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Your washing machine is a household appliance you use all the time, but after all that hard work ensuring your clothes are clean how often do you clean the machine itself?
Have you ever thought about just how clean your clothes are after a wash, when they are being washed in a mountain of mould, mildew and other nasty bacteria through every wash?
This is our step-by-step guide to keeping your washing machine in tip-top condition!
The gasket of your washing machine is the seal that outlines the inside of the door and is designed to ensure water stays within the machine whilst the cycle is running. It is important to wipe and dry the gasket after every wash to prevent build-up of mould over time. There’s nothing worse than opening your washing machine to be met by black mildew. If this is not dealt with regularly, it will build up, causing your machine to smell over time.
Leave the door to the washing machine open, rather than closed. This will allow air to circulate and allow remaining moisture to evaporate. No one wants to deal with the aftermath of bacteria growing within their machine as it will cause an unpleasant musty smell within your machine.
You can purchase a washing machine cleaner, or a cheaper option is to use a combination of 250ml of white vinegar and 60g of baking soda.
Place either option in the drum and leave it for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Place the washing machine on a cycle 60 degrees or higher. This will flush out any build-up and sanitise the inside of your machine.
Make sure a deep clean of your washing machine is on your monthly to-do list!
FRONT LOAD WASHING MACHINE
TOP-LOAD WASHINE MACHINE
CLEAN THE AGITATOR
The Agitator is the central post within your machine that moves back and forth against your clothes, aiding in their wash. Turn off washing machine and unplug. Wipe down the agitator with white wine vinegar, water and a cloth.
CLEAN THE TOP RIM
A deep clean of your washing machine involves wiping down every inch of your appliance. Be sure to wipe down the inside of the top rim of the washing machine, as well as the underside of the lid.
CHECK / CLEAN THE FILTER
The filter tends to be the one part of the washing machine that gets overlooked all the time. Your washing machine manual will show you where to locate the filter.
The filter is essential as it will trap hair, lint and other debris from your laundry through every wash, keeping these items from entering the machine’s drainage system.
It is imperative that the filter is checked and cleaned regularly for your washing machine to run efficiently.
CLEAN THE DETERGENT DRAWER
The drawer where you put the detergent and fabric softener before every wash should be cleaned regularly. Residue from the detergent will build up over time, which will attract mould
Remove the drawer from the machine and with the use of a soft brush, mild cleaning agent and warm water, clean the drawer thoroughly.
DO NOT OVERLOAD THE WASHING MACHINE
When you have a mountain of washing to do, getting as much washing into the machine goes some way to clearing the backlog, but it is not good for the machine.
If your clothes are unable to move around freely within the machine, this results in detergent residue building up on the clothes and within the machine. Overloading can also put additional pressure on the drum and inside of the machine, due to the weight within the machine. The last thing you want is your machine breaking down, facing an expensive repair charge and having no way to wash your clothes at all.
By following these simple steps you will lessen the chances of mould and mildew building up within the machine, it will ensure your clothes are washed within a clean environment and should aid the life span of your appliance.
Should the worst happen, and you find you are without a working washing machine…
Remember, NetLet Laundry are on hand to help lessen the load, with our domestic laundry service.
