How to Clean a Washing Machine

Want to know the steps required to clean a washing machine?

In this article, we'll not only break down the approach required but also look at the tools, safety equipment, and materials. We'll also briefly discuss ways to prepare before cleaning a washing machine.

Without further ado, let's discuss what cleaning a washing machine entails.

What Does Cleaning a Washing Machine Involve?

This process involves performing steps such as running a service wash and cleaning the filter. Cleaning a washing machine will deal with bacteria, mould, and rid it of bad smells, while also providing additional benefits.

If your washing machine is used regularly, it's recommended to run the service wash once a month. Then carry out an additional deep clean of the drawer, seal, and the machine's filter every 1 to 3 months.

What Tools Do I Need to Clean a Washing Machine?

There are a range of tools required to clean a washing machine properly, and the tools described in this section will apply to different types of cleaning.

Here are the tools you'll need, depending on the job:

• Damp cloth
• Shallow tray or towel

Other tools may prove necessary per the manufacturer's guidance (if applicable) for certain methods of cleaning a washing machine. However, more than likely, one or both of the above tools will be all you need.

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What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Clean a Washing Machine?

You will need safety equipment for this job if there is mould that needs removing. It goes without saying that it's important to avoid accidental ingestion of any substances from the washing machine.

You must also be careful when mixing substances. Avoid combining bleach with acidic substances like vinegar as this produces chlorine gas.

You'll need:

• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses
• Face mask

It's important to wash your hands with soap after dealing with the different surfaces and substances required to clean a washing machine, even if you wore gloves. This will protect you against germs or ingesting a toxic substance.

What Materials Do I Need to Clean a Washing Machine?

There are also some materials you'd need to clean a washing machine. Let's take a look at this.

Here are the materials you might need:

• Drain unblocker
• Cleaning tablets
• Baking soda paste
• White vinegar
• Washing detergent
• Mould and mildew cleaner

Again, as with tools, this list could be expanded if specific materials are needed in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.

Preparing to Clean Your Washing Machine

There are a few measures worth taking before you actually get to cleaning the washing machine. Let's have a look at these steps in a short amount of detail.

Removing Clothes

Obviously, any clothes in the washing machine should be removed. Spin the drum to check for any extra clothing items like socks that may be stuck at the top, for instance.

Inspecting the Washing Machine

It's also worth briefly inspecting the washing machine to check for any issues that stand out, such as a broken part of the drum. After all, you don't want to clean a washing machine only to find you need to have it replaced.

Inspecting the washing machine will also help you narrow down the potential source of the bad smell (if applicable). It's also possible that there are no particular issues with bad odours coming from the washing machine, but you should still give it a good clean regardless.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Yourself

In this section, we will describe the different steps/jobs involved in cleaning a washing machine. You may prefer to undertake one, a few, or all of these tasks. As mentioned earlier, how often you should perform these jobs will vary.

Step 1 — Service Wash

This first step is to prevent odours accumulating in the drum and should be performed once a month. A service wash is a particularly hot wash that must be undertaken without any clothes inside.

Your washing machine manual should provide details on how to run a service wash, including the correct temperature, as this can vary between manufacturers and models. This will then help get rid of mould or bacteria correctly.

Step 2 — Clean the Door Seal

Next, you'll want to check for mould that has grown in the door's rubber seal. Wipe it briefly using a mould and mildew cleaner. The issue with mould accumulation is that it can result in seal damage over time. In this case, you should consider hiring a professional for a seal replacement.

To achieve a clean seal, apply a layer of paste made by mixing baking soda and water, or use a mild detergent. Wipe the seal clean with a separate cloth.

Step 3 — Washing the Detergent Drawer

Another important part of the cleaning process is to remove the drawer and wipe it clean after performing a service wash. It would help if you also cleaned the surrounding area of the drawer, as this can also give off an unpleasant smell.

Step 4 — Filter Cleaning

You may also find that the filter itself is giving off a bad smell. You'll generally find the filter at the front of your washing machine, usually towards the bottom right.

Before removing the filter, make sure the washing machine is switched off and unplugged and that the water supply is turned off.

Remove the cover before draining any excess water using the hose, and place a towel or shallow tray underneath to catch the water. Next, unscrew the filter and clean it with warm water, as there is often a build-up of gunk that may be causing the unwanted smell.

Step 5 — Leaving the Door and Drawer Open

You should also try leaving the machine door open following a wash. This gives a chance for sufficient air circulation. This can, in turn, prevent mould and bacteria from growing. You should also consider leaving the machine's detergent drawer partly open for this same purpose.

Step 6 — Take a Look at the Waste Pipe

If the smell still remains, it may be coming from the waste pipe. This is where the washing machine drains its water. If you think there might be a blockage, try using a drain unblocker.

If the problem continues, it's best to call a local plumber for a professional opinion. Hopefully, once everything has been resolved, your washing machine should then be clean and odour-free.

Types of Washing Machine Cleaning Methods

We'll now take a closer look at the methods used to clean a washing machine. We'll discuss their pros and cons, as well as their costs.

Deep Clean

Add a few cups of white vinegar to the detergent tray or directly into the drum and run a hot cycle. You can repeat this with baking soda to remove musty smells, or use cleaning tablets that are specifically for use in washing machines.

Cleaning mould can be achieved by using a dedicated mould and mildew cleaner, following the manufacturer's guidelines for use.

Pros

• ✔ Easy.
• ✔ Low-cost.
• ✔ You can clean a washing machine with vinegar, a household item.
• ✔ Cleaning a washing machine with bicarbonate of soda.

Cons

• ✖ It may not suffice to fix the issue.
• ✖ Not as fast as some other methods.

Cleaning the Lid and Machine

You may want to wipe the lid down as well as the washing machine as a whole. This, too, would be an inexpensive job since it would require minimal materials, which you'll likely already have. This method is a fairly fast job in comparison with a deep clean.

Pros

• ✔ A quick task that doesn't take too long.

Cons

• ✖ Not always the solution needed to remove bad odours, etc.

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