When Washers Need a Wash: How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Even the greatest home appliances need an occasional polishing up at times, which we often take for granted or procrastinate doing so. Cleaning the washing machine will never be a chore to cross our mind, because it gets our chores done instead!
From sweaty gym clothes, coffee-stained work shirts or ties, bed linens to even stacks of towels of every purpose, we can always entrust the washing machine to work its magic on delivering clean, fluffy laundry.
Let’s not only anticipate fresh laundry each time, but make laundry day an event to look forward to, just by how satisfying the whole process from start to finish can get. Follow this simple guide to understand how to correctly clean your washing machine.
Firstly, understand the proper cleaning procedures depending on the type of washing machine you have at home.
Front-load Washing Machine
Apply the cleaning agent of your choice inside the drum and thoroughly wipe it with a soft cloth. Don’t forget to clean the rubber seals of the lid as that is where mould, mildew and lint are often accumulated due to its narrow edges.
Once done, switch on the highest water temperature to fully rinse out and kill germs. Keep the lid of the washing machine open to let it air dry so that it doesn’t leave a musty odour. Freshen the washing machine with fragrance spray or essential oil once completely dry.
Top-loading Washing Machine
A lot less work compared to a front-load washing machine. First let the washing machine run on the highest water temperature and add any cleaning agent mixture of your choice and start the cycle.
Once the washing machine is filled, let it soak for an hour before adding baking soda and letting it run for one more cycle. Once the last cycle is done, leave lid open to air dry before using fragrance spray or essential oils to freshen the inside of the washing machine.
What to Use to Clean Your Washing Machine
Depending on personal preference, there are a few options to consider what to use to clean your washing machine with.
Chlorine Bleach
An antibacterial certified cleaning agent that kills germs and effectively removes mildew, chlorine bleach is very commonly used to clean almost any household appliances.
After cleaning, make sure to rinse the washing machine at the highest water temperature to kill germs and remove any smells. However, the chlorine bleach may leave a strong, pungent chemical smell behind.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
The dynamic duo of homemade cleaning remedies. The baking soda and vinegar mix removes odours and kills germs and bacteria accumulated from moisture inside the washing machine.
It is less harsh as compared to bleach, and is best rinsed at the highest water temperature after cleaning to thoroughly remove any mildew and soap scum.
Essential Oils
Essential oils of any scent, aren’t solely used for cleaning the washing machine but to freshen it with a lasting fragrance post cleaning. This removes any acidic traces or strong odours that may potentially linger on after cleaning.
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from florals, spices and even fruits, each with its own particular scent profile. Popular scents of choice include lavender, rosemary, lemongrass and other citrus based scents.
Though the involvement of each of the above cleaning agents are optional, it is perfectly fine to use all of them for respective purposes and the benefits that they bring.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine
Depending on how frequent the washing machine is being used, cleaning it on a routine basis is highly recommended to maintain its primary functions.
Otherwise, cleaning your washing machine monthly would be ideal to give it the occasional spruce it needs to function in a healthy state.
With a bit of motivation and the right cleaning materials, cleaning the washing machine can be a satisfying chore. Who knows, the whole process may just make a great workout session too.
Perhaps now is the time to try out your freshly cleaned washing machine for a refreshed, seamless experience.
