Regardless of whether your washing machine is a top loader or front loader, it needs to be kept clean. This is especially true if your washing machine doesn’t have a self- clean function.
“It is easy to forget that our cleaning appliances need to be kept clean as well,” says Anna from Your Cleaning Fairy.
After all, the dirt that comes off the clothes after getting cleaned must go somewhere. A lot of times the dirt tends to remain and accumulate in the pipes, hoses and the interior of the machine.
If the dirt is not taken care off, it could end up on the clothes you’re trying to wash and clean. The result: smelly and stained clothes. So, for the purposes of this article, we shall take a look at how to effectively green clean your washing machine.
Start with The Door Seals and Gasket
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First things first, the seals and gasket cavities need to be taken care of. Take some old towels and soak them in white vinegar for a while. Place the towels inside of the gasket cavity and leave them for an hour. This allows the mold and dirt to loosen up, making it easier to clean off. Using a fresh, clean towel, wipe off the gasket cavities. Using an old toothbrush, scrub off the remaining residue from the cavities and the door seals, and wipe clean afterword’s.
Set Your Washer to The Hottest Setting
Now, turn on your washer to the hottest setting. To increase efficiency, ensure that the setting is using the largest load and longest cycle as well. This helps to wash and rinse off the remaining residue in the gasket cavities.
Use Vinegar and Baking Soda
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Next step should involve cleaning washer’s drum. To do this, mix a liter of vinegar with ½ cup of baking soda into a container.
Fill the drum with the mixture to clean it.
Please note that the method of cleaning the drum differs according to the type of washer you have. If you have a top loading washing machine, run a cycle first before adding the mixture.
After adding the mixture into the washer’s drum, ensure that you let it sit for an hour before finishing the cycle.
If you have a front-loading washer, do not mix the two ingredients. Instead, place the baking soda in the softening dispenser as it helps soften clothes.
Place the white vinegar in the detergent dispenser and begin the cycle.
One the first cycle is done, run a second cycle with plain hot water. This helps rinse off any dirt or residue left from the first cycle. After the second cycle is done, open the washing machine door so that it can air dry it.
Clean the Exterior of The Washer
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Be sure to clean the exterior of the washer as well. Soak an old towel in some white vinegar and use it to scrub the outside of the washer. Be sure to focus on every exterior part of the washing machine.
Follow all the above-mentioned steps for a clean and fresh smelling washing machine. Be sure to do this every few months so that the dirt does not build up over time.
