Used at least once a week by most households, the washing machine is a workhorse appliance we depend on to keep everything from our delicates to our towels clean and fresh. With every load we expect this machine to reliably switch on, agitate items round and round and rapidly spin them dry, often repeatedly for several hours without giving it a second thought, and yet this machine is one of the most overlooked devices in a home when it comes to being cleaned and maintained…
Detergent and fabric softener residue, minerals from hard water and lint build up over time in the drum and rubber seals. Consistent moisture also creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mildew to grow and thrive. This can quickly lead to foul smelling odours and damage to the components meaning your reliable workhorse is no longer able to clean your clothing as it once did.
To protect your washing machine – and your clothing, bedding and towels – regular cleaning and descaling is essential!
How to Know When your Washing Machine Needs a good Wash
A good rule of thumb is to thoroughly clean and descale your washing machine every 1 – 3 months, depending on how often the machine is used. However, if you are unsure about whether your washing machine needs descaling, there are a few signs you can look out for:
- White / chalky residue inside the drum or on laundry
- Musty or sour smells coming from the machine
- Visible mold in the rubber seals
- Detergent build-up in the dispenser
- Clothes not getting fully clean even after a full wash
- Longer than normal wash cycles or heating issues
- Strange noises such as gurgling or clunking from the pump or drum
How to Properly Wash your Washing Machine
Front Loader Washing Machines
- Ensure your washing machine is empty, then remove lint and rinse the filter.
- First, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl and using a microfibre cloth, wipe the rubber folds of the door paying careful attention to the bottom area where water collects.
- Next, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and set the machine to run a full, long hot water cycle.
- Once the cycle is complete, add half a cup of bicarbonate of soda directly to the drum and run another hot water cycle.
- Using your microfiber cloth, wipe down the inside of the machine to remove any loosened limescale or residue. Then wipe down the outside of the machine.
- As a final step, run a rinse cycle on your machine to eliminate and lingering small residue particles and help eliminate the vinegar smell. Leave the door open for an hour once done.
Top Loader Washing Machines
- Ensure your washing machine is empty. Remove any collected lint from the filter and rinse it thoroughly.
- First, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl and using a microfibre cloth, wipe the rubber folds at the top of the drum. Wipe down the inside of the lid at the same time and wash the dispenser tray.
- Next, fill the machine with hot water and add 4 cups of white vinegar. Let the machine run for 5-10 minutes and then pause the cycle and allow the machine to soak for 30 to 60 minutes before completing the cycle.
- Once the wash cycle is complete, add half a cup of bicarbonate of soda to the machine and allow to run a full hot water rinse cycle.
- Thoroughly wipe down the inside of the machine with a microfibre cloth to remove any loosened residual limescale. Then wipe down the outside of the machine.
- Finally, run a second cold water rinse cycle on your machine to help remove any lingering vinegar odours. When complete, leave the lid open for an hour to allow your washing machine to dry.
Final Notes
Remember to check your specific machine manual before descaling for the first time as each machine is slightly different and some may require specific settings to be used when cleaning the machine itself.
Regular care and maintenance of your washing machine is simple and not overly time consuming and will go a long way to ensuring your machine performs well and lasts longer. Thoroughly cleaning and descaling your washing machine on a monthly basis will help ensure you get the best out of your workhorse!