A washing machine cleans your clothes, so that means it should already be really clean, right? Wrong!
Many people are just now realizing that a washing machine is supposed to be cleaned regularly and learning what can happen if you have a dirty washer. Here are some tips and tricks for how to clean a washer and plus , the benefits of having a clean machine in your laundry room.
The Dangers of a Dirty Washer
It’s something most people don’t like to think about, but washing machines can get downright filthy. The minerals in hard water, detergent, and residue from your dirty clothes begin to build up over time. Along with a build-up, mould and mildew also can begin to develop due to the damp and warm environment of your washer. All of these different components can lead to your newly washed clothes feeling dirty and smelling less than clean.
If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your washer or you never have (don’t worry, we won’t judge!), your clothes could start to smell or even make you sick. Scary but true – in washers and caused people to end up feeling sick. No thank you!
How Do I Clean My Washing My Washing Machine in Three Easy Steps
If your washer doesn’t have a special self-clean function like the Samsung 5.2 Cu. Ft. Front-Load Washer with Self Clean+, follow these easy steps to feel better about each load of laundry you do.
- Add two cups of white vinegar and no detergent to an empty, regular wash cycle with hot water. Vinegar and hot water are great for preventing bacteria buildup and reducing odours without damaging your machine.
- Scrub the machine with a mixture of a quart of warm water and ¼ cup vinegar. Use a sponge and an old toothbrush to really get in there and scrub grime off the inside of the machine after that hot water cycle is done.
- Put ½ cup baking soda into the washer and run another empty, regular wash cycle with hot water. Baking soda acts as an exfoliator to scrub away any residue that you loosened up in step s 1 and 2. When the cycle is done, wipe the inside down with a microfiber cloth if any residue remains.
Perks of Having a Clean Washing Machine
- Enjoy better-smelling clothes
- Keep bacteria out of your life
- Reduce your exposure to mold and mildew
- Get rid of hard water deposits
- Help your laundry machine work more efficiently and last longer
Keeping Your Washing Machine Clean
At The Brick, we recommend doing a thorough washing machine cleaning once a month. But there are easy little things you can do between cleanings to keep everything running smoothly too.
- When you’ve finished a normal load of laundry, leave the washer lid open until the inside has thoroughly dried out.
- Prevent lingering moisture by transferring washed clothes to the dryer as quickly as possible instead of letting them sit inside and get damp.
- If you spill detergent or notice lint in the machine, clean it up right away, so it doesn’t have a chance to set and be more difficult to scrub off later.
If you commit to just one change to your laundry routine this year, make it cleaning your washer!
