Washing machines work hard to keep your laundry smelling fresh and stain-free. It might feel ironic to have to clean an appliance used to clean other items, but it is an important factor in maintaining it.
Over time, washing machines can accumulate debris and soap buildup, leading to a smelly machine. Thankfully, deep-cleaning a washing machine is straightforward and can be done with store-bought products or DIY formulas.
Use this deep-cleaning guide to help stop the stink:
Why your washing machine stinks
With constant use, over time, the washing machines will accumulate a buildup of debris and soap scum, especially around the crevices and drawers of the machine. This buildup of grime, detergent and fabric softener, accompanied by leftover moisture and heat from washing cycles, creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow and proliferate. Other causes that exacerbate this include using too much detergent or constantly washing with low-temperature washes.
This is why it is crucial to keep your washing machine clean and odour-free. If you don’t, the mould and mildew growth can spread to your clothes, where mould and mildew affect your body, face, hair and even respiratory system.
A simple step-by-step deep-cleaning guide
Maintaining a clean washing machine is a straightforward task. It just comes down to routine cleaning. Deep-cleaning your washing machine at least once a week or bi-weekly if you use it often.
What you’ll need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Mild detergent or store-bought washing machine cleaning tabs
- Toothbrush
- Hard-bristle brush
- Soft sponge
- Micro-fibre cloth
- Spray bottle
- Container (to catch any excess water)
For front-loaders
The most common culprit for odour is probably coming from the rubber seal around the door, as water and debris tend to collect here, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Locate the drain pump filter. Gently remove the drain hose and pour the excess water into the container. Shake it to rid it of any debris build-up. Rinse with warm, soapy water and set aside. Then, remove the filter and gently clean with vinegar and scrub with a toothbrush to remove lint, threads and debris.
- Reassemble the hose and filter securely to prevent any leaks.
- The next stage is to drain and clean the water inlet filter. Disconnect the water supply hose and clean the filter using a hard-bristle brush to prevent clogs caused by hard water deposits.
- Remove the detergent drawer. Place in a container and liberally spray vinegar over it. Sprinkle over bicarb and let it soak while you clean the rest of the machine.
- Spray the drum, door and rubber seals with vinegar. Use a soft sponge to scrub these areas, especially the rubber door seals. Using a container of warm, soapy water and a micro fibre cloth, wipe these areas clean. If the rubber door seals have a lot of buildup or stubborn stains, spray again with vinegar and sprinkle on some bicarb. Scrub with the toothbrush and wipe clean with the cloth.
- Scrub the detergent drawer and rinse with hot water before returning it.
- Run a hot wash cycle with white vinegar or store-bought washing machine cleaner tabs.
- Wipe down the exterior with the cloth and warm, soapy water.
- You can run a rinse cycle with bicarb as a final clean.
- Leave to dry out completely with the door wide open.
Top-load washers
For top loaders, the cleaning is similar with just minor differences.
- Just remove any debris and buildup from any filters or drains.
- Spray vinegar on the interior, focusing on crevices and seals.
- Use a soft sponge to scrub the interior.
- If you can, detach the impeller or agitator and soak it in hot water, vinegar and bicarb. Rinse and place it back in the machine.
- Run a hot wash cycle with a mix of vinegar and mild detergent.
- Air dry with the lid fully open.
Clean washing machines make for fresher clothes and keep your appliance running for longer. Incorporating a cleaning routine for your washing machine doesn’t have to be intense. With just a little vinegar, washing machine cleaner, and some elbow grease, you can do it.
Compiled by Annemieke van Nieuwkerk
First published on Food and Home
Also see: DIY garden using Woolies bags
