Your washing machine may top the list of appliances that make your life easier. Washing your dirty clothes, bed sheets, towels, and blankets is virtually effortless. Like the other appliances in your home, they need to be properly maintained and taken care of if you want them to have a long lifespan. Part of maintaining appliances is cleaning them.
You may think washing machines essentially wash themselves after each cycle. However, the detergent and dirt on your clothes can create sludge, which will break down the seals and cause premature part failures.
So if you want to prolong the life of your washing machine, have cleaner clothes, and save money on repair and utility bills, follow our checklist on how to clean and sanitize your washing machine.
Eliminate Buildup and Odors With Affresh
To eliminate buildup and odors, we recommend using Affresh. As a slow-dissolving cleaning, it lasts throughout the wash cycle and breaks up the dirt better than bleach. Many major manufacturers, such as Tide, produce these types of products. If your washer has a tub clean cycle use it quarterly with the recommended cleaner.
If chemicals aren’t your ideal route, try the natural method of using distilled white vinegar. We recommend pouring 3 gallons of vinegar in the tub with hot water, letting it sit for several days, and running a cycle to thoroughly rinse the appliance.
Scrub Off Detergent
The detergent drawer gets used alot, so it’s important to never neglect this part of the washing machine. If you notice build up detergent, you’ll want to remove it and soak it in hot water and vinegar. Dried detergent can be removed with the help of a toothbrush.
Check the Rubber Seal
If you have a front-load washing machine, you’ll want to clean the mildew off the rubber seal to prevent musty odors from developing. To clean, take a damp cloth and wipe around the seal to clean off excess detergent and residue.
Bonus: Cleaning Your Dryer
You’ve just washed your washing machine, so why not clean your dryer? First, make sure to unplug the dryer and disconnect any gas supply to the appliance. Remove the discharge hose and shake it out to remove any lint and debris. You’ll also want to remove any excess lint in the lint trap with a vacuum. Lastly, wipe down the drum with a wet cloth and distilled white vinegar.
Call in the Appliance Repair Pros at iFiX, Utah
Cleaning your washer and dryer periodically can make a big difference in their lifespan, your utility bills, and the integrity of your clothes. If you want to clean your washing machine, fix a belt, or troubleshoot your washer not cleaning properly, call iFiX Appliance Repair. We provide washing machine repair services and can troubleshoot your appliance for additional concerns.
We can repair broken washing machines and identify other areas of concerns that need to be addressed.
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