Cleaning the Washing Machine

Let’s talk about cleaning the washing machine today. Keeping it clean will help with machine maintenance and also make sure your clothes are the cleanest possible.

I’m going to start with front loading washing machines first but will also talk about top loaders later in this post. Most of these cleaning tips will work for both top loading and front loading machines.

Start by using a damp cloth with water and vinegar to clean soap and residue from in and around the dispenser area. Pay special attention to the underside of all these areas also.

Some areas have residue, dirt, and grime in tight spaces. I like to use a toothpick to get in the corners and little spaces nothing else can reach. It works really well. A toothbrush works well in some areas also.

Clean the window area with a mixture of water and vinegar, 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar.

For stubborn areas such as a little rust I had on the rubber seal, use a mixture of baking soda and water to make a paste. Let it set for a while before using a sponge to scrub the area. It’s still not perfect but it got most of it off. Use a damp cloth to get the rest of the baking soda residue.

Clean the inside surface of the washer with water and vinegar. I like to put the mixture in a spray bottle. spray the inside, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Run the washer through a rinse cycle to remove all traces of baking soda and vinegar.

Enjoy your sparkling clean, fresh smelling washing machine.

Now for top loader washing machines:
Again you will be using baking soda, white vinegar, and water to clean. Set your washer to the largest load setting on hot water. Add 4 cups vinegar to the water and let it agitate for a few minutes. Add about 1/2 cup baking soda and let the machine run again for a few minutes to mix in the soda. Stop the washer and let it sit for about 1 hour.

While that is sitting wipe down the rest of the washer using a damp water/vinegar cloth. Use a toothpick to get in the small areas, a toothbrush would work well on some areas too. Allow the washing cycle to continue through draining. Clean around the top inside area where the water didn’t reach completely with the damp vinegar cloth. Run the washer through a clean hot water cycle one last time. Enjoy your sparkling clean, fresh smelling washing machine!

The next post will be about Cleaning the Dryer.

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