Why Deep Clean Your Washer?
Keeping your washing machine clean is important for several reasons:
Sanitization
- Over time, residue from dirt, bacteria, mold, and mildew can build up inside your washer.
- A deep clean helps sanitize the drum, dispensers, hoses, and other components. This helps kill germs and prevent the spread of bacteria onto your clean clothes.
Odor Prevention
- Built-up gunk and grime inside the machine can lead to unpleasant odors on your laundry.
- A deep cleaning helps remove musty smells by getting rid of stuck-on dirt, soap scum, and mold. This leaves your washer smelling fresh.
Improved Performance
- When detergent, fabric softener, and dirt build up, it can clog hoses, dispensers, and drains. This affects your machine’s cleaning ability.
- A thorough deep cleaning helps clear any clogs or blockages so your washer can work optimally. Your clothes will get cleaner and brighter.
Extend Washer Lifespan
- Letting a washing machine go too long without deep cleaning leads to damage over time. Grime buildup corrodes components.
- Regular deep cleans help remove abrasive residues so your machine parts stay in good condition. This helps your washer last longer.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Baking soda – cleans and deodorizes
- White vinegar – removes soap scum, kills mold and bacteria
- Liquid dish detergent – cuts through grease and grime
- Hot water – helps dissolve buildup
- Cleaning toothbrush or scrub brush – scrubs tough stains
- Microfiber cloths – wipe away dirt
- Rubber gloves – protect your hands
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Process
1. Check Manual First
- Consult your washing machine’s manual for any special cleaning procedures or precautions for your model.
2. Clean Inside the Drum
- Sprinkle a layer of baking soda across the bottom of the empty drum.
- Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and hot water. Liberally spray the interior surfaces.
- Using a scrub brush, scrub the drum, door, and gasket to remove grime and soap scum.
- Run a rinse cycle to clear out the cleaning solution.
3. Clean Dispensers and Trays
- Open dispensers and use a cleaning toothbrush dipped in dish detergent and hot water to scrub the surfaces.
- Clean tray inserts andMake lines if needed.
- Wipe everything dry with a microfiber cloth.
4. Flush the Hoses
- Fill the detergent tray with equal parts vinegar and hot water. Run a wash cycle. This will flush the hoses.
- Interrupt the cycle periodically to let it soak if needed.
- After, run a rinse cycle with plain hot water to clear out vinegar.
5. Sanitize With a Hot Wash
- Run a hot wash cycle at the highest temperature setting with 1-2 cups of bleach to sanitize the drum and components.
- If your machine doesn’t have bleach dispenser, dilute in water first.
- Optionally add baking soda – It boosts cleaning power.
- Allow machine to complete full hot wash and rinse cycle.
6. Clean Exterior and Vents
- Wipe down outside surfaces with a microfiber cloth and soapy water or disinfecting wipes.
- Use cotton swabs to clean the vent openings and nooks.
- Dry surfaces thoroughly with a clean towel.
7. Remove and Clean Filter
- Locate the filter cap along the bottom front panel.
- Twist cap counterclockwise and pull out the filter.
- Rinse under hot water and scrub with an old toothbrush if needed.
- Replace filter and cap when clean.
8. Leave Door Open to Dry
- After the final rinse, leave the door open overnight to allow the washer’s interior to completely dry out.
- This prevents mold and mildew growth in moist areas.
9. Freshen Drum Monthly
- Going forward, leave the door open after use to allow drying.
- Once a month, sprinkle some baking soda in the empty drum and run a hot water rinse cycle.
- This maintains freshness between deep cleans.
When to Deep Clean Your Washer
- Every 3-6 months – Regular deep cleaning keeps wash performance optimal.
- When switching detergents – Remove buildup from the old brand before starting the new.
- Before first use – New washers benefit from an initial deep clean.
- After sickness – Deep clean and sanitize after illness to kill germs in laundry.
- When musty smells develop – Eliminate odors by cleaning away trapped dirt and grime.
- Following mold growth – Clean, disinfect, and dry thoroughly after any mold is seen.
A regularly deep cleaned washing machine means you’ll get better performance, fewer repairs, and fresh clean laundry each time. Following these tips will keep your washer like new.
