I have never cleaned my washing machine. So, I’ll be learning with you on this one. Since both top loading and front load washers are popular these days, we will look at both. If you’re having an issue with an odor, then this could be a great solution to bust that musty smell and trade it for a fresh one. It’s simple when it comes to cleaning, it just takes a little time and some basic cleaners. Let’s get started!
Front load washers
- Start with cleaning the gasket
Unique to front loaders, the gasket is that pesky ring that can get moldy before you know it. The rubber ring inside your washer needs to be cleaned once a month. Open the gasket and remove any items that got trapped in its fold to clean. You can also wipe it down with a cloth or sponge to remove more stuck-on things, like hair and dust.
With a safe cleaner of your choice you can wipe out mildew. Some sites recommend bleach, if you use this please proceed with caution. We suggest (with other sites): hot water, a good scrubber, and white vinegar.
- Next, clean the drum
Put a small amount of baking soda in the drum and turn the washer on a cleaning cycle or a regular one, just ensure the water is hot. Use heavier duty product if this does not remove stains or mildew. Remove the detergent dispenser and soak it in warm water. Then wipe it down with an all-purpose cleaner. Before placing it back in – clean the empty cavity and wipe down the outside of the washer.
That’s it! Remember to use best practices to maintain your washer.
Top load washers
- Start a large, hot water load
As it fills with water, add white vinegar and let it agitate for the normal time. Then let the load soak for an hour or so. You can stop the load usually by pulling the knob. You can open the washer and leave the lid up for cleaning and so the lid can dry.
- Grab an old toothbrush or small tool
Remove the fabric softener well or any other removable parts and soak them in hot water, as well as wipe them down with an all-purpose cleaner. Go around the top edge of the washer, inside it, and the upper opening of the agitator/barrel with the toothbrush. You can add baking soda for tough stains. Leave the lid the open as the water sits.
- Close the lid and finish the cycle
You can then clean the top and dials with a rag and baking soda. You can then repeat and do another cycle with baking soda if the first wasn’t enough. Once you are happy with the inside of the washer, wipe the sides of the drum with a dry cloth to remove any leftover debris. You can complete the cleaning by wiping down the front and sides of the washer.
That’s it! Be sure to leave lid up after washing loads for a while to reduce mildew and allow the interior to dry.
This is just one idea of many! There are so many great tutorials to cleaning both types of washers, so if this one doesn’t do the trick, keep browsing, or work with your own safe options and let us know what worked best for you!
