Mold in your washing machine!? How to clean appliances

How to Clean Your Washing Machine

Even though you constantly move cleaned clothes from your washer to your dryer, you'll see benefits in results and efficiency by cleaning your washer monthly.

How Do You Know If Your Washer Needs Cleaning?

  • Unpleasant odor: The odor is caused by mold, which is caused by bacteria in the machine.
  • Black slimy residue: This can be found either on the door seal or around the drum. This residue can build up from washing detergents and fabric softeners that stay in the machine after not being properly rinsed.
  • Black spots on your clothing: These spots can be due to soap scum left in your machine or, if you live in an area with hard water, it may be limescale. The limescale builds up on pipes and elements of your washing machine, which can cause breakdowns and expensive repairs.

The key to extending the life of your appliances is to follow these simple steps of cleaning and maintenance. This will help you avoid any plumber visits to your home.

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Simple Steps to Clean Your Washing Machine

  1. Cleaning a washing machine starts with two standard household items: 1 quart of bleach and 1 quart of white vinegar (do not mix the two as that can be dangerous).
  2. Fill the empty washer with hot water, as if you’re doing a large load of laundry.
  3. Add the quart of bleach and let the machine run for one minute until it's completely mixed.
  4. Then open the top and let the bleach sit for one hour.
  5. After the hour, shut the top, and let the machine run a complete cycle to rinse all the bleach.
  6. Once it’s finished, begin the process again but with hot water and the vinegar down the same channel as the bleach.
  7. Repeat steps 4 and 5.
  8. Once all the liquid is drained, spray down the rubber gaskets, dispensers, and exterior parts of the machine with a mixture of 1 part bleach and 1 part vinegar.
  9. Now you’re ready for a cleaner, more efficient, and safer machine for future uses.

Cleaning your appliance not only keeps them looking new, but it also helps them run more efficiently, saving you money on your electric/gas bill while also preventing potential safety hazards.

For more information, talk to one of our Handy Experts and get customized advice by submitting a request through our Mavyn website.