Even if you clean your washer and dryer after every wash, both of these appliances need to be cleaned well from time to time. After a lot of washings, dirt and detergents remain inside the washer, and lint and dust build up inside the drum, so cleaning your washer and dryer thoroughly every few months will ensure that your clothes are washed more efficiently.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Clean the washing machine
Step 1. Wipe the outside and inside of the lid with a damp sponge
Step 2. Remove the fabric catcher (if your machine has one) and rinse it under the tap
Step 3. Clean the soap, bleach and fabric softener dispensers
If these cups are removable, remove and rinse them under running water. If not, use a pipe cleaner or some cotton swab to remove any residue. (It is recommended to do this after every wash.)
Step 4. To get rid of mold, mildew and odor, as well as soap and fabric residues, run the car empty with hot water and 2 cups of white vinegar
(You can use 1 cup of bleach instead of vinegar, but the bleach can damage the rubber pads.)
Step 5. Run a cycle of hot water and 5 liters of white vinegar if you have hard water, once a month or every 10 washes
The vinegar will help dissolve impurities caused by hard water or well water.
Method 2 of 2: Clean the dryer
Step 1. Clean thoroughly the fiber filter
Use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle to remove as much of the lint as possible from the underside of the filter. If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, insert a rag into the filter well and use it to wipe off debris.
Step 2. Use a vacuum cleaner or rag to clean the inside of the dryer and wipe the door gasket
Step 3. Detach the drain hose and clean it using a vacuum cleaner or rag
Step 4. Check the external valve
Raise the cover and make sure there is no debris blocking the air outlet.
Step 5. Close the cover of the dryer
Wipe it off using warm, soapy water and then rinse off any remaining soap.
Step 6. Remove melted pencil, ink or dye from the drum using an all-purpose cleaner spray and wipe it off with a damp cloth or paper towel
For more effective cleaning, it is recommended to throw a few old towels in the dryer and run the machine for 20 minutes at a high temperature. This will remove the remaining stains from the spray
Advice
- If possible, leave the lid of the washing machine open when not in use. Opening the lid or door between washes will help prevent mold and mildew from forming inside the washing machine.
- After washing particularly dirty clothes, be sure to dry the drum immediately after removing the clothes to prevent any remaining moisture from drying out inside your machine.
- If your washing machine drains water down the sink, make sure you have a filter on the drain hose to catch any debris that may be on your clothes. This will help keep your pipes from getting clogged.
Warnings
- Clean the lint filter of your dryer before loading wet laundry. A clogged filter can cause a fire.
- Change the hoses connecting the washing machine to the hot and cold water valves every 3-5 years, or as soon as they start to wear out.