09/09/2020
How to keep your washing machine clean.
1. Check for a cleaning mode
Some modern washing machines will have a dedicated ‘cleaning’ mode. If yours does, then simply follow the instructions in the owner’s handbook.
There are washing machine cleaning products available to buy, many of which I sell while on call or from my stall at Tiverton pannier market most Fridays.
2. Run an empty hot cycle
Because modern detergents and washing machines are so effective at removing grime and dirt from our clothes, most of us use a relatively low temperature for our everyday wash.
This allows dirt to build up that would have been washed away had we used a hotter wash from time to time.
So simply running the hottest wash with an empty drum will go a long way to keeping it clean. Just run it once a month or so and don’t bother using any detergent or washing powder; it’s the hot water that’ll do the trick, rather than the soap!
3. Remove the detergent tray
The dirtiest part of most washing machines is always the detergent tray, so give it a thorough clean.
With everything turned off, you can pull out the detergent tray. There may well be a release catch/button to get it fully out.
Once it is out, cleaning it is simply a matter of scrubbing it in the sink with warm, soapy water. use an old toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies and while the first time might take a few minutes as the old detergent seems to get almost baked on, subsequent sessions should take only seconds.
4. Check the door seal
Another area that gets very dirty is the door seal. If you open the door and gently pull the front lip towards you, you will be amazed at the gunk and detritus in there, some of which is almost certainly mould and mildew.
Give the seal a good wipe out and hopefully using a washing machine cleaner most of the dirt and mould will come off, seals can be replaced by me at a reasonable cost.
5. Clean the filter
Some machines have a filter at the bottom of the machine, often hidden behind a flap.
Remove the filter and give a good clean, BE AWARE THERE WILL BE WATER IN THERE, PLACE A TOWEL UNDERNEATH TO CATCH MOST OF THE WATER.
6. Leave the door ajar
Now that your washing machine is nice and clean you should leave the door and detergent dispenser tray slightly ajar. This lets air circulate and helps prevent smells building up in there.
7. Use less detergent
Modern washing powders and detergents are so effective that you could probably use much less of them than you are currently using, also if you are in a soft water area you won’t need to use as much anyway.
So why not try and reduce the amount, especially when you’re running an everyday load that isn’t that dirty? Using less detergent is better for the environment, your pocket, and your washing machine!