Washing machines are essential appliances in our daily lives, helping to keep our clothes fresh and clean. However, just like any other appliance, they need regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance and avoid unpleasant odors. Over time, washing machines can accumulate soap scum, mold, mildew, and mineral buildup, which can affect both the cleanliness of your clothes and the efficiency of your machine.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through a comprehensive guide on how to deep clean your washing machine, covering every nook and cranny, including the tub, drum, filter, rubber seals, and even how to remove bad smells and mold. Let's dive in!
1. How to Clean Inside of Washing Machine
The inside of your washing machine – both the tub and drum – can become a breeding ground for bacteria, detergent residue, and mold. Here's how you can deep clean the interior of your washing machine to ensure it stays in top working condition.
Step 1: Run a Hot Water Cycle
Start by running a hot water cycle on your washing machine. Add either a Seaways washing machine cleaner or a natural solution of white vinegar and baking soda. These ingredients work wonders in breaking down soap scum and mineral buildup, leaving your machine fresh and clean.
To make your own cleaner, add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run the machine on the hottest cycle. After the first cycle, add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot cycle. This combination helps eliminate lingering smells and ensures the interior is free of residue.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Drum
Once the cycle is complete, wipe the inside of the drum with a soft cloth to remove any leftover grime or debris. This is especially important if you’ve used a washing machine cleaner that may leave a residue.
2. How to Clean Mold from Washing Machine
Mold and mildew thrive in the moist environment of your washing machine, particularly around the rubber seals and gaskets. Here's how to tackle it head-on:
Step 1: Use a Vinegar and Water Solution
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution generously on the areas where mold is present, such as the rubber seals and any other parts of the drum or tub where moisture may have collected.
Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and will break down the mold while also eliminating odors.
Step 2: Scrub with a Cloth or Toothbrush
After letting the solution sit, use a soft cloth or an old toothbrush to scrub the affected areas. Be thorough in scrubbing the folds of the rubber seals and around the edges of the drum where mold tends to hide.
Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Once the mold is scrubbed away, run another hot water cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to clean any remaining residue from the machine. This will also help sanitize the interior.
3. How to Clean Washing Machine Filter
The washing machine filter catches lint, coins, and other debris during the wash cycle. Over time, it can become clogged, affecting your machine’s performance. Here’s how to clean it:
Step 1: Locate the Filter
The filter is usually located at the bottom of the washing machine, behind a small access panel. Consult your machine’s manual if you’re unsure where it’s located.
Step 2: Remove the Filter
Open the access panel and carefully remove the filter. Be sure to have a towel or shallow dish nearby to catch any excess water that might spill out when you remove it.
Step 3: Clean the Filter
Once the filter is removed, rinse it under warm water to remove any lint, debris, or detergent residue. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn buildup.
Step 4: Reinstall the Filter
Once the filter is clean, reinsert it back into its compartment and close the access panel. Make sure it’s securely in place before using your washing machine again.
4. How to Clean the Drum of Washing Machine
The drum is a crucial part of the washing machine, as it holds the clothes during the wash cycle. Over time, it can accumulate soap scum and grime that could lead to foul odors and reduced efficiency.
Step 1: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Just like cleaning the inside of the washing machine, you can run a hot water cycle with either a washing machine cleaner or a natural solution of vinegar and baking soda. The cleaner will help break down any soap scum, grime, or mineral buildup that’s stuck inside the drum.
Step 2: Wipe the Drum
After the cleaning cycle, take a soft cloth and wipe the inside of the drum to remove any leftover residue. You can also use a microfiber cloth to ensure there’s no lingering moisture.
5. How to Clean the Rubber Seal in a Washing Machine
The rubber seal (also known as the gasket) around the door of your washing machine is notorious for trapping moisture, dirt, and detergent, which can lead to mold and odors. Here’s how to clean it:
Step 1: Spray with a Vinegar Solution
To clean the rubber seal, spray a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar around the rubber gasket. Be sure to target the folds, where dirt and mold can build up.
Step 2: Scrub the Gasket
After letting the vinegar solution sit for about 5 minutes, use a soft cloth or toothbrush to scrub the rubber seal. Focus on cleaning the folds where dirt and soap scum are most likely to accumulate.
Step 3: Wipe and Dry the Area
After scrubbing, wipe the seal with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture. This step is essential to prevent mold growth, as the seal will remain moist if not properly dried.
6. How to Clean Tub in Washing Machine
The tub is the main chamber of the washing machine where the clothes are agitated during a wash cycle. It can accumulate soap scum, detergent, and mineral deposits over time. Here's how to clean it:
Step 1: Run a Hot Cycle with Cleaner
Just like with the drum, run a hot water cycle with either a washing machine cleaner or a combination of vinegar and baking soda. This will help remove detergent buildup and any lingering residue from the tub.
Step 2: Wipe the Tub
Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the tub with a damp cloth to remove any remaining grime. Make sure to wipe around the edges and any other areas that may have residual dirt.
7. How to Clean Musty Washing Machine
A musty smell in your washing machine is a common problem caused by trapped moisture and bacteria, especially in high-efficiency (HE) machines. Here’s how to clean a musty washing machine:
Step 1: Use a Washing Machine Cleaner
A specialized washing machine cleaner can help break down mold, mildew, and soap scum. If you prefer a natural solution, pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run a hot cycle.
Step 2: Leave the Door Open
After completing the cleaning cycle, always leave the washing machine door slightly open to allow air circulation. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can contribute to a musty smell.
Step 3: Wipe the Drum and Seals
Wipe down the drum, rubber seals, and any other areas inside the washing machine that may have trapped moisture. This will help prevent the musty smell from returning.
8. How to Remove Bad Smell from Washing Machine
If your washing machine has a bad smell, it’s likely due to mold, mildew, soap scum, or bacteria. Here’s how to get rid of it:
Step 1: Clean with White Vinegar
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run a hot water cycle. The vinegar will help break down soap residue, mold, and mildew that may be causing the odor.
Step 2: Scrub the Rubber Seals and Drum
Use a mixture of vinegar and water to scrub the rubber seals and the inside of the drum. Mold and soap scum can accumulate here and cause persistent odors.
Step 3: Use Baking Soda
Add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot water cycle. Baking soda will neutralize any remaining odors and leave the machine smelling fresh.
Step 4: Leave the Door Open
After each use, leave the washing machine door slightly open to allow it to air out. This helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew and keeps odors at bay.
By following these steps, your washing machine will stay clean, fresh, and efficient, helping it run smoothly for years to come. Regular maintenance is key to preventing mold, odors, and buildup that can affect the machine's performance.
If you're looking for an easy and effective way to keep your washing machine clean, check out our range of Seaways cleaning products, designed to make your washing machine maintenance simple and effective. With the right tools and techniques, you can ensure that your washing machine stays in tip-top condition, giving you cleaner clothes and a longer lifespan for your appliance.