Effortless Ways to Deep Clean Your Washing Machine and Keep It Fresh

Dirt buildup, limescale, mold growth, and foul odors are common challenges for any washing machine and a constant concern for its owner. Fortunately, there are easy and quick solutions to tackle even the most stubborn grime.

Cleaning a washing machine can be tricky. Simply wiping the surfaces with a damp cloth is often insufficient. Complex and hidden parts require special attention and care.

How to Clean the Detergent Drawer

• Remove the drawer from the compartment and scrub it with soap, hot water, and an old toothbrush to eliminate residue.
• For tougher stains and mold, chlorine-based toilet cleaners can be effective. Soak the drawer in the cleaner for 1–2 hours before scrubbing.

Cleaning Under the Rubber Seal

• Mix bleach with warm water in a 1:1 ratio. Dip a cloth in the solution, gently pull back the rubber gasket, and clean all inner surfaces.
• If mold or heavy dirt is present, place a bleach-soaked towel under the seal for 30 minutes, then remove and scrub with a sponge or toothbrush.

How to Clean the Drum

• Pour 100 ml of chlorine bleach into the drum and run a wash cycle at 60°C or higher without any laundry.
• To remove limescale, add 100 g of citric acid to the drum and run the hottest cycle with a double rinse option for thorough cleaning.
• Combine equal parts baking soda and water, pour this mixture into the detergent compartment, and add up to 400 ml of vinegar directly into the drum. Run the machine at the highest temperature to let it clean itself. Afterwards, wipe the drum dry to remove any remaining residue, mold, and odors.

Descaling the Heating Element

• Citric acid is effective for removing limescale from the heating element. For a 5 kg load machine, use about 250 g: 200 g in the detergent compartment and 50 g in the drum. Run a hot wash cycle at the maximum temperature.
• Alternatively, 50 ml of vinegar added to the fabric softener compartment can also dissolve limescale, but use with caution as vinegar may damage rubber parts.

Cleaning the Drain Pump Filter

The filter is usually located at the lower front of the machine behind a plastic cover.

Place a dry towel on the floor and a container under the cover to catch any water when removing the filter. Open the cover, unscrew the filter cap, and manually remove any debris. Clean the filter with detergent if needed and dry thoroughly.

Clearing the Drain Hose

Cleaning the drum with baking soda and vinegar also helps clear the drain hose. For severe blockages, additional steps are necessary.

Disconnect the washing machine from power and turn off the water supply. Detach the hose from the machine (prepare a container to catch water). Use a kevlar cable with a non-metallic brush to clean the hose from both ends, then rinse it thoroughly with hot water.

Cleaning Top-Loading Washing Machines

Run the machine at the highest temperature. Pour 2–3 cups of vinegar into the water and let the machine agitate the solution for a few minutes.

Add half a cup of baking soda and allow the mixture to react. Turn off the machine and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour.

Meanwhile, clean the exterior and detergent drawer by wiping them with a 1:1 vinegar and water solution.

After soaking, resume the wash cycle. Once complete, drain the water and wipe away any remaining dirt with a sponge.

Maintenance Tips for Your Washing Machine

To keep your washing machine clean and efficient for longer, follow these guidelines:

• Use the appropriate amount of detergent; excess soap can accumulate inside the machine.
• Pre-treat heavily soiled clothes before washing.
• Use anti-limescale products to protect your machine.
• Leave the door open after washing to reduce mold growth.
• Periodically run an empty wash cycle at the highest temperature to remove minor buildup.

Have other easy cleaning tips for washing machines? Share them in the comments!

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