Washing machines perform heavy-duty tasks and deserve a little care from time to time. They handle dirt, detergents, water, and various elements, so it’s crucial to maintain them effectively to ward off grime, odors, mold, and mildew.
Maintaining your washing machine doesn’t require excessive effort, and our comprehensive guide ensures both front loaders and top loaders remain in peak condition, delivering exceptional laundry results.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Washing Machine: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you own a top loader or front loader, these regular steps ensure your washing machine stays in optimal condition.
Every Wash:
- Leave the door and detergent drawer open for air drying.
- Wipe down the seal and exterior to prevent odors and bacteria.
- For top loaders, clean the agitator and lint filter.
Every Month (or approximately every 30 wash cycles):
Front Loaders:
- Wipe the seal with soapy water.
- Add detergent or white vinegar to the dispenser.
- Run the hottest and largest load cycle to remove buildup.
- Wipe down the drum, exterior, and clean the detergent dispenser.
Top Loaders:
- Add detergent or white vinegar to the dispenser.
- Run the hottest, largest load cycle.
- Wipe down the top and clean the detergent dispenser.
Every Year:
- Check and adjust the machine’s level.
- Scrub detergent, mold, and residue with soapy water or white vinegar.
- Machine Malfunction:
If your machine stops working or cleaning effectively, troubleshoot or contact the manufacturer for assistance. Timely repairs prevent further issues.
Is It Necessary for Me to Use a Washing Machine Cleaner?
Cleaning your machine’s exterior, drum, and door seal with soapy water should suffice to maintain its pristine condition. The use of washing machine cleaners is not obligatory to preserve the machine’s cleanliness. Both vinegar and baking soda are highly effective for disinfection and bacteria elimination, whether you own a top loader or front loader – these household items are commonly endorsed for this purpose.
While many individuals still opt for washing machine cleaners, it remains a prevalent practice. Despite this, a significant number of users continue to favor washing machine cleaners, which are readily accessible in most supermarkets and sometimes in stores that specialize in washing machine sales.
To ensure that a cleaning product is suitable for your washing machine, it is advisable to peruse the product description and refer to the manual that accompanies your washer if you decide to employ one. In addition to perusing reviews of washing machine cleaners, it’s important to diligently follow the cleaner’s provided instructions to gauge their effectiveness.
Amazon.com 
Is It Safe to Use Bleach to Clean My Washing Machine?
Yes, you can use bleach to clean your washing machine, but it’s important to do so carefully to prevent damage to your washer and laundry. Bleach is effective at killing bacteria and eliminating odors. However, when using bleach, it’s crucial to follow these guidelines:
- Proper Dilution: Use bleach in the recommended and safe concentration. Usually, a 1:10 bleach-to-water ratio is advised for cleaning.
- Read Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific washing machine, as there might be model-specific recommendations.
- Avoid Overuse: Using too much bleach can potentially harm your sewage system, so be cautious about the quantity you use.
- Check Compatibility: If you want to mix bleach with other substances, such as laundry detergent or machine cleaner, ensure that these combinations are compatible and safe. Some chemicals may react negatively when combined.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After using bleach, make sure to run a rinse cycle to remove any residual bleach to prevent it from affecting future loads of laundry.
Regarding the lifespan of a washing machine, it can last more than 10 years with proper cleaning and maintenance, depending on its quality. After that point, replacement may be more cost-effective than repair.
To extend the life of your washing machine, consider the maintenance tips you’ve mentioned, such as emptying the drum immediately, replacing damaged rubber seals, not overloading the machine, using the right amount of detergent, and ensuring good ventilation in the laundry room. These practices will help keep your washing machine running efficiently and prevent issues.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean washing machine is a straightforward task when done regularly. Neglecting this routine can lead to the accumulation of dirt and mold, making it more challenging to address these issues. Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your washing machine in good working order and ensuring your laundry remains fresh and hygienic.
