean your washer.
How to Deep Clean Your Washing Machine in 3 Steps
Cleaning your washing machine is quite an easy task and one that you can accomplish with items probably already in your home. Continue reading for the step by step guide.
Step 1: Run a hot cycle with vinegar
Start by running a cycle with the hottest water setting and for the longest time possible. Then, instead of adding detergent, add two cups of white vinegar. This kitchen staple is a natural cleaning ingredient that can help prevent bacteria growth and remove any lingering odour in your machine.
For top-load washing machines, add four cups of vinegar instead of two. Let your washing machine soak in the mixture for at least one hour before finishing the cycle.
Step 2: Scrub
When the cycle is finished, scrub the inside of your washing machine with a sponge soaked in a mixture of water and vinegar. You can also use a brush to get rid of any dirt and residue, paying particular attention to your soap and softener dispensers where a lot of gunk can build up.
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Step 3: Run a second hot water cycle with baking soda
After scrubbing, run another wash cycle—this time with a cup of baking soda. Choose the hottest water setting for the longest cycle possible. Once done, use a microfibre cloth to wipe out the interior of your washing machine and remove the last traces of dirt. You might want to use this time to wipe down the rest of your washing machine, too.
Congratulations! Your washing machine is clean and ready for your next load of laundry. Now, all that’s left to do is to ensure proper use and maintenance to keep it fresh until it’s time for another deep clean.
How to Keep Your Washing Machine Clean Longer
- Let your machine dry in-between loads of laundry
Because your washer uses water to clean clothes, make sure that you let it dry completely between loads of laundry. Keep it level on the floor to ensure proper drainage. Leave the door open for a few hours to air it out and let any moisture evaporate, thus preventing mould and mildew growth.
- Use plenty of water for each load
Your dirty clothes, particularly your towels and bedding can contribute to bacteria growth inside your washing machine. Make sure to use enough water for each load to drain dirt and excess soap fully after each cycle.
- Do not overload your washer
The general rule of thumb is to load clothes into the machine until it’s two-thirds full. It should be loosely packed—otherwise, when it’s too full, your clothes will not have enough room to agitate. It means they will not be as clean as you want them to be.
- Do not use too much detergent
Using more detergent than recommended can be bad for your clothes and your washing machine. The extra soap suds can leave residue on your clothes—the unsightly white marks that can also smell. It can also wear down your washing machine and worse, cause it to malfunction in the long run.
- Do not store dirty clothes inside your washing machine
While it eliminates the need for a dirty clothes basket, storing dirty clothes inside your washer can help promote bacteria growth, where mould and mildew can also thrive. Moisture can build up on your clothes and cause mould growth and possibly even stubborn stains. Never store dirty clothes in your washer, particularly wet items.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
How often you should clean your washers depends on a few factors including the type of your machine, how often you use it, and your living conditions.
For example, a top-load washing machine should be cleaned every 6 months—3 months if you’re using hard water. Meanwhile, front-load washing machines tend to use less water and are more likely to collect bacteria faster. Therefore you should consider cleaning yours at least every 1-2 months.
If you are living in a humid area or regularly dealing with extremely dirty clothes, you might want to increase the frequency of cleaning. It’s all a matter of paying attention to how clean your clothes are after a laundry cycle. Do they seem as dirty as when you threw them in? Or smelling worse than ever? Then it’s probably your washing machine that needs a good clean.
Professional Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services by Clean Care
A good deep clean can keep your machine working at its best and ensure that your clothes are sanitary and smell fresh again after a cycle. Now that you know how to clean your washing machine, here’s another laundry tip: take your curtains and bedding to the dry cleaners instead.
Besides keeping them from contributing to the bacteria buildup inside your washing machine, engaging the help of a professional curtain cleaning service is a great way to ensure that your fabrics are gently yet thoroughly cleaned. With these services, you wouldn’t have to worry about damaging your curtains or linens every time you put them in the washer.
Clean Care is a professional cleaning company that offers premium laundry and dry cleaning services for your clothes, bedding, curtains, and more. Visit their website to learn more.
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