The washing machine should be cleaned regularly to avoid the foul smell and building up of mold and mildew. By ensuring some simple tips a huge difference can be made on the working of the machine and increase the life span. It is a major investment and would for its proper working it should be kept in good shape.
So, when you feel the odor or if the clothes are not getting clean, it may be time to give your washer cleaning. Listed here are some simple tips to keep the laundry activity stress free –
Inspect the hoses
Inspect the hoses and make sure that there are no bulges, crack, or if the fittings are tight. This should be done regularly.
Never overload it
Overloading the washer will result in damage to the machine. Instead, break up the loads into smaller units so that it is easy to wash.
Use the right amount of detergent
More often, too much detergent will leave residue in the machine and is hard on the washer. The residues become sticky over time and start to smell bad. Using pods could make it easy. If using liquid detergent, ensure to measure according to the manufacturer direction mentioned in the bottle. Or ensure to wipe the residue with mild dishwashing cleaner.
Clean the interior and dispensers
Wash the machine regularly to keep it clean and smells fresh. This can be done by running an empty load of hot water with two cups of white vinegar. Then, in the middle of the wash cycle, add half a cup of detergent and let the cycle complete. This makes sure that the washer is completely cleaned.
Wipe down the drum, door, and gasket
This should be done at least once every month to ensure that the washer does not give off odors that might even get into the clothes. Use equal parts of water and vinegar to clean the gasket and remove odor.
The rubber gasket wraps the edges of the washer and dryer and protects the clothes from getting damaged. Be it the front load or the top load machine, the micro dust particles will enter it every time the door is opened. These dust particles will gather on the edge and sides of the gasket.
Leave the door ajar after a load.
By leaving the door open after a load will help in avoid that the dirty smell when you open the closed door of the machine.
Transfer clean laundry to the dryer as soon as it is done
Make sure that the wet clothes are removed from the laundry and transferred to the dryer to avoid letting mold and mildew to develop in the machine.
Protect the finish
Clean the top and sides of the machine with a glass cleaner. This will help in not damaging the finish. Keep the machine covered when not in use and do not put any heavy materials on the top of the machine. This will prevent scratches on the machine.