It is important to clean your washing machine to improve its efficiency, remove mould, mildew and grime and any odours.
We all know how important it is to keep the house clean and fresh. But have you ever thought about the cleanliness of your washing machine? It’s a common misconception that washing machines remain clean on their own, but it’s time to burst this bubble because if you don’t clean your washing machine regularly, it can be detrimental to both your machine’s life and your clothing’s longevity.
Step by Step Guides to Clean your Washing Machine
The method to clean a top load washing machine and front load washing machine is slightly different due to their design differences. However, both involve using a cleaning solution and running a cleaning cycle. I have step by step guide for each to help you below.
top loader
step by step guide to clean a top loader washing machine
front loader
step by step guide to clean a front loader washing machine
I have a front load washing machine, and I make it a habit to drape a cloth over the door. This cloth serves two purposes: wiping the door after each use and preventing me from accidentally closing the door. Keeping the door slightly ajar allows airflow and prevents moisture build-up inside the machine, which can lead to mould growth.
Use vinegar instead of fabric softener
Did you know you can use vinegar in your wash cycle instead of fabric softener? Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, killing germs, bacteria or mould present in the linens and removes soap residue. It won’t make the clothes smell like vinegar and the bonus is, it’s so cheap at the supermarket!
Why keeping your washing machine clean is important
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Removing odours from the wash
Fabulosa laundry cleanser is extremely effective yet soft enough to add to your regular laundry cycle. Freshen your washing while killing 99% of germs that cause foul smells in both cold and hot water.
Keeping your washing machine clean is an essential part of maintaining a hygienic and healthy home. Regular maintenance ensures it runs longer, reduces energy costs, improves the lifespan of clothing, and eliminates unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning is an important habit to maintain, so add it to your cleaning routine. Like any other appliance, it requires upkeep and will continue to operate at its full potential if given the right care.
13 comments
I fill my fabric softener dispenser with vinegar for every wash, much clean for the machine and so much cheaper.
It’s so much better than fabric softerner, doesn’t leave a coating over your clothes!
The plastic seal around my front loader went mouldy. When the friendly repair guy came out he told me every 6mo to put 4tablrspoons of dishwasher powder directly in the machine and run on 90degree cycle to kill any mould. Also he said its washing at low temp that cause the grim build up and that it helps the machine if once a week you wash on 40degrees and once a month on 60degrees (or more frequently). Machines been mould free and sparkly ever since!
Wonderful glad you could get rid of the mould. Check out my front loader washing machine posts there are some great ideas there too to prevent mould, shared by other readers.
how do i clean my washing machine with cold water only fitted
Lisa, I start my washing machine as if doing a small wash then pause/stop it as soon as the cold water starts entering. I then fill a bucket with hot water in my laundry tub and empty it into the washing machine (and repeat as many times as necessary). Hope this helps you!
Every 6 months I wash my machine by filling it with hot water on a extra full load and adding some dishwasher powder. Run the machine but stop it before it drains and leave it siting full overnight. In the morning let it finish the cycle. The bowl will most likely be filled with the scum that has been cleaned from the pipes and bowl which will need a wipe out and another cycle run to wash it away.
Great suggestion Lisa-Marie. Thanks for sharing
I’ve recently had a musty smell in my front loader that I just can’t seem to get rid of. I’ve run the drum cleaner cycle using the following: machine cleaner, vinegar, vinegar and bicarb & eucalyptus oil. Wet clothes are never left in the machine. It’s wiped down every load with eucalyptus & vinegar & the door is always kept open. I’ve also recently pulled the rubber seal back as far as I could to clean.
Any tips on what else I can try would be much appreciated
Thank you Katrina for having such an informative website. I have found a couple of very useful tips today and I will put them to good use. You sound a lot like me, although I am not a youngster anymore, but I was always organised and kept my home clean and well organised. My friends still tell me I’m OCD, but my mother taught me the ideals of being house tidy, clean and organised which has done me so well over the years. I look forward to following your website each week. Well done Karen for being such a great help to everyone.
My apologies Katrina, I kept calling you karen. I really don’t know where I got that from. Old age catching up with me I feel.
I do not have the oil yet, so just used vinegar for my fronts. But the whole family hate the smell of it. Will the oil help with reducing the vinegar smell?
I’m not sure what ratio you’re using, but you would only need to add 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of vinegar which shouldn’t leave a lingering odour. The oil will add a fresh scent to your laundry!