Your washing machine needs cleaning just like your dishwasher or oven. It accumulates dirt and limescale. Regular care of its condition will allow us to enjoy fresh and fragrant laundry and the reliability of the device.
Not everyone knows that washing machines require regular cleaning. Contrary to appearances, it does not clean itself with every wash. On the contrary. During the washing process, limescale builds up on the machine’s components, remains on the laundry detergent, as well as hair, dust and other dirt from clothes.
How to clean a washing machine by yourself? Fortunately, it is not difficult. We suggest a few methods.
Vinegar is an absolute must-have in every household. It is suitable not only for seasoning dishes and marinating. It is an inexpensive and excellent cleaner for many surfaces. It is also ideal for cleaning the washing machine
Vinegar descales, disinfects and removes odors from the washing machine. The easiest solution is to pour 2 liters of vinegar and turn the washing machine on high temperature wash mode. The ideal temperature will be 90 degrees.
If you want to strengthen the effect, you can add citric acid or baking soda to the vinegar. To the mentioned 2-3 liters of vinegar, add 2 packets of citric acid or 4 packets of baking soda. Set the wash on (the washing machine should run empty, i.e. without clothes) and wait
The disadvantage of this solution is an unpleasant smell. Vinegar gives off a strong smell, which quickly spreads through the apartment. However, it is enough to air out the rooms and the problem is over.
If we do not want to buy a dedicated cleaner for the washing machine, but we are also the owners of a dishwasher, we can take advantage of this relationship.
Dishwasher tablets – usually used to clean dirty dishes – will be perfect for cleaning the washing machine. The capsules have bactericidal, fungicidal, degreasing and cleaning properties. Just put 2 tablets in an empty washing machine drum and turn on the wash at 60 degrees.
If we don’t feel like experimenting, we can buy agents dedicated to washing machine cleaning. They come in different forms: liquids, capsules and powders. They also differ in their application. Some of them should be used in an empty washing machine, others should be combined with each wash. These types of detergents can be bought in well-stocked drugstores, online stores and household appliances stores.
Cleaning the drum and the inside of the washing machine is the first step to keeping it clean. You should also remember to clean the powder drawer regularly. The detergents that are poured in and out often remain in the dispenser, creating sediment and an unsightly crust. When buying a washing machine, it is worth paying attention to whether the drawer can be completely removed. This gives the possibility of comfortable and thorough cleaning under running water.
It is also very important to regularly clean the filter. It is on the filter that large elements, which unintentionally got into the laundry, settle. There are tissues, coins but also hair and dust. The filter prevents these elements from getting further into the machine and clogging the drain pump
Unfortunately, an unclean filter can also lead to clogging, as a result of which the washing machine will stop draining water. A dirty filter in a washing machine is the most common cause of malfunctions of this device. Therefore, it is worth remembering about this activity and perform a cleaning procedure once every 2-3 months.
Often overlooked element of a washing machine during its cleaning are seals. This is also where dirt and debris accumulates. Smaller dirt can be simply removed with a damp cloth. If the gasket has a larger deposit, you can successfully use a paste of soda and vinegar
You can also pour baking soda into the gasket and then spray it with vinegar. The mixture should foam up. After a few minutes, just wash the surface with a damp cloth.
Main photo: Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock
