How To Freshen Washing Machine (Solved)

Cleaning the washing machine on a regular basis is one of those chores that is often forgotten. However, your washing machine may develop a foul odor if you don’t regularly clean it.

Furthermore, if you don’t keep your washer clean, it won’t be able to fulfill its intended task of cleaning your clothes. Rather than ‘cleaning’ your laundry, it may actually be adding mold, bacteria, and germs to it. So much for that clean, crisp cotton aroma.

Cleaning your washing machine is simple, even if you have let filth build up for a while. It’s also possible that you already have several of the materials you’ll need in your kitchen. Whether you prefer a gentler approach with vinegar and baking soda or a more robust one with bleach, you’ll find a wide variety of options here to clean in the best way for you.

Even though the greatest washing machines nowadays often include antimicrobial technology, it’s still a good idea to keep this guide on hand to ensure your machine continues to function smoothly for years to come.

Listed below are some ideas on how to freshen washing machine:

The Basic Method

The first step in cleaning a washer is realizing that hot water will do much of the work for you. If you’ve never given your washing machine a good cleaning, you can do it by running it empty through its warmest cycle. You can apply a washing machine cleaner, a little laundry detergent, or even near-boiling water for a cleaner washing machine.

Some newer versions have an intentional cleaning cycle that you may start without adding any detergent or other additives. Simply look at the washing symbols. You should see a little tub with water shooting out of it. That’s the self-clean cycle, and it will work to clean your washing machine just like it washes your clothes.

If you don’t have that option on your washing machine, don’t worry. You can still get great results by running an empty load with some added ingredients.

Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

Baking soda and vinegar are among the most versatile home cleansers, and you probably already have both on hand. Not only can they be used to clean your washing machine, but you can also use them for a wide variety of other tasks.

  • Start by running a hot, empty cycle.
  • Next, run the washer. During the filling process, add 1 cup of vinegar to the mixture. Allow the cycle to run for a few minutes before stopping it and adding ½ cup of baking soda.
  • Finally, allow the washer to finish its cycle, and then run another empty cycle with hot water to rinse it out.

Use Bleach

Bleach is not as harmful as it may sound and can be utilized to sanitize a washing machine. It’s one of the most effective cleaning products available and will be used all over the house. While we doubt your washing machine gets as filthy as the bathroom toilet, you should still clean it regularly because your clothing comes into contact with your skin and can spread germs.

For both top and front loading machines, pour half a cup of chlorine bleach into the drum and the other half into the detergent drawer. Wash an empty load of laundry in hot water. When the water level in the washing machine reaches the fill line, turn off the machine and let it sit for at least an hour.

If that doesn’t work, begin the process again. To ensure all the bleach is gone, give it another wash cycle. Open the washer and dry the door seals when the cycle is complete.

Note: If you leave bleach in the washing machine, use it on whites that will benefit rather than be destroyed by the bleach the next time you do a load. It works wonders on light-colored clothing that has been stained. To remove makeup from clothes, for instance, you might want to use a stronger detergent than the kind you normally use for the environment.

Use Washing Machine Cleaner

If you’re looking for a no-fuss solution, you might consider using a washing machine cleaner. These come in liquid or tablet form and can be placed directly into the detergent drawer. It would be best if you ran some of them through an empty cycle while others will start cleaning once a load is started.

A washing machine cleaner is an excellent option if you prefer not to use potentially harmful chemicals. Be sure to adhere to the packaging’s instructions.

Clean the Filter

The debris filter prevents foreign objects like lint, tissues, coins, and dirt from entering the pump and damaging it. This implies it’s a breeding ground for bacteria, just like the soap drawer. And because it’s warm and muggy, unpleasant odors will thrive within the washing machine and spread to your clothes.

How to fix it? Maintaining a regular emptying schedule will free it from dust and stray fibers. Wash machine filters are often concealed under a hinged panel along the washing machine’s lower edge. See the manual if you need clarification.

Carefully disconnect the emergency drain tube and set a container on the floor beneath it. Turn off the water supply to let any standing water go. Towel down the floor, replace the bowl and re-insert the plug.

It is critical to remove the filter cover gently. If there is any trapped debris, it should drain out with the stored water, but check within the hollow to be sure. Use a clean cloth to dust off the surface, wipe out the various parts, and then replace the lid. Ensure you’ve put the lid back on securely to avoid leaks.

Clean the Gasket

The gasket, or seal, around the door of your washing machine is the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Besides becoming unattractive, this could cause a foul odor to permeate your laundry area.

To clean the gasket:

  • Start by wiping away any mold or mildew that is readily visible using a cloth wet with distilled white vinegar.
  • Once the visible mold is gone, use a toothbrush to scrub the gasket with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 quart of water.
  • Rinse the gasket well and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

In the event that mold or mildew has returned to the gasket, you must clean it quickly. In humid locations, this may need to be repeated more frequently.

The Dispenser Drawer

Over time, soap scum and detergent can build up in the dispenser drawer of your washing machine, making it difficult to close and causing the dispensers to leak.

  • To clean the drawer, start by removing any clothes or laundry items that may be blocking it.
  • Then, open the drawer and take out the soap and fabric softener dispenser. These can be cleaned with soap and water or in the dishwasher.
  • Next, use a sponge or brush to scrub away any soap scum or detergent residue from the drawer itself. Be sure to rinse away all the cleaners before replacing the soap and fabric softener dispensers.
  • Finally, close the drawer and put any laundry items back in place.

With a bit of regular cleaning, you can keep your washing machine’s dispenser drawer clean and functional for years to come.

Eliminate Limescale Using Soda Crystals

Limescale is a calcium carbonate deposit that can build up in washing machines over time. While distilled vinegar is often used as a natural way to clean a washing machine, soda crystals can be even more effective at removing limescale.

To use, simply add half a cup of soda crystals to the detergent compartment of your washing machine and run a regular cycle.

Soda crystals can help dissolve the limescale, making it simpler to clean up. For particularly stubborn deposits, you may need to repeat the process or scrub the affected areas with a brush.

Deodorize Your Machine with Sodium Percarbonate

If you want to deodorize your washing machine, sodium percarbonate is the way. It’s a natural, safe alternative to bleach, leaving your machine smelling fresh and clean. It’s a powder that works just like sodium bicarbonate.

To use it, simply add 1 cup of sodium percarbonate to the detergent drawer and run a normal cycle. You can double-clean your clothes by adding 1 cup of sodium percarbonate to a batch of laundry in addition to the standard laundry detergent.

Sodium percarbonate is a powerful deodorizer and can also clean other household surfaces. It’s available online and at some hardware stores.

Hire a Professional

Hire a professional if you don’t feel confident cleaning your washing machine. A professional cleaner has the equipment and training to deep clean your machine properly, including areas you can’t get to. They can also foresee issues and provide advice on how to fix or replace them.

Furthermore, a professional will know how to disassemble and reassemble the washing machine properly, so there’s no risk of damaging the appliance.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

You can take several preventative maintenance steps to ensure the long-term health of your washing machine, in addition to the regular cleaning it requires. These include:

Checking the door seal and gasket regularly for mold or mildew and cleaning as needed

Keeping the door open after every use will let fresh air circulate through the machine.

Wiping down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth regularly

Keep the area around your washing machine clean and free from clutter.

Do not overload your machine.

Final Words

A washing machine that has been given a good cleaning will do its job more efficiently. By keeping your machine clean on a regular basis, you can ensure its long life and reliable operation. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning your washing machine yourself, there’s no shame in hiring a professional. Regardless, if you follow these steps, your machine will keep running at optimal performance.

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