Out of all the household appliances, washing machines are one of the largest investments we make. They play a vital role in making our lives easier and help free up a fair amount of time for us to use on other tasks. Therefore, it only makes sense that you keep yours in near-perfect condition for as long as possible by knowing how to clean your washing machine. One of the best ways to do this is by cleaning them regularly.
By cleaning your washing machine as often as need be, you’ll save a lot of money by avoiding future repairs, or even a possible future purchase of a new one. You do not need to be an expert to know how to clean a washing machine, nor do you need special tools or products. There are various methods used to clean different types of washing machines, but this article will focus specifically on the topic of how to clean a front-loader washing machine. Follow these 5 steps to perform a thorough clean on the inside of your front-loader washing machine.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following cleaning supplies:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
- A microfiber cloth
1. Spray The Drum With Vinegar
Dispense white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz the inside of your washing machine drum. Make sure to cover the surface of the entire drum when spraying.
2. Wipe The Drum
Using a microfiber cloth, clean the entire drum as thoroughly as possible. Make sure to include the door seals – these may need extra attention as they offer good hiding spots for dirt and bacteria.
3. Set Your Machine For A Cycle
Once you’ve finished wiping down the drum, pour two cups of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and set your machine to run a cycle. The settings for the cycle should be the longest amount of time at the hottest temperature.
4. Run A Second Cycle With Baking Soda
When the first cycle has finished, spread half a cup of baking soda around the drum of your machine, then set it to run a second cycle. Use the same time and temperature settings as the previous cycle.
5. Let Your Machine Air-Dry
Once the second cycle is complete, open the door and let your washing machine air-dry. You can also wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to speed up the process.
Alternative Methods To Clean Your Front-Loader Washing Machine
If you don’t have vinegar or baking soda, here are two other methods you can use to clean your washing machine:
1. Cleaning Your Machine With Bleach
Pour half a cup of bleach into the drum of your washing machine and half a cup into the detergent drawer. Set the machine to run a hot cycle, but pause it for an hour once it has filled with water. Finish that cycle before running a second one to completely get rid of the bleach. Wipe down the door and the seal with a towel and let your machine air-dry.
2. Cleaning Your Machine With Detergent
You can also opt for regular laundry detergent to clean your washing machine. Place the detergent into the detergent drawer and run a regular cycle with hot water before letting your machine air-dry.
You are now better equipped to take care of your washing machine and keep it running as efficiently as possible far into the future. Enjoy the thorough cleaning job a well taken care of machine performs on everything it washes.
