Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Even the very best washing machines develop bad smells after a while.  With this in mind there are many reasons why you should clean your washer inside and out on a regular basis.  Although your washing machine is designed to wash clothes it can quickly get full of grime, not to mention bad odours and smells. This is due to washing potty accidents, underclothes as well as general dirt and debris that are collected on clothes including other washable fabrics.

All this kind of stuff can leave a film of bacteria, mould along with mildew in your washing machine.  There’s also the possibility of a build-up of detergent residue and hard water that can quickly combine over time to make a very unpleasant smell.  Let’s face it, washing your clothes in a dirty washing machine can transfer the smell to your clothes, not a nice thought at all.

Make your washing machine feel brand new

To find out how to make your washing machine feel brand new, spend some time browsing online blogs via reputable kitchen repair appliance specialists.  There are lots of helpful reviews on removing the bad smell from your washing machine helping to keep it as clean as possible.

  • First run a service wash.  If your washing machine doesn’t have a service setting then do an empty wash at the highest temperature setting.  This will help to kill off the majority of mould and mildew that can often survive lower temperature eco washes.  Remember to check out the manufacturer’s website for a guide if you have lost the manual that came with the washer.
  • Next – turn off the washing machine and unplug it.  It’s very important to switch off a washing machine when cleaning the inside.  One of the easiest places for smelly bacteria and mould to gather is in the rubber door seal.  Give every nook and cranny a good scrub, however if the mould has gotten into the meat of the rubber itself then you’ll more than likely have to replace the seal in its entirely.
  • The next step is to remove the filter and detergent drawer, then clean them thoroughly. Use a drain un-blocker to clear the standpipe.  If there is only a partial blockage there it can make bad smells coming out of the washer even worse. A good tip is, if it’s flowing slowly then you probably need to get in touch with a reputable plumber.

Between uses it’s a good idea to leave the door and detergent drawer open.  This will help the washer to dry inside while slowing down any unwanted mould, mildew and bacteria. It’s also advisable to run a service wash cycle once every couple of weeks, especially if you usually wash at low temperatures.

You can find lots of info concerning cleaning washing machines on appliance repair websites including a number of other similar articles. Keeping any type of appliance clean will also help to prolong its life cycle.