This year for spring cleaning, we're cleaning our cleaning machines. Last week, we
cleaned our dishwashers, and this week we turn to our washing machines. Depending on your type of machine and your local climate, washing machines can become moldy and mildewed, which keeps your clothes from getting truly clean. Giving your washing machine a good cleanse will not only lengthen its life, it will result in cleaner clothes that also last longer and smell better. Win/win.
For Top-Loading Washing Machines
- Select the hottest and longest wash cycle and start it with an empty drum.
- As the water is filling in the drum, pour in 4 cups of distilled white vinegar.
- Leave the lid open to stall the wash cycle and allow the water and vinegar to sit and soak for one hour.
- While the water sits, wipe down the exterior of the machine, including knobs and buttons with an all-purpose cleanser.
- Wipe or rinse out the bleach reservoir.
- Close the lid and allow the cycle to complete, flushing the vinegar rinse through all the hoses.
- Once the cycle is finished, use a dry towel to wipe down the interior drum of the washer and leave the lid open to dry for several hours.
For Front-Loading Washing Machines
- Select the hottest wash cycle with an extra rinse cycle.
- Add distilled white vinegar (about a cup, or to the fill line) in the bleach dispenser.
- Run the full cycle with an empty drum.
- Once the cycle finishes, use a damp rag with vinegar on it to wipe down the rubber seals around the door opening.
- Rinse and wipe down the soap and bleach reservoirs.
- Wipe down the exterior, including knobs and buttons, with an all-purpose cleanser.
- Wipe down the inside drum of the washer and leave the door open to allow the washer to fully dry for several hours.
HINT: If you live in a warm, humid area, it's best to clean your washing machine monthly and leave the door open when not in use to allow more air to circulate.
HINT: Using too much soap will not get your clothes cleaner and will likely shorten the life of your machine by producing residue in tubes and hoses. Less is more when it comes to laundry soap.
