Comments on: Cleaning Your Washing Machine

By: SimplyGoodStuff

SimplyGoodStuff — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:55:27 +0000

Good points. If mold and mildew begin to grow on parts that are hidden, it can be a real problem. It is certainly not impossible for moisture to get beyond the bin, so taking it out periodically, would ensure ultimate cleanliness. It is probably more hardcore than most people can handle, but bacteria and mold can be harmful, so thoroughly cleaning the unit once every year or so might be a good idea for everyone that can.

By: SimplyGoodStuff

SimplyGoodStuff — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:50:29 +0000

Yep. Age does not have the same effect on fabric softener residue as it does on wine – that’s for sure. It can get totally yucky in the spot where it goes because it never gets rinsed clean so a sticky coating will build overtime which will only attract other dirt and nastiness. Sounds like you did some pretty thorough cleaning there, which should pay of for you. The result of regular cleaning of this or any other appliance is easier/better use, and a longer life. But as you have learned, a more frequent schedule of maintenance can be beneficial and help the whole chore go a bit quicker.

By: oh yack

oh yack — Wed, 04 May 2011 16:30:21 +0000

I just finished cleaning out the fabric softener receptacle and about vomited, gross is a real nice way to put it.

The agitation tower (screw looking bit in the center of the tub) was also very nasty. What I did was remove that (mine was held on with a 1/2″ bolt), some dawn dishwashing detergent and a bit of work wit a toothbrush got it pretty near perfect. A quick rinse under hot water finished the job of cleaning.

Being a stay at home dad with a mess of tools made this pretty easy for me, next time I might consider doing it differently though.

One thing is certain, I’m not letting it get that nasty ever again.

Maurice

By: office cleaning melbourne

office cleaning melbourne — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:06:49 +0000

The bin itself is usually quite easy to remove through twisting and lifting it out. While the suggestions of running an empty load through the wash of hot and bleach (or some other disinfectant) are good, sometimes the mold and muck that is causing the smell has accumulated beyond the reach of the water running through the wash. Removing the bin will allow you to access those areas and wipe them clean. Then use the hot water/disinfectant empty load method once a month to prevent it from getting that bad again.

By: SimplyGoodStuff

SimplyGoodStuff — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:27:37 +0000

Oh no! Most times these pop on the same way that they come off, but specific models will have slightly different designs. The best place to check might be your user manual. Anyone else have this experience? What is the model of your washer?

By: jodi

jodi — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:58:42 +0000

I can’t get the liquid fabric softener dispenser to stay on now that I have taken it off! Anyone else have this problem?

By: RTA Cabinets

RTA Cabinets — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:59:52 +0000

I pour bleach into a spray bottle and spray it around the washing machine then use a sponge to wipe all around. After that I the extra rinse cycle to ensure all the bleach is gone before washing my clothes again. Don’t want to ruin any clothes because you didn’t rinse out all the bleach.

By: Washing Machine Mom

Washing Machine Mom — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:32:50 +0000

This is a great tip on how to clean the washing machine. Thanks!

By: SimplyGoodStuff

SimplyGoodStuff — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:20:55 +0000

Most often, lint problems are related to your dryer. If there is lint on your clothing after the wash, it should come off in the dryer. Dryer Balls are a natural alternative to dryer sheets, and are very effective at removing lint from clothing. You may also want to try a dryer brush set. These will allow you to clean your dryer of residual lint that is deposited out of sight. Once removed, you will find less on your clothing once the load has finished.

By: Leonie

Leonie — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:07:47 +0000

everytime I wash in my machine I get lint on everything. I have sorted the clothes properly and it makes no difference. How do I solve this problem it has ruined so many of my pants and polo shirts fuzz everywhere.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leonie

By: SimplyGoodStuff

SimplyGoodStuff — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:27:36 +0000

That’s a great tip. Thanks for sharing.

By: cooking71

cooking71 — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 05:45:48 +0000

You forgot to mention to clean inside the fabric softener tube. Once you take off the part you put the liquid in take a look down the middle of your washer. I never used liquid fabric softener and yet I see mold growing down there. It is difficult to find a brush to clean it out. I was able to get one through work, but keep looking. I pour bleach down it and then scrub.

By: mama k

mama k — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 02:14:14 +0000

Thanks for the reminder! I try and do this every few months. BTW I’m a Diaper Jungle regular.

By: Memphis

Memphis — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 00:02:01 +0000

Wow that’s something I hadn’t thought of before