Well, the washing machine is an excellent option for cleaning up your clothes and has become a boon to Indian homes. But, how about washing the machine itself? We tend to believe that since the washing machine is used for cleaning your clothes, it does clean up itself. It isn’t, however, the fact. You need to clean the washing machine be it a semi-automatic or a fully automatic, for improving its efficiency.
Contents
- 1 Why does a Washing Machine need Cleaning?
- 2 How to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar Naturally?
- 3 How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine?
- 4 How to Clean the Washing Machine Filter?
- 5 Why use Vinegar to Clean a Washing Machine?
- 6 How to Prevent the Washing Machine from Developing Odour?
- 7 Conclusion on How to Clean Washing Machine Tubs / Filters
Why does a Washing Machine need Cleaning?
Well, when your washing machine cleans your clothes, it does pick up dirt. The machine can pick up a lot of dirt and other impurities like bacteria, mildew and dirty soap from your washing. When it picks up dirt and other impurities and remains uncleaned, it can begin smelling dusty and musty. The washing machine tub and filters might accumulate a lot of dirt over a prolonged period of use.
A few washers can smell nasty just because of their design. This is more so in the case of high-efficiency washing machines as they hold water in some components. This causes the growth of mildew and mold. These can be the major reasons for the unpleasant odor and further unclean washing process.
Now that we know, cleaning a washing machine is of utmost importance, let us know a few methods of cleaning it.
How to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar Naturally?
Well, many cleaning procedures for the washing machine suggest using bleach or other cleaning agents. However, bleach can be an issue for the septic tanks. They kill the bacteria and other agents in their entirety and can be a cause for the improper functioning of the septic tank as it needs some bacteria for breaking up the matter.
That is where using the natural ingredients to clean your machine comes to the fore. It can be a safer option for your washing machine components and even the septic tank.
Here is how you can clean your washing machine with the natural ingredients –
That should do it. Your washing machine has now been cleaned naturally! This method was for both the front-loading washing machine and the top-loading washing machine.
How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine?
Cleaning a front loading washing machine can take a little extra time. While they are the best options as they tend to use less water and electricity, they are also found to be much difficult when it comes to cleaning them up.
The steps of cleaning your front loading washing machine will include the following –
How to Clean the Washing Machine Filter?
Of course, cleaning the washing machine does clan it up almost in every aspect. But, if you want your clothes to stay safer and cleaner, it is essential to clean up the filter as well.
Check your filter location by checking out the instruction manual that came with your machine. It should ideally be located at the front bottom if you have a front-loading machine and on the fabric dispenser if you have a top loader.
Once you remove the filter, make sure you clean it thoroughly. You would find a lot of items that you need to remove and clean. Some of them would include coins, pins, hair, pieces of fabric and lint. Remove all the objects carefully. Once done, place the filter under running water. If you find any debris, use a toothbrush to clean it up. You can use soapy water to remove the stubborn debris. In case the filter is too much clogged, you can soak it in warm water to clean it up.
Why use Vinegar to Clean a Washing Machine?
Like we have seen above, vinegar is one of the best options to clean up your washing machine. It is one of the powerful natural disinfectant and cleaning solutions for your washer.
In fact, you do not need to buy those expensive cleansers available in the market if you have vinegar – white vinegar to be precise at your home. Instead of that heavy dose of chemical cleaners that can have a harmful effect on your washing machine components and the clothes, the vinegar doubles up as the best option to clean your washer naturally.
How to Prevent the Washing Machine from Developing Odour?
There are several reasons your washing machine tends to develop an odor. The most common reason here is the breeding of mildew and mold.
Some of the ways that you can clean up the washing machine and prevent it from developing odor would include:
- If you have a front loader, you will find it catches the water at the gasket. It may be worthwhile to clean up the gasket after every wash. If it isn’t feasible, consider cleaning it up every month.
- Mould needs dampness to grow. Make sure your washing machine door is kept open when not in use. At least, keep it open until it gets dry after a wash.
- If your machine supports hot wash, make sue you run a hot wash once every month.
- Avoid the overuse of the detergent. Measure your detergent according to the laundry. Extra detergent can also cause a foul odor.
- In case you are using a high-efficiency washer, avoid using normal detergents with the washer. This can develop suds which in turn cause the growth of the of mildew.
- Prefer powdered detergents instead of liquid cleaners. Liquid cleaners cause a waxy build-up.
These few simple tips can keep your washing machine free from bad odor and help you maintain hygiene.
Conclusion on How to Clean Washing Machine Tubs / Filters
That was all we have with respect to the discussion on how to clean a washing machine. We assume the tips shared here should ideally meet most of your needs and would have answered almost every query you may have had.
If you have any other better methods on how to clean washing machine tubs or filters, you can write to us in the comments section below and help us update the content.
