Is cleaning your washing machine important? It certainly is! The inside of your washing machine is constantly being subjected to dirty water, mineral deposits, detergent deposits, and if you launder cloth diapers it is especially important to keep your machine clean and in tip-top condition. Much like dishwashers, sinks and bathtubs get dirty even though they are meant to clean things, your washing machine can become a mess in no time. Though, most dirt and soil is washed out with the water, dirt, soap residue and other unidentifiable grungy objects can be left behind and you actually have to get rid of this dirt yourself. Every time you wash your clothes, hard water and detergents cause build up to accumulate also, inside the tub, pump and hoses. This build-up reduces the ability of your washing machine to perform and mineral build-up can be abrasive to your cloths and diapers you are washing, causing them to wear faster. Cleaning your washing machine eliminates these problems.
First, run a cycle of hot water along with two cups of vinegar or lemon juice to loosen up soap and grime. Remove the fabric softener receptacle and soak it in hot water and detergent. Clean the bleach dispenser with a spray cleaner and paper towels and Q-tips. Don’t forget to clean the top rim of the wash bucket as it is up and under where it can’t usually be seen easily and becomes dirty. Run the washer empty on a hot cycle one more time.
While this is going on you check all your hoses for leaks. Over time, the water hoses that came with your washing machine may leak or burst. It’s a good preventive maintenance practice to check these hoses from time to time for any sign of wear or weakness. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the hoses every 5 years. Make sure your hoses are not a disaster waiting to occur!
Once you’ve soaked the fabric softener receptacle, replace it and polish up the outside of your washing machine with vinegar and a cloth towel. Your washing machine now looks better and will run better as well!
Happy washing!
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Wow that's something I hadn't thought of before
Thanks for the reminder! I try and do this every few months. BTW I'm a Diaper Jungle regular.
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.
That's a great tip. Thanks for sharing.
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
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.
This is a great tip on how to clean the washing machine. Thanks!
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.
I can't get the liquid fabric softener dispenser to stay on now that I have taken it off! Anyone else have this problem?
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?
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.
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.