How to clean a washing machine

Front load washer cleaning

An unpleasant smell may come from the washing machine that affects the smell of the clothes in it for several reasons. Including the blockage of the strainer or the drain located in the small door at the base of the washing machine, or the accumulation of mold behind the washing machine basin, in this case it is possible to seek the help of a person with full knowledge and experience in repairing washing machines to clean them, and the user’s manual attached to the washing machine can also be used, as the problem may be solved in it.

The unpleasant smell resulting from the gasket of the washing machine door, which is called the rubber sealant, and the detergent dispenser, is eliminated by using a toothbrush to reach each of the cracks, gaps, and edges, with the need to remove hair, lint or lint of clothes, and petrified dirt, then Wipe the washing machine inside and out with a cloth dipped in vinegar.

A front-loading washing machine can be cleaned by following these steps:

• Ingredients needed:
  • Two cups of vinegar.
  • A quarter cup of bicarbonate of soda.
  • A quarter cup of water.
  • sponge.

• How to prepare:
  • Mix the water and baking soda well.
  • Put the mixture in the detergent drawer of the washing machine.
  • Pour vinegar into the washing machine tub.
  • Run the washing machine at a high temperature.
  • Clean the door of the washing machine well with a sponge after the end of the washing cycle.

Top load washer cleaning

It is advised not to use abrasive or caustic detergents, especially those that contain ammonia, to clean the washing machine, because it may cause damage to the washing machine. Therefore, it is recommended to clean with vinegar instead, with the possibility that it sometimes causes an unpleasant odor if a small amount of it is not used. As for advice related to maintenance matters, it is necessary to change Hoses for filling water every five years, and it is preferable to place a label on these hoses with the date on which they were replaced, and several steps must be followed to clean the top-loading washing machine, as follows:

• First: Leave the door of the washing machine open after completing the washing, in order for it to dry completely, which prevents the formation of mold and fungus in it.
• Second: Wipe the inside of the washing machine using a damp cloth with a little antibacterial liquid soap.
• Third: Get rid of dirt and paper rolls on the outside of the washing machine using a cloth dampened with soapy water.

Cleaning the washing machine from the outside

The upper outer part of the washing machine must be kept clean, because neglecting to clean it makes it a surface full of bacteria, which is transmitted to clean clothes if placed on top of the washing machine. Germs and bacteria for the detergents used inside, and a cloth can be dipped in a mixture of two cups of water with a cup of white vinegar and used to wipe the top of the washing machine, the doors, operating buttons, and dispensers, and an old toothbrush can also be used to clean cracks and hard-to-reach places .

Cleaning the drawer of the washing machine

The accumulation of laundry detergent and fabric softeners inside the drawers of the dispenser affects problems related to the operation of the washing machine, as well as the occurrence of unpleasant odors in it, so it is recommended to clean the drawers and get rid of the waste once or twice a month, and it is advised not to fill the drawers above their specified capacity, in order to prevent damage to the electronic parts of the washing machine, It is possible to use the washing machine’s user manual to learn how to properly remove the drawer in order to clean it, as some drawers contain a safety latch, and some drawers contain sections designated for bleaches or fabric softeners so that they can be removed from the drawer separately.

The tray is washed with hot water to get rid of the accumulated traces of powders and liquids, and in the event that the accumulations are fossilized, it is preferable to soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to facilitate cleaning and rinsing them, then the tray is exposed to air until it dries, and before returning it, a small soft brush is used to get rid of any residue In the upper or lower parts of the drawer cavity, then the drawer is returned with all its sections in its proper place, and it is worth noting that after that it is recommended to run a short cycle without clothes in the washing machine to ensure that the washing machine system is completely cleaned.

Cleaning the washer filter

The filter of the washing machine must be cleaned by following these steps:

• Use a paper towel to get rid of any lint stuck to the strainer, and wipe the sieve to get rid of the accumulation of excess detergent mixed with the lint of clothes, which in turn formed a layer of sediment. A small brush can be used if the lint and lint layer is formed on the thicker side of the strainer.
• Washing the strainer with hot water to get rid of dirt. If it is possible to separate the sieve from the strainer, it must be taken out and soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, which helps remove any lint, fabric softener, or detergent residue that could not be removed with a paper towel.
• Ensure that the inside of the washing machine is free of any lint or lint before returning the filter, and if any, it is rubbed with a wet sponge.
• Return the strainer after making sure it is clean and its outer cover is installed.
• Running the washing machine for a short cycle without cutting laundry; To check that the strainer and the lid are positioned correctly and that there is no water leakage.

There are also some important tips to take care of the filter and extend its life, including the following:

• Cleaning the filter at least 4 times a year, as cleaning it regularly leads to extending the life of the washing machine itself, as a result of getting rid of hair residues, tissues and coins that may be in clothes.
• Not waiting for a complete malfunction in the washing machine, such as stopping work during the washing cycle, to think about the need to clean the filter, as noticing excessive vibrations in the washing machine, wet clothes after final drying, or a problem with emptying the water from the washing machine, are all indications that indicate the need to expedite cleaning strainer.
• Using a cloth to wipe the gasket of the washing machine door after each wash cycle, because the accumulation of dirt reaches the filter after repeated washings and causes it to become clogged, making it more difficult to clean and less efficient.

Tips for keeping the washing machine clean

It is recommended to carry out preventive maintenance of the washing machine after cleaning it, and to take into account some things to preserve it, including the following:

• Ventilation of the washing machine: It is advised to leave the door of the washing machine with the front opening partially open to allow it to dry between cycles, and to avoid doing so in the event that there are small children or pets in the location of the washing machine for fear of climbing on the door of the washing machine or entering it.
• Directly unloading the washing machine: It is recommended to remove wet clothes from inside the washing machine as soon as the washing cycle is completed.
• Choosing the right washing powders: It is recommended to use powders that are in the form of powder instead of liquid powders, in order to reduce foaming, as low-foaming powders are suitable for high-efficiency washing machines.
• Use a small amount of washing powder: It is recommended to use only the recommended amount of washing powder that is appropriate for the laundry load, as it may not exceed a spoon sometimes, so it is possible to take advantage of the data written on the powders label.
• Avoid using fabric softener: As liquid fabric softeners leave traces that cause mold to occur in washing machines with a front opening, so it is recommended to use dryer sheets or drying balls instead.
• Wipe the washing machine door gasket: As for washing machines with a front opening, a towel is used to wipe the inside of the washing machine door and around and under the door gasket of the washing machine, and it is recommended to do this after each washing cycle, or at least periodically, to get rid of any water residue or mold between the parts or folds.
• Regular cleaning of the washing machine: It is necessary to consider cleaning the washing machine once a month or more, especially if the clothes are very dirty, or according to the nature of the place, whether it is wet or hot. Which means that the clothes must be washed as soon as clear odors and traces appear on them.

Washing machine

The washing machine is used to clean the clothes and get rid of the dirt stuck in them, which leads to the accumulation of some of them somewhere inside the washing machine, with the possibility of bacteria and fungi accumulating over time, so it is recommended to clean it once or more every month in the event that it is used frequently to wash heavily soiled clothes. Or, in the event that it smells bad, microbiologist Charles Gerba at the University of Arizona indicated that washing a load of underwear only guarantees the presence of nearly 100 million E. coli bacteria in the water, which in turn is transmitted to the next load of laundry.