How to Effectively Clean Your Washing Machine?

How to Effectively Clean Your Washing Machine?

Has it come to your notice that your clothes don’t get washed as cleanly as they used to? Or sometimes, does your washing machine ooze out a musty smell? Years of accumulated detergent powder, soap residue or comforter in the innermost mechanical areas can affect the wear and tear of your washing machine. During such occurrences, your washing machine might indicate that it requires effective washing and cleaning.

Fortunately, cleaning a washing machine at home is relatively simple and does not require any extravagant efforts or professional service. Discussed below are the ways you can clean inside your washing machine, depending on its type.

How to clean your washing machine

You might be surprised, but the essential tool to clean inside your washing machine is vinegar. Besides using it as a cooking ingredient, vinegar also works as a great disinfectant and cleaning agent. Its acidic nature can dissolve any stubborn residue, dirt, or grease stuck in any part of your machine.

Cleaning your washing machine drum

Your washing machine drum is the most susceptible to amassing dirt in the areas out of your reach. To efficiently clean your washing machine drum, fill it with hot or warm water and add two cups of white vinegar instead of detergent powder. With this method, any foul smells are also washed away.

After the cycle, ready a bucket of warm water and add a quarter cup of vinegar to it. With a sponge, wipe the bucket areas, the holes, and the rims clean. Make use of a toothbrush in the regions with narrow gaps to get rid of any mould and mildew.

Cleaning other washing machine parts

Dust settles at the opening door of the washing machines and should be cleaned thoroughly with a sponge dipped in distilled vinegar water. Your machine’s controls should be wiped and your soap dispensers should also retain their cleanliness.

Washing with baking soda

By this time, most of the dirt would be washed away but to be thorough, run a second round of a hot water cycle and add half a cup of baking soda to it. A final cleanse clears the washing machine drum of any residue matter so that your machine is spotless and polished. Keep the lid open till it dries out.

Cleaning the dryer

If you have a semi-automatic washing machine, you need to clean the dryer separately. Remove the lint trap and outlet vent of the dryer and wash it. Clean the parts with a soft brush and some detergent.

Removing scales

Descaling a washing machine should be done at least thrice a year. This process involves removing the built-up limescale residue from the washing machine drum to prevent the wear and tear of your garments and improve your washing machine’s service life. To remove scales from your washing machine, pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser, fill up the tub with hot water and set it to run on its longest cycle. After the first cycle, add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Consider running an empty wash after this process is complete for a thorough descale.

How to clean front-load washing machines

Often, dust particles settle at the lid of the front-load washing machines. So this part requires your special attention. Scrub it with a washcloth soaked in warm water and wipe out the dry dust or remnants of detergent or fabric softener.

How to clean top-load washing machines

Top-load washing machines usually collect more dust than the front-load ones due to their structure. Hence, pause the device during the first cycle to let the warm water with vinegar soak into the machine.

How to clean semi-automatic washing machines

The upper section of a semi-automatic washing machine as well as the knobs need special attention. Use a soft fabric dipped in water, baking soda and vinegar to clean this part. You can also use this cloth to clean any residue left in the drum after a full wash.

You might be required to clean inside the washing machine at home frequently, depending on the quality of the technology and the machines themselves. Hence, with incredible innovation and novel technologies, your washing machine might require a less frequent wash and that’s exactly what Voltas serves you. We ensure our washers and dryers give you the best laundry experience possible!