DIY Washing Machine Hacks for a Sparkling Clean
Washing machines are the unsung heroes of the laundry room. They constantly work to clean mountains of dirty clothes every week, fighting against tough stains, unpleasant odours, and whatever else is thrown their way. However, even the most resilient machines can get bogged down and require a break and a good cleaning now and then. If you have noticed strange smells from your washer, a decline in cleaning performance, or even the dreaded mould growth, it may be time to scrub your washer thoroughly. Here’s a detailed tutorial on how to clean a washing machine using DIY hacks.
Assemble Your Cleaning Supplies
- White Vinegar is a natural powerhouse when it comes to cleaning. Its acidic properties cut through grease and soap scum and even tackle some mild mould, making it a versatile weapon in your cleaning arsenal.
- Baking Soda is a non-abrasive cleaning agent. Baking soda helps neutralize musty smells and tackle light grime without scratching delicate surfaces.
- Hot water acts like a mighty soldier, activating cleaning agents and loosening built-up residue that heated over time.
- Clean Microfiber cloths are the perfect foot soldiers for this cleaning mission. Their soft, lint-free texture effectively wipes down surfaces without causing any scratches.
- Bleach can be a powerful disinfectant, but it is not always used.
- Washing machine cleaner tablets are another option, offering a convenient pre-measured cleaning solution.
Cleaning A washing Machine Using DIY Hacks
The dispenser drawer is often the first line of defence against dirty clothes, but it can quickly become a grime magnet itself.
The detergent Dispenser or drawer is a compartment that releases detergent into the wash and can become clogged with dried detergent and fabric softener. If not cleaned, it can hinder the performance of your machine by not dispensing enough detergent or softener, resulting in poorly cleaned clothes.
To clean, remove the dispenser drawer according to your washing machine’s manual (consult it if needed). Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add two cups of white vinegar. Let the drawer soak in this solution for at least 30 minutes. This allows the vinegar to work its magic and loosen any caked-on residue. Create a paste using baking soda and a little water for particularly stubborn areas. Apply the paste to the grimy areas and scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse the drawer thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely before placing it back in the machine.
The inner drum is the heart of the washing machine, where the cleaning occurs.
The drum, or tub, is the interior part of the washing machine where clothes are placed for washing. However, soap scum, mineral deposits, and even mould can build up inside the drum over time, leading to reduced cleaning performance and unpleasant odours.
To combat this, run a hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar poured directly into the washing machine. For heavily soiled machines, you can add a cup of baking soda alongside the vinegar. Let the cycle run for a complete wash, allowing the hot water and cleaning agents to work their magic. Once the wash cycle is complete, follow up with a short rinse cycle to remove any remaining cleaning residue.
Lint filters in a washing machine are designed to trap fabric fibres, lint, and other debris during washing.
This prevents these materials from clogging the washing machine’s drainage system or adhering to clothes during subsequent cycles. Lint filters are crucial in top-loading washers, although some older front-load models also include them. Depending on the design, lint filters can be located inside the drum, along the top rim, or at the front of the machine.
To clean a lint filter, first locate and remove it from the washer. External filters can be easily pulled out, while in-drum filters might be cleaned. Manually remove accumulated lint and debris, then rinse the filter under running water to clear out detergent residues. If the filter is dirty, soaking it in hot water with dishwashing liquid can help break down oily residues. Additionally, clean the filter housing with a damp cloth or soft brush to ensure no lint is left behind. After cleaning, reinstall the filter securely, checking the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper placement. Regular cleaning after each wash cycle will maintain the optimal performance of the washing machine and contribute to cleaner, lint-free laundry.
The door gasket, the rubber seal around the washing machine door, is a prime target for mould and mildew growth.
A door gasket or a door seal, is a rubber or rubber-like component found on front-loading washing machines. It creates a watertight seal between the door and the drum of the washing machine when the door is closed.
This area can trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew growth, which not only smells bad but can also transfer to your clothes. To keep them at bay, wipe down the gasket with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
Create a paste using baking soda and water for stubborn mould spots that won’t budge. Apply the paste to the mouldy areas and scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Water Inlet Filters are located at the hose connections on the back of the machine and can become clogged with sediment and lime, affecting water flow into the machine.
To clean them, disconnect the hoses and check the filters. They can usually be cleaned by rinsing under running water or, if heavily clogged, using a small brush or toothpick.
Exterior Maintenance for Your Washing Machine
Just like any warrior deserves a clean suit of armour after a battle, your washing machine deserves an excellent exterior cleaning.
Wipe down the outside of the washing machine with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust, spills, and any lingering detergent residue. Att—attentionhe control panel and areas where cleaning products might have dripped.
Be careful not to use abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
To prevent further buildup of grime, mould, and odours, consider running a hot water and vinegar cleaning cycle once a month.
This will help keep your washing machine clean and functioning at its best. Additionally, leave the washing machine door open after each wash to allow moisture to evaporate and prevent mould growth from establishing.
Bonus Tip: For washing machines with a built-in cleaning cycle, consult your user manual and utilize that function periodically.
By following these steps regularly, you can keep your washing machine clean, fresh, and operating efficiently, ensuring your laundry is always sparkling clean. Remember, a clean washing machine is a happy washing machine, which means happy clothes!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning Your Washing Machine with DIY Hacks
Here are some commonly asked questions about cleaning your washing machine using these natural DIY methods:
1. Can I use bleach instead of vinegar in my washing machine cleaning routine?
While bleach is a disinfectant, it’s generally not recommended for regular washing machine cleaning. Bleach can be harsh on certain washing machine parts, including the front-loader rubber gasket. Vinegar is a gentler yet effective natural disinfectant that cuts through soap scum and mineral deposits without causing damage. For stubborn mould or mildew issues, however, diluted bleach solution can be used sparingly on specific areas, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid direct contact with the gasket.
2. How often should I clean the detergent dispenser drawer in my washing machine?
The detergent dispenser drawer is a prime target for mold and mildew growth due to its damp environment. To prevbuildupldup and ensure accurate detergent dispensing, it’s recommended to clean the dispenser drawer at least once a month. You can wash it more frequently if you notice visible mould or use powdered detergent, which can leave more residue than liquid detergent.
3. My washing machine has a built-in cleaning cycle. Can I skip the DIY cleaning methods?
While some washing machines have built-in cleaning cycles, these may not be as thorough as a DIY clean with baking soda and vinegar. These cycles often use hot water only, which may not be sufficient for tackling built-up grime, soap scum, or lingering odours. Using baking soda and vinegar directly targets these issues and ensures a more comprehensive clean. However, consulting your washing machine’s manual is always a good idea. The manual may recommend using the built-in cleaning cycle at specific intervals, and you can use the DIY methods as a supplement for a more thorough cleaning every few months.
4. I accidentally mixed vinegar and baking soda in the washing machine dispenser. Is that harmful?
Mixing vinegar and baking soda in the same compartment of the dispenser might cause a fizzing reaction. This is a normal chemical reaction as the vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base) neutralize each other. While it won’t harm your washing machine, it might create a temporary overflow from the dispenser. To avoid this, you can add the baking soda directly to the drum and the vinegar to the detergent dispenser in separate cycles.
5. there’s still a lingering odour after cleaning my washing machine. What should I do?
Deep grime or mould might be hidden within the machine if a faint odour persists after cleaning with baking soda and vinegar. You can try running another hot water wash cycle with a cup of vinegar followed by a baking soda cycle. For persistent odours, especially in front loaders, check the rubber gasket for hidden mould growth. You can try cleaning the gasket with a diluted bleach solution (wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation). However, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid direct contact with the gasket material. If the odour persists after these steps, consult a washing machine repair professional for further assistance.
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