Failure to clean and maintain your washing machine can result in unpleasant odors, germs, bacteria and mold. Many of us rely on their washing machines to keep their clothes clean and fresh, but very few remember cleaning them regularly.
Although washing machines are perfect for cleaning your clothes, they are not very effective at cleaning themselves. Maintaining the outside of the machine is simple, wipe it off regularly with a damp cloth or use a small amount of dishwashing liquid if you notice marks or stains.
Nevertheless, maintaining the inside of the machine can be slightly more complex. It is best to follow the instructions in your machine's manual. Moreover, when you plan to buy a washing machine, consider buying one that comes with a removable lint filter. This filter makes it easy to clean lint from your clothes.
What makes your machine no longer work properly? And how to prevent the cases of breakdowns?
- The seal of your front loading machine (the rubber around the door that forms the seal) traps a lot of water that promotes mold growth. -> Wipe the seal after each wash.
- Mold grows in damp places -> so leave the washing machine door open at all times to help dry it and do not let your laundry get wet.
- Washing at low temperatures is a problem when it comes to germs and bacteria that accumulate in your machine. -> Do at least one wash a month at a minimum temperature of 60ºC, preferably 90ºC to disinfect your machine.
- Overuse of the detergent can cause build-up -> so measure your dose carefully according to the size of your load and the degree of dirt.
- For HE machines, reduce excess foam by using a specialized HE detergent.
- The use of liquid detergents and softeners can cause sticky wax build-up inside the drum of your washing machine. This problem is exacerbated when we wash at low temperatures. -> Use powdered detergents instead of liquid and use half a cup of distilled white vinegar in place of the fabric softener.
When to clean your washing machine?
It is generally recommended to thoroughly clean your washing machine every six months. You should clean your washing machine more often if you use it most days, and less often if you use it only occasionally.
You should also clean your washing machine if it suddenly develops odors or if it stops cleaning your clothes as efficiently as before. Machines that are not cleaned regularly can develop lime scale, which can lead to mold and bacteria.
Top 3 most effective tips for cleaning your washing machine:
With baking soda and vinegar
You can clean your washing machine naturally using distilled white vinegar and baking soda. But it is not really recommended for very dirty washing machines. This mixture is very effective for deodorizing your washing machine and even helps to remove limescale.
With citric acid
Citric acid is a natural and powerful way to remove limescale and soap scum. It is a much stronger acid than vinegar, so a treat for machines with a lot of dirt accumulation. Citric acid can also be used with baking soda to help eliminate odors.
With hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide removes limescale, kills mold and is antiviral and antibacterial. It can also be used with hot water. It is safer to use than chlorine bleach because it does not leave vapors or toxic residues and is safe for the environment as it breaks down into oxygen and water.
It should be noted that poorly maintained washing machines can be dangerous and have a shorter life span. They can also damage your clothes and laundry. If you want your washing machine to last longer, you should invest in maintenance and regular deep cleaning. This will save you money in the long run.