Keeping your home clean should be a weekly routine. Here’s why it’s important to dedicate time each week to thoroughly clean this one thing in your house: your washing machine.
Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine Weekly
Your washing machine is one of the hardest working appliances in your home. It cleans your clothes, sheets, towels, and more. But over time, dirt, bacteria, mold, mildew, and soap scum can build up inside the machine. Here’s why I make it a priority to clean my washing machine every week:
Keeps Clothes Clean
When your washing machine is dirty, that grime can transfer to your clothes. Residue left behind in the drum, dispensers, and hoses can end up back on your laundry, keeping it from getting truly clean. By cleaning the washing machine weekly, I ensure no buildup remains that could leave my clothes dingy or smelly.
Prevents Mold Growth
The damp, warm environment inside a washer is ideal for mold. If not cleaned regularly, black mold can start growing in the hoses, drum, and detergent dispenser. This mold spreads easily to clothing, towels, and linens. I clean my machine weekly to inhibit mold growth and keep my laundry mold-free.
Eliminates Odors
Bacteria and mildew thriving in a dirty washing machine can create foul odors. When you open the washer, you don’t want to be greeted by a musty, sour stench. By scrubbing down my machine weekly, I prevent odor-causing gunk from building up. My freshly laundered clothes always smell clean and fresh.
Extends Machine’s Life
Letting dirt accumulate can damage washing machine components over time. Detergent scum and mineral deposits from water can corrode hoses, clog valves, and rust the drum. Staying on top of cleaning helps my washer operate smoothly and last longer. I want to get the most out of this major appliance.
Saves Energy
A washing machine with a buildup of gunk has to work harder during wash cycles. This can drain energy efficiency. Keeping the interior clean allows my washer to run smoother without wasting electricity. The small time investment of weekly cleaning adds up to big energy savings.
Improves Performance
When dirt and residue accumulate, it hampers your washer’s cleaning performance. Clothes may not get fully clean or rinsed properly. By cleaning my washing machine weekly, I ensure it operates at peak performance. My laundry comes out looking and smelling great each time.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Now that you know why it’s critical to clean your washing machine weekly, let’s discuss how to clean it properly. Follow these steps for a thorough wash of your washer:
Step 1: Prep the Machine
First, ensure the washing machine barrel is empty. Next, set the machine to run on the hottest cycle possible with an empty drum. I use the Sanitize or Heavy Duty cycle. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. The vinegar will help loosen grime and residue. Let the cycle complete fully.
Step 2: Scrub the Interior
With the barrel empty, spray down all interior surfaces with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away any gunk or buildup. Pay close attention to the detergent dispenser, door gasket, and drum. Let the vinegar solution sit for 15 minutes before rinsing clean with a wet rag.
Step 3: Clean the Exterior
Spot clean the control panel, lid, and exterior surfaces with your vinegar cleaning solution and a non-abrasive sponge or towel. For stubborn dirt, use a toothbrush to gently scrub. Wipe everything dry with a clean cloth.
Step 4: Freshen the Drum
Place 2-3 towels in the empty drum. Add 1/2 cup baking soda. Run a Hot cycle to freshen the interior and remove odors. When finished, wipe out any dampness or remaining baking soda.
Step 5: Disinfect with Bleach
Run the washer empty again on the hottest setting. Pour 1 cup bleach in the detergent dispenser. The bleach will kill any remaining mildew and bacteria. Let the full cycle finish. Leave the door open to allow interior drying.
Step 6: Clean Detergent Dispenser
Remove the detergent dispenser tray completely and wash thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Clean any residue from the dispenser nozzle as well. Wipe the tray dry and replace it in the washer.
By following these steps weekly, you’ll keep your washing machine sparkling clean and functioning properly. Taking an hour or so to thoroughly wash all components will pay off with optimized performance and longevity.
Common Problem Areas to Target
When cleaning your washing machine, be sure to focus on these trouble spots where grime loves to linger:
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Detergent dispenser – Residue from detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning add-ins builds up here. Scrub it completely each week.
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Door gasket – Mold and mildew grow in the folds around the door seal. Clean vigorously with a toothbrush.
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Drum – Use a soft brush to dislodge dirt and lint stuck to the drum walls.
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Drain pump filter – Clean out accumulated lint and objects blocking the drainage pump filter.
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Vents – Use a vacuum hose to suck out dust and debris clogging vents.
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Hoses – Run vinegar through the hoses to clear soap scum and mineral deposits.
Taking the time to target these problem spots will keep your washer fresh and maximize cleaning performance.
Make It Part of Your Routine
Cleaning your washing machine weekly may seem like a chore, but it’s essential for machine hygiene and effective laundry. Here are some tips to make it part of your regular routine:
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Schedule it – Add washer cleaning to your calendar as a weekly reminder. Schedule it for when the machine is less likely to be running a cycle.
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Do it after laundering – Clean the washer right after you’ve washed clothes for the week. It will already be empty and hot from running.
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Make it quick – Have all your supplies (vinegar, toothbrush, towels) ready to go for an efficient cleaning session.
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Clean top to bottom – Work from top to bottom so drips don’t cause you to reclean areas.
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Get help from family – Have kids help scrub with toothbrushes and towels for a thorough family clean.
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Put up a reminder – Post a note, magnet, or sign on the machine as a visual cue to clean weekly.
Add washing machine cleaning to your other household duties like changing sheets, scrubbing toilets, and vacuuming. A little time each week will keep this hardworking appliance — and your laundry — fresh and clean.
The Takeaway
Regularly cleaning your washing machine is essential for removing odors, preventing mold growth, and optimizing performance. Set aside time each week to thoroughly clean all components. Focus on problem areas like the drum, door, dispensers, and hoses. A clean washer equals clean laundry. Make washing machine cleaning part of your weekly home maintenance routine. Your clothes will thank you!
