Your washing machine works hard. It removes dirt, stains, and bacteria from all your clothes and doesn’t ask for much in return. Over time, dirt and soap scum build-up. If you’ve never cleaned your washing machine, then a good scrubbing is overdue. Check out these tips for cleaning a front-loading washing machine.
Disclaimer: This article contains links to products that we recommend. We are not compensated for these recommendations. These are just our honest opinions based on the products that are reviewed.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washer?
We recommend cleaning your washing machine once every 3 months. If it gets heavy use or cleans a lot of tough stains it's common to clean the machine more often. Staying on top of your machine's maintenance can help it work more efficiently by using less energy and it keeps your clothes nice a clean.
If you have a smart washer, like the LG laundry machines, your washer will actually let you know when it's time to clean it. They even have a tub clean function built into some models. It's actually pretty cool to get these notifications because you'll know that you're taking care of the machine. There's no guessing. You'll know exactly when to clean it.
We highly recommend getting some washer tub cleaning tablets like the OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner tablets.
Wipe Down the Exterior of a Washing Machine
Remove the control knobs if they come off. Soak them in warm water and a little bit of Dawn dish soap. Then wash them in the sink. You can let them air dry or dry them with a towel. Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine with a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
Move the machine away from the wall to vacuum behind it. It can help to have someone assist you. Be careful of the connections behind the machine as they may disconnect if they are too short. Some machines have wheels on the back. Try tipping the front of the machine back until the rear wheels touch the ground.
Inspect the rubber water supply hoses for cracks or wear. If you see any damage, contact a repair center to help you replace them.
Get Rid Of Mold & Mildew Smells From Inside Your Washer
Washing machines can get smelly pretty quickly if you don't take care of them. The most common areas for your washer to start showing mildew or mold growth are:
The tub drum
The rubber seal
The door window
The soap dispenser
We recommend leaving the door of the washer open after using it. This will help air it out and ensure moisture doesn't get trapped inside. You'll also want to wipe off the window of the door. Use a paper towel or microfiber cloth to keep it dry. If your washer has a rubber seal around the door, wipe this off also. Make sure you're pulling back the lip of the seal to get under it as that is where most of the water, hair, and other debris will get caught.
Scrub the Wash Drum
This isn't always necessary. But you should keep an eye out for any areas inside the washer drum that may need to be wiped up by hand. It could be a corner or crevice somewhere that requires a brush to get into also. Just use a bit of laundry detergent diluted in water to wipe it the mess away.
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