How to Efficiently Clean Your Washing Machine

August 05, 2021

How To Clean Washing Machine

That’s right, those big things you may have thought were self-cleaning still need a bit of lovin’ once in a while.

We rely on washing machines to continuously pump out fresh, clean clothes day by day. When pulling out clean, washed clothes with a subtle scent of pine, that’s a good sign your machine is working efficiently.

The truth is that these machines need regular cleaning and maintenance, along with any other well-used appliance. Clogged filters and the building up of gunk between outlets and pipes can all contribute to poor washing sorrows. You know your washing machine is due for some TLC if your clothes come out of the wash with detergent residue, or smell like the back of an old dusty wardrobe.

Cleaning your washing machine is simple. As long as you supply the products and a bit of time, the machine will do a lot of the work for you—bonus! You will have your big old friend pumping out shiny whites in a few easy steps in no time, which could also save you money on any unnecessary washing machine repairs later on down the track.
This cleaning method is chemical-free, cost-efficient and won’t have any detrimental effects on your appliance.

Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Is Important!

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of how to clean a washing machine, let’s first understand why it is crucial to do so. Over time, your washing machine accumulates dirt, grime, and detergent residue. This buildup not only affects your machine’s efficiency but also negatively impacts the cleanliness and freshness of your laundry.

Did you know washing clothes correctly helps control pathogens, odours, and hygiene? A dirty washing machine can lead to unpleasant odours on your clothes, even after they have been washed. Additionally, mould and mildew can thrive in the damp environment of a neglected washing machine, posing health risks and potentially damaging the machine itself.

Regularly cleaning your washing machine not only ensures that your laundry comes out fresh and clean but also extends the lifespan of your appliance. By removing dirt and buildup, you can maintain optimal performance and prevent costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

Now that you understand why cleaning your washing machine is important let’s look at some signs indicating it’s time for a deep clean.

Unpleasant Odors: If you notice a musty or sour smell coming from your washing machine even after running a cycle with detergent and fabric softener, it’s a clear sign that mould or mildew is present.
Stained Clothes: Are you finding stains on clothes after they’ve been through a wash cycle? This could be due to residue or buildup in the drum or detergent dispenser.
Reduced Performance: If your washing machine is not cleaning clothes as effectively as it used to, it may be due to a buildup of dirt or grime affecting its performance.

What you will need:

Baking Soda
White Vinegar
Old toothbrush
Microfibre cloth

How to clean a top-loading washing machine?

1. Have ½ cups of baking soda and 2 cups of white vinegar ready. We will add this solution later.

2. Run a hot regular washing cycle on your washing machine, selecting the highest water level.

3. Add the vinegar and baking soda mixture when the machine is half full with water.

4. Once the machine has filled with water, pause the cycle and let the water sit in the machine for about 30 minutes, then allow your machine to run through its usual cycle.

5. Before all of the water drains out, use a toothbrush to scrub the holes in the washing machine barrel. The grime will come away easily after being soaked, and a little warning: you may be slightly grossed out by what comes out!

6. Using the toothbrush, try to scrub under or around any seals you can see that may need cleaning.

7. The vinegar, baking soda, and hot water will break down any grease or dirty bits, and the hoses should be cleaned.

8. Remove and clean any parts that can be washed separately, such as the fabric softener basket and lint catcher in the middle of the washing machine.

9. Once the inside looks clean, give the outside a good once over with some washing liquid and wipe away any built-up dust or grime.

Tip: When scrubbing the barrel with the toothbrush, let the water drain out in stages so you don’t have to hold your hand underneath the hot, dirty water

How to clean a front-loading washing machine?

1. Add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda to the detergent draw and 1 cup of white vinegar straight to the washing machine drum.

2. Run a normal cycle with hot water.

3. Clean the filter. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to do this. Filters are usually a contributing factor to poor washing results in a front-loader. Front-loader filters are normally located on the bottom right of the washing machine and must be cleaned regularly.

4. Open the door and clean around the seals with the microfibre cloth by pulling the rubber back.

5. If possible, remove and clean the soap and fabric softener dispensers in hot, soapy water and dry them in the sun. This will prevent mould from forming and growing.

6. Leave the machine door slightly open between washes to dry out properly and eliminate mould.

The machine might produce suds during the wash cycle due to residue build-up. This will happen less if you clean your machine more frequently.

How to tackle detergent residue on clothes?

If you find that detergent residue is left on your clothes after a wash:
• Do not overload your washing machine.
• Try using less detergent in your washes.
• Dissolve any powered detergent in hot water before adding it to the washing machine if you usually wash your items in cold water.
• Store powdered detergent in an airtight container to prevent it from getting clumpy. Clumps can be part of the problem with residual.
• If you have a clothes dryer, you can put the affected items into a quick cool cycle for 5 minutes. This will help to shake off the excess residue.

Tips for Preventing Future Funky Odors

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your washing machine smelling fresh. Here are some additional tips:

Use less detergent: Overusing detergent can lead to residue build-up and unpleasant odors. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for detergent usage.
Avoid leaving wet laundry in the washer: Remove your clothes promptly after each wash cycle to prevent any musty smells from developing.
Run regular cleaning cycles: Every few months, run an empty cycle with hot water and either vinegar or baking soda (more on this later) to deep clean your washing machine.

Conclusion: Enjoy Fresh Laundry Every Time

Cleaning your washing machine may not be the most exciting task, but it’s an essential one if you want fresh, clean laundry every time. By following these expert-approved methods on how to clean a washing machine, you’ll be able to eliminate odours, prolong the life of your appliance, and ensure that your clothes are being properly cleaned.

Remember to establish a regular cleaning routine and follow preventive measures to keep your washing machine in top shape. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy fresh laundry and a well-maintained washing machine for years to come.

Spruce also provides professional washing machine cleaning, which can be added to any regular or deep cleaning service.