Have you ever stopped to wonder if your washing machine needs a clean, or how to even begin cleaning it? If you’re on the search for the best ways to clean your washing machine drum, you’ve stumbled across the right article. The processes involved are super simple and don’t require many tools. In fact, the cleaning products you’ll need are those that are probably already in your kitchen cupboards.
Learning how to clean a washing machine is a capability that will go a long way in saving you from having to buy a new machine for as long as possible. Gather the cleaning supplies needed and get to work on restoring the look and functionality of the machine you currently own, so that you can enjoy wearing clothes that look and smell better than ever. Here are 4 ways you can clean your washing machine drum thoroughly.
Vinegar And Baking Soda
The mixture of vinegar and baking soda forms a powerful cleaning agent that kills dirt and bacteria instantly. Use these 5 steps to rid your machine drum of those unwanted substances:
- Use a spritz bottle to spray the inside of your washing machine drum with white vinegar. Cover every part of the drum for the best clean possible.
- Wipe down the drum with a microfiber cloth, including the seals around the door which have small gaps where dirt may be hiding.
- Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and set your washing machine to run on its longest cycle at the hottest temperature.
- When the first cycle has finished, pour half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run a second cycle using the same settings as the first.
- When the second cycle finishes, leave the door open and let the machine air-dry. Wipe it with a microfiber cloth if need be.
Bleach
Bleach is an extremely powerful ingredient used to clean many appliances. Follow these 5 easy steps to clean your machine drum with bleach:
- Pour half a cup of bleach into the drum and another half cup into your detergent drawer.
- Set your machine to run for a hot cycle and pause it as soon as the machine is full of water.
- Let the mixture rest for an hour before finishing the cycle.
- When the first cycle is finished, run a second one to rinse out the bleach completely.
- Open the door and let the machine air-dry. Wipe down the drum and door with a towel if need be.
Vitamin C
Using a more acidic approach can also be very helpful in fighting off dirt and grime. Follow these 5 simple steps to clean your washing machine drum with a dose of vitamin C:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil before removing it from the heat.
- Dissolve 200 grams of ascorbic acid powder and 100 grams of citric acid powder in the water.
- Add a small amount of the homemade cleaning solution into the detergent drawer and the rest into the washing machine drum.
- Run the machine on a hot cycle.
- When the cycle is over, open the door and let the machine air-dry. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth if need be.
Regular Detergent
If you don’t have any of the cleaning agents needed for the methods above, you can also use regular cleaning detergent to get the job done. Run a regular cycle as you usually would with hot water and cleaning detergent. Without clothes in the mix, the detergent can focus more on killing the bacteria inside the machine. Once the cycle is complete, open the machine and let it air-dry. Wipe the drum down with a microfiber cloth should you feel the need to.
These 4 powerful and useful cleaning methods will have your machine looking and working the way you want it to. If you’re looking for cleaning tips relating to specific makes, check out our posts and learn how to clean a Samsung washing machine, and how to clean a Bosch washing machine. Share these tips with friends and family to save them from having to fork out unnecessary money for a new machine sooner than they would like.
