How to clean your washing machine

by | Aug 9, 2020

If your washing machine is smelling worse than your sweaty workout shirt, it’s time to give it a good cleaning. Yes, even washing machines get dirty.

Laundry soils, detergent and hard-water minerals build up in areas you can’t see and mold and mildew can thrive in the washer lid and the door..

So how do you de-funk a washer? These are some easy green-cleaning tips every six months to avoid any issues.

How to clean a front-loading washing machine:

What you’ll need:

  • White cleaning vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Baking soda

What you’ll do:

  1. Before cleaning the washer drum, clean the gasket by spraying it with white vinegar and wiping with a damp microfiber cloth. The rubber gasket at the front of the washer, especially in a high-efficiency (HE) washer, accumulates water, hair, scum and mildew.
  2. Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest water temperature.
  3. Add two cups of white cleaning vinegar to detergent dispenser.
  4. Run it through a complete cycle.
  5. Run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature, this time adding one-half cup of baking soda to the drum.
  6. When cycle is done, wipe inside drum of washer with a damp microfiber cloth.
  7. While you’re at it, wipe down the front of the machine, too.

How to clean a top-loading washing machine:

What you’ll need:

  • White cleaning vinegar
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Toothbrush
  • Baking soda

What you’ll do:

  1. Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest setting.
  2. Add four cups of white cleaning vinegar to the wash cycle.
  3. After the cycle starts, pause the machine and allow it to sit for an hour.
  4. During this time, wipe down the top of the washer with a microfiber cloth dipped in the hot vinegar water.
  5. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the fabric softener and bleach dispensers.
  6. After an hour, continue the wash cycle.
  7. Then run another wash cycle using one cup of baking soda.
  8. At the end of the cycle, wipe the top inside of the washer tub with a microfiber cloth to remove any scum.

One final tip: Prevent mildew and mold by leaving the lid or door open when not in use.

Now your washer will be ready to clean your clothes again!

For all your home cleaning needs; contact Tidy Up Angels and we will do your entire house cleaning. Call the Tidy Up Angels today at 913-642-2006 – or fill out our online estimator for your home: https://tidyupangels.com/house-cleaning/ And ask us about our whole house cleaning services in Leawood KS specials.