Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Keeping your washing machine clean is essential for maintaining its performance and ensuring the cleanliness of your laundry. If you let dirt, grime, and residue accumulate inside the machine, it can lead to unpleasant odors and potential performance issues. 

In this article, we’ll provide simple tips to clean your washing machine effectively, regardless of whether you own a fully automatic, semi-automatic, front load, or top load washing machine with a dryer. 

Tips for Cleaning Fully Automatic Washing Machines

Most models of fully automatic washing machines have a dedicated washer cleaning cycle. However, if you want to be more thorough when cleaning your washing machine, here’s what you should do:

Wipe the Drum and Door Seal 

After each laundry cycle, use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe the inside of the drum and the rubber door seal. It helps remove any residue or lint accumulated in the machine.

Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Remove the detergent dispenser tray and rinse it under warm water to eliminate built-up detergent or fabric softener. To clean it more thoroughly, you can soak it in warm, soapy water for a few minutes.

Run a Hot Water Cycle with Vinegar (If Applicable)

If your washing machine is connected to a hot water line, you can fill the detergent dispenser with two cups of white vinegar and run a hot water cycle without any clothes. It helps remove odors, disinfect the machine, and dissolve mineral deposits.

Clean the Filter

Consult your machine’s manual to locate the filter. Regularly clean it by removing any debris and rinsing it under running water.

Use Baking Soda

For persistent odors, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum and run a hot water cycle. Baking soda helps neutralize odors and freshen up the machine.

Tips for Semi-Automatic Washing Machines

Semi-automatic washing machines come with two tubs—one for washing and the other for drying. If the tubs aren’t clean, the machine will have difficulty washing and drying your laundry. To ensure that your clothes are properly washed and dried when using your semi-automatic washing machine, here are some cleaning tips that’ll help keep your machine in good condition:

Clean the Drum and Agitator

Fill the machine with hot water and add a mild detergent. Allow it to agitate for a few minutes, then drain the water. Scrub the drum and agitator with a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt or residue.

Clean the Lint Filter

Check your machine’s manual to locate the lint filter. Clean it regularly by removing accumulated lint and debris. Rinse it under running water and reinsert it into the machine.

Leave the Doors Open After You’re Done Using the Machine

It’s recommended to leave the lids of your semi-automatic washing machine open for 15 to 30 minutes after using it. It will ensure that the machine completely dries, reducing its risk of mold growth.

Tips for Cleaning Top Load Washing Machines

Top-load washing machines are known for their convenient access to the drum, but because of how they’re designed, it’s easy for particles to get trapped in the machine. Without regular cleaning, dirt and lint can clog the hose and filter. Your laundry also will need to be cleaner. That’s why it’s important to perform the following cleaning methods to allow your machine to run smoothly:

Clean the Drum

Fill the machine with hot water and add a mild detergent. Let it run a quick cycle to allow the detergent to clean the drum before draining the water.

Clean the Agitator or Impeller

Most top-load washing machines are designed with an agitator, a tall spindle in the center of the drum that twists back and forth to remove the soil and stains on your clothes. To clean this, wipe it down with a rag soaked in mild soap and water. If your washing machine’s agitator has a removable cap, you can carefully remove it and manually clean the inside with a cloth or scrub brush.

However, Modern top-load washing machines are designed with an impeller, a low-profile fin, wheel, cone, or disk that spins to loosen stains. To clean the impeller, remove the blade and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the smaller compartments of the impeller to get rid of all the grime.

Clean the Lint Filter or Debris Trap

Check your machine’s manual to locate the lint filter or debris trap. Clean it regularly by removing accumulated lint and debris. Rinse it under running water and reinstall it properly afterward.

Tips for Cleaning Front Load Washing Machines

Front-load washing machines are known for their effectiveness in dirt and grime removal. However, if they aren’t thoroughly cleaned, filth can quickly build up in the machines, making it more difficult to keep your clothes spotless. To ensure that your laundry looks pristine after every wash, you should make it a habit to clean your front-load washing machines and do the following: 

Remove and Clean the Detergent Drawer

Pull out the detergent drawer and rinse it under warm water. If you see any residue or buildup, you can use a brush to scrub them out. Allow the detergent drawer to dry completely before reinserting it into the machine.

Wipe the Rubber Gasket and Drum

Regularly clean the rubber gasket between the door and the drum. Wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any residue or mold. Similarly, wipe the inside of the drum to eliminate any dirt or grime.

Run a Cleaning Cycle with Vinegar or a Washing Machine Cleaner

You can use two cups of vinegar or a washing machine cleaner when running a cleaning cycle to get rid of odors and grime buildup. To ensure that the cleaning cycle is done properly, it’s in your best interest to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which can be found in your front-load washing machine’s manual. 

Clean the Pump Filter

Before cleaning the pump filter, place a shallow dish or towel beneath it to catch any water that may spill out. Then, unscrew the filter and remove any debris or foreign objects trapped inside. Rinse the filter under running water and reattach it securely.

Regularly cleaning your washing machine is crucial for maintaining its performance, preventing odors, and ensuring the cleanliness of your laundry. And when you incorporate these washing machine cleaning tips into your schedule, you can enjoy fresh, clean clothes every time you do your laundry.

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