How to clean your washing machine from germs and odors: tips

The need to clean appliances whose job is to clean seems a bit excessive. However, when it comes to a washing machine, this task becomes necessary.

In the process, the appliance accumulates small particles of fabric fibers, washed away dirt and soap residue, which are perfect for fungi and bacteria. Moisture inside the mechanism makes the conditions even more comfortable for them. And this, in turn, causes an unpleasant odor and worsens the quality of the washing machine. OBOZ.UA tells you how to clean it properly to get rid of these problems.

When you should think about cleaning your washing machine

If your machine emits an unpleasant odor, especially when it is running, or if the freshly washed clothes feel stale. If you often wash clothes in a low-temperature setting. If you like to add a lot of powder or gel and think that this will make things wash better. If you use the air conditioner regularly. These are all good reasons to clean your washing machine right now.

How to clean your washing machine

The good news is that you don't have to spend a lot of time and effort to get your washing machine back to clean. Some simple products and simple steps will help you remove all the dirt and bacteria from its mechanism.

There are a few general rules that you should follow no matter what type of washing machine you have. Start by draining all the water out of the machine and making sure there are no items in it – the products you'll need can severely damage them.

Be sure to clean all parts of the machine. Remove and rinse the detergent dispenser and wipe down the area behind it. Unscrew the filter that captures solid particles – it can become a source of germs in itself.

Take care of a good detergent for your washing machine. It can be either a factory powder or liquid, or something from your home stocks – distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or chlorine bleach. However, it is very important not to mix cleaning products in the washing machine. Doing so could result in a dangerous chemical reaction, toxic emissions, or damage to the appliance.

How to clean a top-loading washing machine

To clean your top-loading washer, start with the steps listed above. Next, select the longest and hottest wash cycle you can. Allow the drum to fill with hot water and pause the program. Add the detergent of your choice, such as distilled white vinegar, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or a specialty detergent, to the powder compartment. Then start the wash cycle.

When the machine is finished, remove the soap dispenser and lint filter and clean them separately. Then replace everything and run another long hot wash cycle without detergent. Afterward, wipe down all surfaces of the appliance and leave the door ajar to allow the machine to dry from the inside.

How to clean a front-loading washing machine

Front-loading washing machines are more prone to odors than their top-loading counterparts. They use less water, so it's more likely that excess detergent will build up inside. So prepare the device for cleaning and get to work.

Use a microfiber cloth, an old toothbrush, and a 1:4 solution of chlorine bleach and water. Use this mixture to wipe the machine door, all rubber gaskets, and the drum from the inside. Use a brush to clean the powder dispenser and the area behind it. Then put everything back in and run a short prewash cycle to clean the dispenser.

Wipe down the outside of the washing machine. Check the filter for lint and debris, then rinse it. Next, pour half a cup of liquid chlorine bleach into the powder compartment and fill the fabric softener compartment with the same amount. Run a long hot cycle, and after it is completed, dry the machine well.

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